A Month by the Lake

[chanaud]

OOC: A History of Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy started as a glacier before the last ice age. When the glacier melted, the basin beneath the Grigna Mountains was filled with crystal clear water. Now, it is known as one of the world’s most beautiful bodies of water.

The lake is over a hundred miles wide and is shaped like an upside down ‘Y’. The southeast branch of the ‘Y’ holds a town called Como and is famous for providing a home and setting for the influential Italian author, Alesandro Manzoni for his famous historical novel, I Promessi Sposi also known as, The Betrothed. Many have said the northern section is the most stunning. The City of Bellagio is located at the intersection of the ‘Y’ and is filled with villas with mist covered mountain scenery. Like Como did for Manzoni, Bellagio provided inspiration for Leonardo Da Vinci, Franz Liszt and poets Maggi and Carlo Porta.

http://www.lakeofcomo.com/images/moltra~7.jpg



I, Chanaud, have never visited Lake Como nor know where I’m going with this thread. I do plan to visit before I’m too old to climb the Gringa Mountains. For now, I am fulfilling my fantasy by inviting all to join me to Spend a Month by the Lake.

 

[chanaud]

Lily Taylor

Dammit! I can’t believe I got sacked.

The salty tears filled my eyes as I blindly stepped out of the elevator and headed towards my reserved parking space. This hurt. I’ve never been fired in my life let alone been reprimanded for any wrongdoing. But, someone had to take the fall for losing the firm’s most influential client. They couldn’t well fire the partner, could they? Of course not! I, Lily Taylor, was the next person to touch the client’s files, so I, Lily Taylor took the fall.

Hours later, after polishing off two pints of Ben n’ Jerry’s Cherry Garcia, my eyes finally dried. With somewhat of a coherent mind, I started contemplating where my future holds. Being single and always one to live frugally, I hold a healthy bank balance. By all means, I can’t retire, but at least I can choose my own destination.

I sat in front of the computer to start my resume. Feeling weary and tired, my mind started wandering. Soon, I found myself perusing the Internet for vacation packages. I tried to remember the last vacation I took without interruptions from my employer. None. Dammit them! Anger set in again. Years of sacrifices were vivid in my head.


With a click of the mouse, a picture of the bluest blue lake appeared on my monitor.

Internet Special

Come spend a month by the world’s most magnificent body of water, Lake Como.

Click here for special off-season discount.


That I did. It led me to an email address.


Dear Sir,

I am inquiring on the advertised special for a month’s stay at your resort, Villa Monastero.

Please send all information including rates, availability and points of interest.

Thank you,
Lily Taylor



After clicking the send button, I received a sent mail confirmation

 

[Blarneystoned]

Picking Coffe Beans in the Mountains near Lake Como

Smack ! Ya Gonzalles...get along you stupid mule!

Cheech Muchowavos was a peasant farmer in the village behind El Grande Resorte' where rich tourist from the cities of North America came for cheap thrills and wondrous living on the backs of the poor coffee bean farmers. Cheech had been a coffee bean farmer all his life, sometimes he supplemented his income with cocoa plants that he sold to El Senior to make the wacky powder that he sold to tourists in th Casino.

Cheech was poor, but proud and played guitar and salsa music for the lovely siniaritas and occasionally stupid Greengos that mad it to his village. His mule had a full load and he was on his way home to his humble home for some tortillas and goat meat.

He saw a flyer attatched to the tree anouncing soon there would be tourists coming at El Resorte'. He laughed and said "Greengos, carry lots of pesos, maybe one day I can by another mule and become the richest man in my village !"

 

[Turk-Rakker]

Dear Miss Taylor, attatched you will find our new brochure describing the many features and amenities of the Villa Monestaro.
Whether you choose one of the sumptuous rooms in the villa itself or one of the modern bungalows by the Lake, you will find yourself in the lap of luxury, waited on by our experienced staff whose one goal is to make your stay with us unforgetable!
As to your query regarding attire, that should not be an issue at all. The Villa is MOST informal.

Please fill out the form included at the end of this message and return it as soon as possible. Our High Season is at hand and rooms are booking fast.

We look forward to seeing you.

Ferrucio Luciano...owner and manager.

 

[ariosto]

The train from Milan to Como had been crowded with vacationers and tourists. Mosstly young Italians in singles and couples heading up for a weekend to bask in the sun and play in the blue waters of the lake. It was the first of June and the 'rites of spring' were in full bloom.

