Of Meals and Music

This evening we met with our Tour Group for the Globus Tour. Our first event was a four course Italian meal at a local restaurant, complete with wine and some musicians. The meal was great but way too much food, by the time we got to our main course I was so full I couldn't finish half of it (even though it was delicious). So far we have had nothing but good food over here, even last night after the opera Beth and I had some toasted sandwiches at the hotel restaurant, and they sure hit the spot. We've had some lovely wines as well, but that shouldn't be too surprising given the country we're in.

At the meal there was an accordion player (Dad you would have loved that) who played all kinds of music including Lara's Theme (Mom you would have loved that). Along with him was a soprano who sang on half the songs. During our Tour Group introductions I mentioned that Beth and I were beginning a 6 week vacation in Europe to celebrate our 25th anniversary - that generated a round of applause from the group, and then a chant of "kiss, kiss, kiss" went up, so slightly embarrassed we obliged them. Later during the supper the musicians came over to play and sing Schubert's Ave Maria for us and the restaurant staff brought us a special dessert for us with a candle in it. Then I had to stick a rose between my teeth and kiss Beth while the waiter took our picture (you embarassed yet kids?)... that was a memorable meal for many reasons.

Besides the opera the other music we have heard so far has been from various street musicians heard while wandering Rome and Milan. Today we heard a jazz sax player and a classical duet consisting of violin and accordion - both acts on the streets of Milan, both really good at what they did. The sound of the lone saxophone echoing through the steets around the Duomo was almost surreal, especially because it took some time locating the source of this music. I look forward to hearing much more good and interesting music as we make our way through Europe.

Tomorrow is an early start so we can get in to see some of the sites of the Vatican. Our hotel is literally right down the street from Saint Peter's Basilica, only a few blocks away. The tour guide seems quite knowledgeable, and already simply from driving over to the restaurant and back I have learned many new things about Rome. I'm looking forward to tomorrow.