European Vacation II . V, XXX PTRINT

Hello everyone,

   I have been leafing through the pages of my old diary, in order to remember my second European trip After all many years past by since I was the young woman, who disembarked from the Queen Mary in England's South Independent and more sophisticated... I traveled through Europe, continued to the U.S      where I was studied at the university of Texas and  on the afternoon, was teaching Hebrew and Jewish Studies in a Hebrew School... During vacations', I was traveling on a Greyhound Bus, all over the USA Needless to say, that I gained full command of the English language and completed two years of college  at the University of Texas.  In the afternoon I taught Hebrew and Jewish History at a Temple School and was able to cover my expenses and even save some money, after working during summer vacation, as a  'Unite Leader' at Camp Young Judea". Since I was also giving  privet Hebrew lessons, I was able to save enough money, to visit my family and friends in Israel, during Summer vacation (with a stop in Europe)

London, England

"Dear Anne 

   I stepped off the train in London, umbrella in hand, walking outside the Terminal and was extremely disappointed: "It Was Not Raining!  The sky was blue and the sun was shining bright... For a moment        I was wondering if I made a mistake and instead of taking the train to London, I took one to Rome...        In the books and the movies, London was supposed to have Gray clouds and a constant 'Poring rain'     and the streets crowded with people, holding black Umbrellas above their heads... When I expressed     my disappointment to the owner of the small Bed and Breakfast hotel, where I was staying, she put her finger on her lips and said:"Hush Lassie, let's count our blessings, the rain will come back soon enough  Don't worry dear, I promise you will see plenty of it, so let's enjoy the sun..."

London Taxis

London's Umbrellas

  How lovely this city is! I find my way by looking at a small map, then walk for a while, before taking a bus   get to the London Underground, in order to arrive to   my destination. At times I splurge and take one of the Taxis, which looks like those I have seen in the black   and white movies, about the second World War... So     far I visited the National Gallery, the British Museum and went to see Hyde Park,Trafalgar Square the famous 'London Bridge' and the 'Tower of London',  the place where Henry the VIII, executed his many wives...

Big Ben and me

The British Museum

   Covent Gardens seemed exactly as I remembered from the movie My Fair Lady... I was excited to visit the "House of Parliament" and became nostalgic, when I heard 'Big Ben' chiming the same melody which our 'Grandfather clock' did which I heard my entire life at my parents Home... I enjoyed every moment, in spite of the blister on my left foot,which was the result of running around London, wearing 'High heels'...

The Tower of London

Westminster Abbey

    I have always believed that when visiting a new country, the most impotent thing, is getting to know get    to know the People... One of them is my sweet landlady  who helped me "Nurse my blisters", by soaking my foot  in warm water... Every Afternoon, we would have our TEA, served in delicate antique china set, which used to be her grandmother's...The tea is served with delicious pastries, named Scones and Crumpets, covered with butter and dripping with home made Raspberry Jam... I named the pastries "Stones and Trumpets", which made my landlady roar with laughter.... After saying that I fear I have gained several "'stones" (pounds) of my own because of these daily Tea parties, my land lady laughed and assured me that I have nothing to worry about, since I have a "Lovely Figure!"..."You don't want to look like our model Twiggy, who looks like a 'Broom stick', do you Lassie?" She asked. "No!" I said and helped myself to another "Trumpet"... The British are so polite! When I stop people on the street to ask for directions, they patiently direct me   to my destination and then say:"Thank you"... At one point, when I asked a good looking police officer how to get to Buckingham Palace, he smiled, gave me directions, thanked me, with his charming British accent and said: "Are you invited there for Tea?" "I wish!" I answered smiling and was rewarded with a great laugh... 
Yours, Shira"

Holland
"Dear Anne
  I started my second tour of Europe, holding a book called 'See Europe in five dollars a day', as well      as  the 'Eurail Pass', which is a Train ticket, similar to the Greyhound bus tour, Tsipi and I took before in the U.S.A...This pass enables 'poor students' like me, to travel all over Europe by train, up to three months  for a minimal fee, as long as we don't visit the same country more the once... (Kind of strange isn't it?)

Holland's windmills
and tulips

   How lovely Holland is, with its colorful tulips, picturesque Windmills and bridges on which lovers lean on... The Tourist Agency at the train station, was filled up with many travelers like me, who lived on a small budget... Since it ran out of affordable hotels, I was offered a room in a private home, suitable for students pocket... I was delighted! "It would be so much fun, to stay at the home of a local Dutch family and experience living in this country, the way the residents did, what great way to do so!

  Charles, a twenty-five years old psychology graduate, from Mississippi, with a short, black goatee, took  a room in the same house... He rescued me, from the 'hot pursuit' of an Arab student from Syria, who was refusing to leave me alone, even after I told him that I am a Sargent in the Israeli army , making me his enemy... Charles and I took a streetcar to the apartment of a widowed, middle aged Dutch woman, whose Jewish husband, was a concentration camp survivor and passed away, two years earlier... We spent two days getting to know some parts of this beautiful city, taking bus tours, sample food in local restaurants went dancing and Charles (not me) was falling in love.... "Please come with me to Paris!" He urged me  but I didn't care for him that much, besides I have seen Paris before and there were so many more cities  to discover in Europe and such a short time to do so!