David Moore was on vacation as well but in his case it was a working one.
In two weeks he would start the session of the University of Georgia's Summer art program in Cortona as the painting instructor.
This would be his third year and he was no stranger to Italy.
But the Italian Alps and the famous lake were quite new to him. Then he'd read about the Villa Monastero in a Roman newspaper three days ago. The thought of staying at such a unique place on Lake Como seemed just the thing to idle away the days before work began in Cortona.

The train station at Como was alive with comings and goings. Wonderful colors, pungent smells, loud happy people. David loved Italy and the Italians. After picking up his luggage he walked out into the light of day and pushed through the crowds on the street to find a cab.
"Buono giorno. Devo andare alla villa Monastero. che cosa e prego il costo?"

He was throwing his bags in the backseat when he felt a hand on his soulder and turning he found himself looking into the very attractive face of a young woman he'd noticed when they boarded the train in Milano.
"Why hello."
David smiled, wondering what bit of luck had brought her to him.

"My name's Claudia," she said in a honied voice that he recognized as coming from Dixie. His smile broadened...something they had in common.
"I heard you mention the Villa Monastero to the driver....I ahhh don't have much Italian and was woindering if I could ride with you. I'm staying there for a week."

She was tall and warm and very sexy...
"DEEELIGHTED! Please, where's your luggage, let's toss it in and be on our way!"

 

[along came mary]

Claudia Lopresti

It was fast approaching dusk as Claudia strolled out the train station. The air was warm and heady, heavy with the scent of an approaching storm, yet there was only a ghost of a gray cloud marring the horizon. She felt a childish delight as she stepped out into the milling throng of people. She still couldn’t believe she was here! It had been a fantasy of hers to visit Italy since she was a child. Her grandmother’s stirring tales had inspired many a dream and instilled a longing in her that she was low to deny. And now finally, as a thirtieth birthday present to herself, here she was among her grandmother’s proud and plentiful people. She paused in a vain attempt to still her enthusiasm; her cheeks literally ached from smiling so much. She was thrilled to be here and not afraid in the least to show it. A little bit of caution would not have been uncalled for though, seeing as how she was in a completely foreign country and couldn’t speak so more as a word or two of the language.

"Buono giorno. Devo andare alla villa Monastero. che cosa e prego il costo?"

Villa Monastero! Eavesdropping wasn’t really a habit of hers, but the name caught her attention and held it. Her head whipped around causing a torrent of wavy black hair to fall forward over her shoulder and face. She flicked it behind her ear impatiently and reminded herself for the millionth time in the space of two days that she really needed to get a trim.

She recognized the man hailing the cab from the train. They hadn’t really spoken aboard, but far be it from her to not take note of an attractive man. She hurried over impulsively placing her hand upon his shoulder.

“Pardon me.”

He turned with a pleasant easy smile stretching his lips, mirrored in his eyes even. A very good sign!

“Hello! My name is Claudia. Pardon my eavesdropping, but I overheard you mention the Villa Monastero to the driver. I, ahhh, don't know much Italian and was wondering if I could share a ride with you. I'm staying there for a week."

Perhaps it was the pleading looking in her warm brown eyes, or maybe it was the beguiling way she worried her full lower lip as she awaited his response, but he agreed!

He was to quote “DEEELIGHTED!” even! A blazing smile bloomed on her face, the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding loosed in a relieved sigh.

“Oh thank you so very much! My luggage is right here. Just these two bags.” She handed said bags to him as he proceeded to toss them atop his own. She slid in next to him, folding her 5’8” frame into the now, rather cramped quarters of the taxi. “I really do appreciate this…” Her eyes widened in surprise, “I am so sorry! I just realized I don’t even know your name!” She laughed softly, her head tilted in his direction. “I’m Claudia Lopresti hailing from the great state of Tennessee. Here on my very first visit to my grandmother’s homeland.” She said, offering her hand to shake, “And you are?”

 

[ALOHA]

Andrea Moore

OOC: This is my first attempt at posting.

IC:
Italy! How I longed to visit this country. I'd heard about its beauty, its people, its rich culture. I love its food, pasta and pizza. I'd heard about the men, hot blooded and sexy; as are the women. And now I'm here! At last.

Flying from Australia to Milano, then by train to Como, I stepped out of the train at the station. Spying a group of English speaking people, I drew closer only to hear a dark haired beauty saying: “Hello! My name is Claudia. Pardon my eavesdropping, but I overheard you mention the Villa Monastero to the driver. I, ahhh, don't know much Italian and was wondering if I could share a ride with you. I'm staying there for a week."

