Reviews from

A Night to Remember

Verona , Italy

6 total reviews 
Comment from C2
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A nice melancholy story meant to encourage us to enjoy every concert, every performance, every special moment. The number we are granted are unknown but certainly finite--and never repeated!

Verona is a beautiful city as is Stresa where I was once--in a twist of circumstance still unclear to me--upgraded to the Hemingway Suite at the Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromee. It's balcony opened over the porte cochere and offered a fabulous view of Lake Maggiorre and the small island castle across the road.

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 04-Jun-2022
    Yessssss finally someone that has visited Stresa !

    From Stresa one gets to see only Island Bella and the Borromeo Palace.

    Our villa was facing the islands next door to Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta.

    I love Fisherman s Island , it s very picturesque and the tiny island ( Lovers Island) in between the first two .

    Were you there in Spring to see all the trees along the lake side in blossom?

    Or for the musical week in September ?

    After 20 years, in 1992 we moved on to mount Mottarone , at 700m ( Gignese).

    You may have used the cable car to visit the umbrella museum and the botanical gardens, breath taking view from there.

    Of course the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto are more impressive with ponds and buildings etc

    Did you hear about the tragedy last May 2021 when a cable car fell ( due to negligence) and 14 people were killed.( sigh)

    Did you visit Lago D Orta and the monastery?

    Locarno just over the border in Switzerland is lovely too, I just hate the narrow winding road.

    Sorry for so many questions? ( biggrin)

reply by C2 on 06-Jun-2022
    Unfortunately, I was only there two nights and one day. My wife and I were on a food and wine tour hosted by a friend whose gourmet market in Dallas imported goods from the area. We enjoyed touring the castle on the small island across the hotel whose gardens and white peacocks were more impressive than the castle itself. We left for Turin early the next day.
Comment from Pangalactic
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi tempeste:)
This sounds like it was a magical night to remember. As a Canadian, I'm envious of the European people's proximity to ancient architecture.
Sitting down in the evening amongst stones chiseled by tradespeople of old to watch a gifted artist would be moving in sure, and with your dad too.

Really enjoyed reminiscing this night with you.

 Comment Written 03-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 04-Jun-2022
    Ciao Trask!

    Nice to hear from you. I have been checking your page but it?s been awhile since you posted last.

    Hope all is well?

    Thanks for the extra star. I appreciate the support ?

    In all honesty, the narrative is somewhat soulless so I thought to use the surprise element to my advantage. A way to keep the reader s interest.

    In the opening paragraph I only said we had tickets ..

    in the middle of the essay I mentioned that in the Arena concert, theatre, opera and other events are played.

    Only towards the end did I reveal Nureyev s name.
    ( biggrin)

    The Arena is amazing and is the perfect setting for entertainment/arts.

    I hope to see you back posting soon.

    Keep safe !

Comment from judiverse
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a delightful account of your trip to the Arena. Getting to see Nureyev. Wish I had had the privilege. Thank goodness, they seem to have a handle on AIDS now. With the medications available, you hardly ever hear of someone dying from it. In those days, there were celebrities dying of the disease. You include such interesting details, including the sights you saw and what you wore. Best of luck in the contest. judi

 Comment Written 02-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 03-Jun-2022
    There are now meds that slow down the sickness. I remember Rock Hudson s death, the first famous film star victim of AIDS. I had no clue he was even gay.

    I tried to do my best .. my story lacks soul but I wanted to share my memory of that wondrous night.

    Take care!
reply by judiverse on 03-Jun-2022
    I thought you did a great job with your story. You were so lucky to get to see Nureyev. It was certainly a night to remember. There's a pro basketball star, Magic Johnson, who was diagnosed with AIDS many years ago, and he's still going. judi
Comment from JoannaN
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is well-written. It is an art to write about simple things( like family outing) in a way that makes them fascinating. Watching Nureyev must have been amazing.

 Comment Written 02-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 03-Jun-2022
    It was .. the Arena, the starry night, Nureyev, the live orchestra, being with my father .. it is one of the few happy memories I have.

    It was a true stroke of luck.

    That same friend died 10 years later of a brain tumour. ( sigh)
Comment from Sugarray77
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hello Franca. I enjoyed reading your enchanting story about Nureyev. You did a wonderful job setting the stage and propelling the plot on to a lovely ending. Well done and good luck.

Melissa

 Comment Written 02-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 03-Jun-2022
    Ciao Sugarray!

    Writing is not my strong point so I thought to use the surprise element to keep readers interested despite my story lacked soul.

    It s sad that such talented artists died due to AIDS. ( sigh) I always get emotional on Freddie s anniversary in November.

    Thank you for reviewing my story.

    I miss your poetry , I hope all is well.

Comment from Rebel Jim
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

My compliments to your piece!
You would be an excellent tour guide.
You make me want to come and visit Italy
I'm sorry about the ending of those folks,
they were GREAT entertainers....
I don't see any faults with your story, it sounds beautiful.
Ciao













 Comment Written 02-Jun-2022


reply by the author on 03-Jun-2022
    Ciao Rebel!

    You are spoiling me again .. thank you for the extra star!

    Have you never been to Italy?

    I m glad you enjoyed the read.. writing is not my thing ( it lacks soul but I m working on it) so I decided to use the surprise element.. I don t think anyone was expecting Nureyev. ( wink)

    Great night , one of the few happy memories I have with my father.

    I m a huge fan of Freddie , I always get upset on his anniversary ( sigh)