As the tour group began to become restless, eager to begin their much anticipated bicycle tour, Emilio frantically searched the busy airport crowd for a sign of his two missing tourists. It had been well over and hour ago when he recommended that the young ladies visit Caffé dell'Ussuro. As they were the only tourists travelling alone, he had hoped they would bump in to each other. He often worried when such young girls traveled alone. Although he had no children himself, he was nearly old enough to be their father and being so, began to worry as one. He was very relieved when he saw the two familiar faces in the busy crowded airport making their way towards him.
“Emilio! Please except my apologies.” Aika said as she came upon the man who looked worried.
“It was entirely my fault Emilio, please except my apologies. If I hadn’t…” Thérèse began before Emilio caught both girls off guard with a hug and a peck on the cheek.
“No worries, no worries. Please, join the rest of the group inside the bus. Your tour is about to begin!” Emilio was relieved that the girls had found each other equally as much as he was relieved that they found their way back to the airport.
Climbing back onboard the air conditioned travel bus; Emilio quickly grabbed the microphone located above the driver’s seat. “Welcome to DuVine Adventures Tuscany Bicycle Tour! I am Emilio, your tour guide. I will be accompanying you during the duration of your experience with DuVine Adventures. Please feel free to come to me with any questions or concerns you may have.”
Aika and Thérèse made their way to their seats inside the tour bus as Emilio continued.
“I have worked for DuVine Adventure for 30 years. DuVine Adventures was founded by my grandfather, Giuseppe Bifaro and was passed down to my father, Angelo Bifaro and finally to me, Emilio Bifaro. We are one of the last remaining family run tour groups in Italy and it is my privilege to bike alongside you as we explore Tuscany. We will travel to Etruscan villages, medieval fortresses, and Renaissance masterpieces. But perhaps the greatest masterpiece of this storied land is its wine.” Emilio said with a kidlike chuckle.
“Again, welcome to Italy. Let us begin your adventure, shall we?” He said as he sunk into his captain seat behind the wheel of the bus.
Aika and Thérèse were able to find two seats together near the back of the bus where there was plenty of room for Thérèse’s bouquet. The girls spoke very little as they were both exhausted from their flight as well as their adventure thus far. As Aika began to be lulled to sleep by rose scented currents of childhood memories she reached for the Cherry Blossom Kanzashi that Margret had given her. She knew her mother was with her.
No comments:
Post a Comment