I noticed the man she'd spoken to, a darkly handsome man. Clearly they were both Americans, and hopefully wouldn't mind an Aussie intrusion.

They'd both entered the taxi and were introducing themselves to each other. I knocked on the window: "Excuse me, are you going to Villa Monastero?" Startled they looked my way and she nodded while he just smiled. "Would it be an inconvenience if I ride with you, as I don't speak a word Italian?" I asked while pointing to the front seat beside the driver. "I'm also going there to spend a two week holiday."

 

[ariosto]

The driver spun the little Fiat into the street before anyone else could could squeeze in, they dodged pedestrians and ran red lights with horns blowing on all sides.
Jack looked from one woman to the other and smiled inwardly at the expression of anxiety on both their faces.
He remebered the first time he'd taken a cab ride in Italy.

With the town behind them everyone breathed a sigh of relief and enjoyed the truly magnificent alpine scenery all around the sparkling turquoise lake.
Jack was excited by the scenery inside the cab too. Both women were visual knockouts and their accents, one laid back southern, the other charming Australian were real turnons for him.
He'd been born in the South but had been away so long that little evidence of it still remained.
He couldn't see the Australians legs, but Claudia's were driving him wild!

STOP!...look out the window...tell them about the Lake... the villa's they were passing...

"Hey, y'know Sophia Loren lives in one of these."

 

[chanaud]

Lily Taylor

The next morning, I woke up with crusty eyes and a tangled mess in my hair. After brushing my teeth and pushing the 'ON' button on my Krups coffee maker, I sat before my computer and clicked on the mail icon.

There it was. A package deal including airfare and a room at the
Villa Monastero for a month's time starting the next day. The price was reasonable and the attached pictures were enticing.

This is ridicilus!, was the first thing that popped into my head. Is it? I haven't been on a decent holiday for over 3 years. An inner voice was preventing me from hitting the delete button.

Without a second thought, I responded back.

Please book a month's stay at the quoted price for a Ms. Lily Taylor......

The message was sent. I sat back and surprisingly felt relief. Then, panic sunk in. What did I just do? A smile appeared on my face for the first time that morning. I'm going to Italy!

There's so much to do....

Jumping up at the adrenaline of Italy, I made a mental note.

Passport, pack, and off I go. It's great being single. I just have myself to care for.

 

[cats]

Kathren Lee

OOC: saw a note that said you needed players so mind if I join

Katt as she likes to be called just finsihed highschool. She has short dark red hair and blue eyes. She is 18 and has a fairly light build. 5'8"

Her best freind Kelly asked her to come to Italy with her and her feancee Robbert. They spend most of there time going to sites together. Unfornatly Katt decided three is a crowd and is spending most of her time walking around board.

IC: "Come with us Katt, itly be fun, Italy is very romantic. Why didn't I relise it befor of course Italy is romantic to you Kelly.... You have Robert."

She take in a deep breath and let out a quite si. continueing her walk down the street she turns to the isde looks down the hill side at the beutiful lake. She then says to herself "At least the view is nice."

 

[along came mary]

Claudia

Introductions had barely been completed the taxi launched forward. Claudia’s ‘nice to meet you’ niceties toward David and Andrea died upon her lips. Ten manicured nails dug cruelly into the back of the front seat, knuckles turning a bloodless white demonstrated the strength of her grasp. How in the world she managed to remain stationary in her seat was beyond her. It had to be the cramped quarters, for had she been the only one in the back of this itsy bitsy car she would had careened from one side to the other what with this drivers reckless abandon! And she thought the taxi drivers in NYC were out of control! Hah!

Shame to say, all the lovely scenery and views were practically ignored as icy fingers of fear gripped her heart. Dear God! She prayed silently, yet oh so fervently, Pleaseohpleaseohpleaseohplease let us make it to the Villa Monastero in one piece!

"Hey, y'know Sophia Loren lives in one of these."

Claudia’s incredulous gaze turned in a sidelong glance toward David, followed by her face.

“Lives in one of these what? Oh I’m sorry, you mean one of these blurring bits that keeps zooming past the windows?” She laughed in spite of her fear. “Please tell me that there are alternate modes of travel provided at the Villa? Perhaps a rental car? A bicycle? A horse and buggy?!”

 

[ARaynes]

Tatiana Lee

OOC: Tatiana is a 22 foreign exchange student from America studying arts at the college. She works at the resort for some extra pay and for inspiration to paint. She has auburn curls and green eyes, a natural in her heritage of an irish decendant. Her body is well sculted for she thinks of it as a work of art, always improving on it. Working out daily it seems.


