AMARE al FONTANA di TREVI Tina Marie Burns (Love at the Trevi Fountain) Turner Maxwell Books Free Publishing Free Books Free Literature Free Writers Turner Maxwell Books are an independent co-operative of new writers, committed to publishing inspirational literature. Turner Maxwell Books has over one hundred writers, producing original stories not seen in any other bookshop, Turner Maxwell Books has established itself as a successful and viable publisher. This achievement lies in its innovative and daring approach to establish a shorter supply chain that is simply focused on the requirements of the reader.

AMARE al FONTANA di TREVI

(Love at the Trevi Fountain)

Tina Marie Burns

An extract

    Thinking back I can remember the excitement I felt as the date of one of the most romantic trips of a life time grew nearer. It was to be a 17 day trip that would take us to some of the most romantic spots Italy has to offer, such as Milan, Assisi, Florence, Venice, and most notably Rome itself where the great Fontana di Trevi stands in all of its splendor. Thoughts of the Trevi Fountain still bring smiles to my face as I remember the two of us tossing the third coin into the glimmering magical waters of the Fontana.
    Best of all, the trip I was set to embark on was with the one person I had often fantasized about going with. The one person I knew who would truly appreciate the magnificent architecture and all of the ethnic nuances and grand history Italy has to offer. Most exciting of all, I would be sharing the wonderful experience to come with someone whom for years I was proud to call my friend. You know the kind of friend that I am talking about. The one that always picks up the phone when you call, always listens to your repetitive life stories, loves to laugh with you, but is also there when you need a shoulder to cry on, the one that you trust completely with your deepest secrets and most vulnerable emotions—that one friend that you often shake your head in wonder as to why you are not romantically involved with them. For they just seem so perfect, so comfortable, so real, so right for you with the exception of them being just that, your friend. That friend, that is the person who was accompanying me on my European adventure, and I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else beside me.
    Yeah, the day had finally come our flight was scheduled to leave at 930am, and all our bags were packed as we waited for the car to pick us up to take us to the airport. The morning unraveled like clockwork, our flight was on time and we boarded with smiles on our faces over the anticipated voyage that awaited us. I remember the thrilling feeling we both had as we sat in our first class seats staring out the window as the earth became smaller and smaller. It was real; it was really happening we were going to a place we both had often dreamed of together. We spent the beginning hours of our trip talking and browsing through the many brochures we had collected through the years, as we sipped our wine and acted like giddy schoolgirls about to go out on our first dates. Soon though after the initial excitement wore off and the wine began to take hold we both slipped into a slumber. Before we knew it we awoke to the sound of the pilots’ voice telling us that we needed to fasten our seat belts and raise our tray tables in preparation for our decent. Quickly we woke and again our enthusiasm began to overtake us. Both of us began to squirm and wiggle with elation. We just looked at each other and immediately knew what the other was thinking by the grins we had showing ear to ear...we did it, we finally made it after all of these years of dreaming and wishing...we made it!
    Soon after we landed and stepped off the plane we stood with the many others that had been on the flight as we waited patiently for our luggage to find us as it journeyed on the black revolving belt. Yes, it made it; we retrieved our luggage from the belt as a bit of relief filtered through our bodies. It seems now a days it is always a fifty-fifty chance whether or not your luggage will make it to the same destination as you.
    As we looked into each others eyes, while waiting for the taxi that would ultimately take us to our first destination of Milan, a sense of calm came over us with no words spoken we both just knew we were supposed to be there at that moment in time with each other. The taxi soon rolled up as the driver loaded our luggage into the truck he asked us where we were going. Simultaneously, we both spouted “Viva Milan, off to the new Bvlgari Hotel, please.” The driver looked with wonder, as he began to proceed to the hotel. Upon arriving at The Bvlgari we were stunned, it was absolutely breathtaking. The Bvlgari was exceptional with a cosmopolitan feel. It was formerly a 19th century convent, which was recently restored by one of the most famous Italian architects, Antonio Citterio. It had 52-rooms with 6 executive suites and a quaint café and restaurant. There was also a sprawling garden which offered a flavor of Rome. Best of all, the hotel boasted a world renowned Spa with all kinds of outrageous European treatments. A Spa we would later enjoy after a long exhausting day of shopping. One thing I can say about my dearest friend is that she certainly did love to shop and she did it with great enthusiasm and vigor. And from the looks of things so far she was certainly in the right place to find all of her hearts desires!

Published by Turner Maxwell Books

Copyright © Tina Marie Burns2009

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