By the Canal
in Amsterdam

   The day after Charles left, I took a tour on one of the canals,where I met two American    guys; Richard and Josh... Both showered me with attention and seemed to compete with one another, who would please me more!  We shared a similar sense of humor (light and  a bit cynical)... Like me, they loved to laugh and after several hours on the boat, the three of us became close friends! We were walking together on the sidewalks, with me in the middle and our hands wrapped around each other's waist...I waned to see the 'Red-Light District', but they insisted it was not a place for me! We were sitting at small sidewalk Cafes, looking at the people, who walked by and were trying to guess their Nationality and Occupation... After a while we resumed walking, singing and giggling... People turned their heads to look at the happy 'Threesome', who seemed to be 'Drunk on Life'. Some would turn their heads to look at us again, probably wondering about the connection between us..."Were we friends  family or maybe some kind of a strange small romance for three?"... I don't think we knew what it was either, nor did we really care... My two 'Knights', told me they were leaving for Spain the following day    in a rented car and begged me to join them, but I declined... "Sorry, but I have already made plans to     see Brussels and Rome... They tried to convince me to change my plans, but although I was tempted      my Intuition told me it may lead to 'Complications'... It would be best to save this 'Beautiful Encounter'    in my Memory Bank just as it was: Unusual, Sweet, Pure and Full with Joy, Laughter and 'Innocent      Love,  Just like it used to be when we were in Kindergarten, so many years ago...

   The day after they left, I took a bus tour, from Amsterdam to the countryside. At one of the stops I began a conversation with three American officers, stationed in Germany: Terry, Jerry and John. When we got back on the bus, John sat next to me... We didn't talk much, he was a bit shy and I liked it...The two of us were looking through the window at the 'Moving Tapestry' of colorful Tulips and Windmills.John was tall and handsome, his blond crew cut was shining in the sun, like a golden field of wheat, which was just harvested... I had a strange urge to move my fingers through his hair, but wouldn't dare doing so...

John and I

  John did not try to impress me, nor did he put his arm around me on the bus, or later as we were walking... He was very gentle, sweet and attentive; so different from some of the aggressive"Pawing" men, I have met on my trips... We spent three beautiful days together In one of the Nightclubs, where we danced; the band was teasing us by playing "Love is   a many splendor things'."If they only knew we have just met the day before"I whispered  in John's ear...The people at the club were looking at us with tender smiles.. We must have made a lovely picture: 'John's hair was short and very light  and mine dark, reaching my shoulders... The two of us were tall, good looking and seemed to be madly in love; which in a crazy way, we were...I put my head on his shoulder, feeling the softness of his maroon sweater on my cheek while he rested his chin on my hair... 'If only this never ends, if we could just stay like this, Frozen In Time, with out a future or any expectations from one another..." I was wondering: was he?

Anne Frank's house

  The next day we went to visit Anne Frank's House, the home of my"dear old      friend" I have been writing to in my diary, for so many years.. Can you  see  from wherever you are, the long line of people, who came from all  over the world, who read your diary and come to see the place, where you hid were  hiding during the war? I wish you could see all these people, standing in the long line, waiting to get into the Home they know so well, after reading your dairy... I believe that not even one of them, has the special bond, you and I      were sharing for so many years... It was time to take the train to Belgium     John asked if he could join me but I refused... Unlike Charles, he didn't push and I loved him for that        I felt that the beauty of what we created, was in the moments we spent together... Why should we risk ruining it? John came with me to the train station and before I was boarding, he carefully brushed a      aside a strand of hair, which covered my eye, then kissed my forehead : "You are so beautiful" He whispered,"I'll miss you a lot!" and his gentleness made me feel like crying...
Yours, Shira"

Rome, Italy
"Dear Anne

Carla and me

   On the train to Rome I set across a vivacious Italian woman, named Augusta and her twenty years old niece Carla. Their English was limited, but somehow, we were able to converse...They laughed uproariously when I told Augusta she reminds me of Anna Maniani, the famous Italian movie star. "Every one say like this!"Augusta told me in her broken English."Now you talk who Carla look? Maybe Sofia Loren?" "No" I answered, "Sofia Loren is big, Carla is very little, she looks more like Gina Lollobrigida"! "You know names the actors Italiano? I know all actors Americanos! You Chira look same sister with Eva Gardner!"(I wish!) We became fast friends and they insisted I share the lunch they brought with them on the train...

Anna Maniani	Sophia Loren	Gina Lollobrigida	Ava Gardner

  Before we got off the train, I gave them the name of my hotel and the very same evening, they came        to take me to their apartment for dinner... There I met several young men and women, who were invited    to come and meet me... I was received by everyone as if I was a long lost relative! My new friends took   me to see several 'places of interest' in the city; among them one of the most fashionable streets: The    Via Veneto, the Coliseum, the Spanish Steps and many other well known Tourist Attractions...