IC: I looked into the mirror studying the image before me and listening to my foster parents speak down below. I could only catch a few words they were saying since I was still learning the italian language.

Only here a week and I was already homesick. I missed my friends, my mom, even my bratty sister Kate. I was hoping this new job I had taken would help me get close to some of the americans that came to the resort. Being a cabana girl gave me a great chance to see some of the beautiful bronze bodies I was soon longing to paint. Unfortunately between work and school I have very little time to paint.

Taking one last glance in the mirror, checking my auburn curls, my wonderful lips, I headed down the stairs and out to work. I only lived a mile away from the resort so I decided to walk. It was such a lovely day outside.

 

[afternooner]

Alex Martin

OOC: alex Martin 35 dark wavy hair, Greek profile. 5'8", stocky sort of a bull in a china shop but good natured.

IC:

Half a mile ahead of me Lake Como stretches out before me, sparkling in the Morning sunshine. It's crystal blue waters fade into the horizon so far away I can hardly make out the curve of the earth where sky and water meet. I take in a deep breath drawing in the fresh pungent aroma of moisture in the air.

I stare so long into the distance that when I return my gaze to closer suroundings a momentary haze distorts the road ahead. Then as my eyes began to adjust I notice a figure in the road just ahead of me. Had she been there before? I wondered. It almost seemed that she had appeared out of nowhere an apparition perhaps I blinked my eyes no she was real and I sucked in my breath as I watched.

Long slender tanned legs well toned muscles Hips moving easily, naturally. Auburn hair catching highlights in the morning sun.

I let out my breath not realizing I had been holding it until the need to breath rose in my chest. Relaxing I quickened my pace, a feeling inside of me that I just had to catch up with this beautiful dream girl ahead of me. I needed to find out if she was as enchanting as I was begining to imagine, as my mind was churning with possiblities.

She must have heard my anxious footsteps behind her as she slowed stopped and quietly turned toward me.

Oh god I thought I really blew it now, but then her green eyes smiled and I melted in my tracks.

 

[ariosto]

OOC....Everybody! The above post is by Afternooner, one of the best male posters ever to play on LIT!
Welcome back friend!.....your PM is full compadre...

 

[ARaynes]

I hear feet padding behind me and turn to look. A handsome man is behind me jogging. I slow, then turn and stop.

"Ciao. Il giorno bello non è esso? Potrei aiutarlo?" I have gotten pretty good at saying that.

 

[afternooner]

Not only have my feet melted in place but my mind has too as out of this beautifull mouth comes Italian Her green eyes and auburn curly hair would have led me to believe she was Irish I am speechless as I barely make out what shes saying something about..... hello nice day......

I find my voice at last only to stammer...si... muy... no.... mucho ......oh hell It's a damn nice day. And then I just break into a boyish grin, and stand there dumbfounded oh well such is life que.....whatever .....I'm just another american tourist!

 

[ARaynes]

Tatiana Lee

"Un Americano!" I jump up and down, going to hug him, then realizing that I was hugging a total stranger pull away. "Sono così felice."

"I am sorry. I am from america too. I just expect everyone to speak italian around here. My name is Tatiana." He looks at me so intensly, my body continues the blush my face has started.

 

[ariosto]

After awhile they got used to the little Fiat being driven like a formula one at Monza and managed to chat a bit in between ogling the incredible scenary they were passing at break neck speed.
The Australian girl was the quieter of the two and David equated her reserve with jet lag...(Australia!)...or a difficulty with understanding 'dixie' english which he and the Tennessean had slipped naturally into as they tossed remarks back and forth to each other.
Suddenly the horn blew, the car swerved and he found himself with the Aussie gal nearly in his lap!
He gave her a playfull kiss on the cheek and winked at Claudia.
"Hey that's one way to break the ice!"

Behind them the two joggers they'd almost run down were shaking their fists at them and yelling god knows what...

Shortly afterwards the three found themselves standing in the midst of their luggage in front of a vine covered open grilled iron gate, to the left of which a sign said....

La villa Monastero. Benvenuto!
Ring bell to be admitted.
The last was written in Italian, English, French and German.

He rang the bell and waited while the girls discussed the knowing wink and comment the Cab driver had given them as he drove off.
"I think he said that we'd brought to many suitcases for a place like this."

Claudia, turned to him.
"Is that what he said?"

He never got a chance to answer for at that moment a saucy little black eyed, black haired maid swung the gate open.
David could tell she was maid because of the short black apron she wore...and that was all she wore!

