The Situation: Saturday morning a friend of my wife’s calls, she has been trying to gether kids and our kids together for weeks but activities have alwayspostponed. She asks to take the kids forthe day and a sleepover.
The Mission should I choose to accept it: 5 Daysfrom Valentines Day and with no prior planning pull off a wonderful, romanticdate for my wife.
Normally being totally romantic and spontaneous is not easyfor us guys as it is just not in our genes, however, living in Italy aids mequest and makes it much easier for even the most Neanderthal of men.
First I took my wife to Verona,a short trip form our house, for the Verona in Lovefestival. This is an annual festivalthat highlights the fictional Shakespeare love story of Romeo and Juliet. Although the lovers never actually existed,there is a famed balcony and Juliet statue that tourists and Italians frequentfor the sole purpose of touching the Juliet Statues breast for good luck and ahealthy love life. We also walked on thefictional balcony where Juliet stood while Romeo professed his love toher. I know guys, it’s a little corny,but humor me here.
The next stop was a little Cafe on a side street in Verona, caffè doppio forme and
cappuccino for the misses. Somethingabout an outdoor Italian café has a romanticism of its own. The cobblestone streets, the small intimatetables with umbrellas and the smells and charm of Italy all around you.
Last stop was a resturante we’ve been trying to get into formonths, Aeolia. This is a favorite in our areaof Italy and the tradition and history dates back centuries. Galileo and architect Andrea Palladio bothwrote of its charm and early “air conditioning.”
The staff was friendly and helpful and the meal was topnotch. We both had three courses andshared an excellent Merlot from the Colli Berici area.We finished it off with a chocolate desertand coffee. The owner than took us on atour of the wine cellar and showed us his famed Frescos done sometime duringthe Renaissance. An absolute wonderfulexperience.
Altogether the evening was a huge success and the Legacy Dadgave his beauty a
night to truly remember and memories that will lastforever. After being married for almost10 years now and with our hurried lives, we sometimes forget to take time forone another to strengthen our marriage and truly show our spouses we stillcare. It doesn’t take being in Italy to createone of these moments, just a little amore’ and creativity.
Happy Valentines Day.