  

The Spanish Steps

The Colosseum

  I made my new friends promise, to come to Israel  so I could reciprocate their generous and lovely hospitality! After three days in Rome, they insisted on coming with me to the 'Stazione Di Treni', where I would take the train for Naples... We parted with kisses, hugs, tears and promises to visit each other                             
                                              

"Dear Anne,
    A young man wearing a suit, was sitting by himself , when I entered one of the small compartments of First Class. (I decided to splurge and sit in one, before my trip came to an end) 'Prego! Prego!' He said when I asked his permission to sit across from him. He lifted my heavy suitcase and placed it on the rack above my seat.  His name was Paulo, a lawyer traveling from Rome to Naples on business. His English was perfect, since he studied International Law in England. He Paulo invited me to dine with him at the train's restaurant, ordering a bottle of Italian wine, to have with our pasta. I told him I was not used to alcohol not even to wine, but he convinced me to try, promising the wine he ordered is very mild. After several sips I started to feel a bit intoxicated... On the way back to our cabin, I had to hold on to the  Handrails of the narrow corridor, to prevent myself from falling... "I think I am drunk," I said, trying      to  adjust myself to the movements of the train. Paulo couldn't stop laughed."But this wine is like water Chira! XYou didn't even have one full cup!" We were talking and laughing during the time it took us to   get to Naples. When we arrived to the outskirts of the city, Paulo became very serious. He stood up, put on his jacket, cleared his throat and said: "I never felt this way before Chira!  I think you are the most beautiful, interesting, intelligent and fascinating woman I have ever met! Will you marry me, my angel from the Holy Land?"  To my surprise, he seemed genuinely offended when I started to laugh... "You are    kidding aren't you?" I said and to my astonishment , I saw tears coming to his eyes."I am not kidding! I fell in love with you right away, when I met you! don't you believe me? I know it is too fast, but you are leaving to go back to Israel, I don't want to loos you! Please say yes, I promise to make you very happy!"   I honestly don't know if this was the wine, a typical Italian Melodrama or he really meant it...

Yours, Shira"

Naples and Brindisi, Italy

 "Dear Anne,

Naples

There is a saying: "See Naples and Die!" I read somewhere that it was a warning

for travelers, regarding a deadly Cholera epidemic in Naples in 1880's... Personally I believe that what it realy means:"You should see Naples Before you die!" Since it's beauty takes people breath away! I had incredible three days in this beautiful city meeting lovely people, touring, dining in local restaurant and going to dance the 'Twist' with these 'New Friends',  from one nightclub to another...On the fourth day   I left for the port of Brindisi, to board the Greek ship which would take me back home to Israel...  I was standing on the deck, waving goodbye to the new friends       I met in Naples, who insisted on driving me to the ship... We were all wiping our tears at the same time... As the ship began to move from the port to the open sea ,I was wondering if I will soon get married, like the rest of my friends, have kids and will never travel by myself again ..."At least I was able to see 'some of the world' and had lot's of fun before settling down""  I tried to comfort myself 

Port of Brindisi

   Is coming back to Israel would make a stop to my need to wander in foreign cities, listen to sounds of  strange languages and ethnic melodies, enjoy the new flavor of unfamiliar food and smell the unique aroma, which each new country seemed to have? Is it all over now? What about Spain  Scandinavia and Russia What about Africa? the Far East and China? Would I never be able to see the Cherry Blossoms and the Pagodas of Japan? How about  or Hawaii, Australia an Zealand, Brazil, India, Argentina and the Amazon river? There is so much more I would like to see...Is coming back to Israel the end of my traveling?Am   I going to get married and have babies, just like everyone else? Would this trip the last, one before I settle down, get married and have kids, like all my friends? Would it finally satisfy my thirst and desire to see the world ? Only the future could tell...

Yours, Shira"

On the way to Israel
"Dear Anne,

The Parthenon

   I am sharing a cabin, with an Israeli young woman about my age. Yesterday we stopped in Athens and I was able to visit the Parthenon! I am reflecting on this last European trip and remember how I enjoyed every minute of it, especially the short and unfinished  Romances... I think about the 'strangers' I met on the River Cruises and the people in London, Brussels, Rome and Naples... All the men and women who were complete strangers, whom I learned to care for and love, in such a short time... The intimacy and especially the pain of separation, were so intense and surreal, it was almost out of this world!  and maybe it was... How do I love all those innocent and short "Love affairs" which have no Past and no Future; just the pure moment of the Present, the Now! Yours, Shira"

Los Angeles, CA, USA
2017
  How could I have known then, that throughout the years, I would visit again, with my American husband Al, most of the places I feared I will never see: Ireland, Scotland and the Scandinavian countries, Russia, Mexico, South America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, in addition to a few countries in the Far East... As I am reading now (so many years later) the faded wards in my old diary, l can see all of this through the lenses of my new Spiritual Understanding and knowledge, that the"Strangers" I met were   not strangers at all... I believe that we are learning to loved and recognized each other, because we shared our past lives together! It could explain the magical sensation, intense moments and pure love, we felt when we met each other, as well as the pain of saying good-by...Maybe there is more than a grain of truth the encounter felt as if they were "Out of this world". Because they probably were...

With Love and Light,
Shira