In a sprightly voice she beamed out at them...

"Benevenuto! Welcome To La Villa Monastero! The finest Nudist Spa in all of Italia!...Hi my names Vickie, I'm from LA, but hell I loved this place so much I stayed...come on in!"

 

[ARaynes]

OOC: This is a nudest spa I work at? OPPS. OK, willhave to remember that.

 

[afternooner]

A tidal wave of feelings entrap me as she suddenly throws her arms around me just long enough for me to feel the warmth of her body but not long enough for me to return the gesture. My feet are still rivited to the ground and my heart seems to be in my throat blocking any verbal response. However I remember my manners or rather maybe habit just takes over as I extend my hand and taking hers surprise even myself by replying. "Hello my name is Alex, Alex Martin." I'm looking for the Villa Monstaro I have made reservations for the next month, and sent my luggage on ahead. I wanted to walk there as I need the exercise and enjoy this wonderfull weather they have here in Italy".

I find myself rambling on as the touch of her body has sent mine into a tailspin and I know that I am staring. Who could help it! Her skin is as bronze as a statue, transported in time from the 15th century renaissance. Leonardo couldn't have created such a masterpiece that was standing before me.

Only when she breaths and I see the rise and fall of her breasts beneath her clothing and the blush that begins in her face and flows downward and disappears from my view, do I know that this is no apparation, or is it?.

And so I ramble on telling her about my trek across Italy.. Rome... Florence, never have I seen so much beauty..... until now..... I'm staring again, and in desparation raise my hand and point to the lake. " The Lake. I'ts beautifull isn't it!" I hope I caught myself in time to keep from causing her any more embarasment.

I turn the conversation to her asking her about her reason for being here and for how long. God I want to ask her to have lunch with me but I'm afraid she'll disappear back into the 15th century where she obviously came from.

 

[ARaynes]

Tatiana Lee

"I am heading to the Villa myself. I work there. You could walk along with me. You travel. That is magnificent. I would love to once my degree is finished. I am here for school. That and the wonderful country. I......" I stop realizeing that I keep talking, surely boring this man to death. "I am sorry, I have been here one week and already I miss my family and friends. Guess I don't make a good tourist huh?"

I see the Villa pop into my veiw as I round the hill. "There is the villa. How long did you say you were planning to stay?"

His body was that of a greek god. "I would love to paint you." I thought out loud, embarrased as the thought is vocalized.

 

[afternooner]

My feet have found motion again as she offers to walk with me.Her voice soft and melodious joins the rhythm of our steps as we near the villa.I sense a diferent nature about her now much like that I felt when I first saw her from the back. An Irish water sprite with a sort of innocent childlike essence. Yes I can feel her creative spirit, seeing her in my minds eye, raising a brush and watching all the colors of the rainbow scatter across the landscape. There has to be a poem here I think.


The words "I would love to paint you" startle me, but just as I am coming out of my reverie I hear myself saying "Only if I can write you a sonnet Tatiana"

Her name rolls off my lips like a soft summer breaze inviting me to search the hills and valleys for its source.

 

[ARaynes]

Tatiana Lee

Nervous laughter rushes through me as if I were Mt. Vesouvious. He is such a handsome man. Not one like the boys in school. He had an air to him, confidence. It was a pleasure to be in such company, since the guys that I dated usually acted like neaderthals.

"Perhaps one day. Now, lets get you into your suite shall we, then perhaps you can visit the pool. I hear the cabana girls are quite beautiful." I tease him.

We open the door to the spa. The foyer was empty, then full all at once. There was a presense like none other. Happy times seemed to spring forth. I had noticed this when I had applied.

I walk up to the counter and ring the bell. A stout italian man comes to the counter and I tell him of Alex Martain and get his key. "Here you are Mr. Martin. Your room is 122. I have to get to work, but maybe I will see you around?"

 

[cats]

Katt Lee

OOC: Nudist spa? That is a new one.
Oh and Katt is not related to Titana.
Or aware of her existance.

IC: I walked by a couple on my way back to the Villa. And I once again began to sink into deep thought and depresion with it. "Look at them so happy. Another couple of American's haveing one the best experinces in there life, or are they Irish. Oh well it dosen't matter. Now why didn't Kelly or Justin tell me this was a nudist spa befor I came here. Well what should I do now? I think I'll just lay here in the lobby for a while.

 

[ARaynes]

Tatiana Lee

I see a redhead come and lay on one of the couches in the lobby. She had a magnificent body. I blush as she catches me watching her, then turn back to Alex.