I hope the jet lag is over and you're all ready to spend the whole month of May in Europe, our tour guide Marilyn Brant will be along and will be pointing out the sites not to miss.
The bus is loading now for our first stop in Italy
So Buon Giorno
A Summer in Europe
Week One
I hope you’ve been enjoying the sites of Italy we’ve covered multiple cities and historic sites, works of art and structures.
1. First thoughts
2. Tell us what you think of the S&M club and it’s members
3. First impression of Aunt Bea
4. Knowing the age of the S&M club and Aunt Bea are you surprised by the suggestions of a “summer fling” to Gwen
5. Let’s talk about Gwen’s phobia with multiples of ten when referring to age
does it match her uber-controlled lifestyle
6. Gwen first starts to enjoy her trip with her flight down the steps in the Isle of Capri
and until she’s observed by her group she seems to have taken a more carefree outlook
why is this where her interest starts and why does her being noticed negatively affect her actions
7. We meet the Edward’s brothers, what are your thoughts on them and how Gwen feels they “awakened” Europe for her
8. We finish the first part with a rather shocking statement made by Emerson not necessarily the “shagging” part but the part where he doesn’t believe in “the one”.
From the limited knowledge we have of him, does this outlook fit
Here are some sites that Gwen saw on her first leg
The Mouth of Truth
Mount Vesuvius
Isle of Capri
Trevi Fountain
Blue Grotto
Ponte Vecchio
Mountain_Muse wrote:
This is a test. This is only a test. If it was a real post there would be content to this post and you would be advised of my opinion on subject matter regarding our trip through Europe.
As this is only a Test, I'll just go back to the room and have another piece of the Chocolate Cake we brought with us and wait to see if things are working yet.
Muse
you're still here Muse, whew I think
went back in hiding, hopefully for a long, long time.
If anyone else is having trouble, pm me or contact me through my FB or blog, I have a trouble ticket in w/my boss
Buon Giorno
A Summer in Europe
Week OneDeb and Marilyn, thanks for the wonderful pictures of week one sights. Ahh! I'm back in Italy!
First thoughts-- I've laughed a lot. I grew up with Andy Griffith, so the contrast of the Aunt Bea's was . . . well. . . quite a contrast. I think I like Gwen's Aunt Bea better! And the S&M club, the club itself and its individual members--what a hoot! As Gwen feared that she would, I, too, am sometimes juggling character names. I was confused for a while by the Edwards brothers ages and how they fit into the group; I kept thinking I had missed something. Then I learned that Gwen was waiting for an explanation, too.
I love how sharp and alive the S&M members are. Their constant, running commentary on the plane's altitude during the flight and their competition to work their favorite prime numbers into conversation were wonderful. I have a friend, a widow, who turned 93 last week. She can hold her own in any conversation, she still drives (well!) and she loves to play the penny slots at the cassino. We go once a month and have an absolute ball. I was reminded of her. Since I am single (long-time divorced) she often comments on good-looking men we see as "possibilities" for me and suggests that I think of living together rather than marriage. But she would never, NEVER suggest a "fling." That conversation on the bus did surprise me.
Gwen is too controlled herself. That's why I think her almost-fiance what's-his-name is really bugging her. Sure, when we are comfortable enough with ourselves to seek someone else as a life partner, we look for someone with like values, but we also have to pay homage to that old adage "opposites attract." Gwen's relationship with what's-his-name has two strikes already: 1) Gwen doesn't really like herself yet and 2) there's no "opposite" to spark interest. Sounds as if the loss of Gwen's parents at relatively early ages forced Gwen into a serious adult role before she enjoyed all her youth. She lost both her childish and her childlike nature. Skipping down the stairs reawakens the childlike nature, but she fears that others see it as childish. She can't tell the difference. How sad for her.
Loved the Edwards brothers (although I was a bit confused as I said earlier). Loved their names. Loved their sibling rivalry. L-o-v-e-d Emerson's trying on the belt! (Lots of heavy breathing and laughing there
) Then there was that rather shocking statement made by Emerson--not necessarily the “shagging” part; that was so typical S&M shock--but the part where he doesn’t believe in “the one”. I don't know if I believe him. I wonder if he's been hurt by someone. I do like this contrast in the brothers though. I'm looking forward to what happens with Gwen and one on the Emerson brothers. (How much older is HTE?)
Mountain_Muse wrote:
This is a test. This is only a test. If it was a real post there would be content to this post and you would be advised of my opinion on subject matter regarding our trip through Europe.
As this is only a Test, I'll just go back to the room and have another piece of the Chocolate Cake we brought with us and wait to see if things are working yet.
Muse
Muse,
Your Chocolate Cake is delicious...just what I was in the mood for this morning 
.
Hope that everything online will work well today!
~Marilyn
dhaupt wrote:
you're still here Muse, whew I think
went back in hiding, hopefully for a long, long time.
If anyone else is having trouble, pm me or contact me through my FB or blog, I have a trouble ticket in w/my boss
Ahhh!
LOL, Deb -- that diabolical thing frightened me!! Just LOOK at those teeth!
A gremlin, I'm guessing?!
~Marilyn
MarilynBrant wrote:
dhaupt wrote:
you're still here Muse, whew I think
went back in hiding, hopefully for a long, long time.
If anyone else is having trouble, pm me or contact me through my FB or blog, I have a trouble ticket in w/my boss
Ahhh!
LOL, Deb -- that diabolical thing frightened me!! Just LOOK at those teeth!
A gremlin, I'm guessing?!
~Marilyn
Yes this is our B&N mascot (not by choice) he shows up whenever the geek squad updates the site or really whenever he feels like it.
I have been assured that the site is back to normal and our friend up there is back in hibernation 
whiteginger wrote:
Buon Giorno
A Summer in Europe
Week OneDeb and Marilyn, thanks for the wonderful pictures of week one sights. Ahh! I'm back in Italy!
First thoughts-- I've laughed a lot. I grew up with Andy Griffith, so the contrast of the Aunt Bea's was . . . well. . . quite a contrast. I think I like Gwen's Aunt Bea better! And the S&M club, the club itself and its individual members--what a hoot! As Gwen feared that she would, I, too, am sometimes juggling character names. I was confused for a while by the Edwards brothers ages and how they fit into the group; I kept thinking I had missed something. Then I learned that Gwen was waiting for an explanation, too.
I love how sharp and alive the S&M members are. Their constant, running commentary on the plane's altitude during the flight and their competition to work their favorite prime numbers into conversation were wonderful. I have a friend, a widow, who turned 93 last week. She can hold her own in any conversation, she still drives (well!) and she loves to play the penny slots at the cassino. We go once a month and have an absolute ball. I was reminded of her. Since I am single (long-time divorced) she often comments on good-looking men we see as "possibilities" for me and suggests that I think of living together rather than marriage. But she would never, NEVER suggest a "fling." That conversation on the bus did surprise me.
Gwen is too controlled herself. That's why I think her almost-fiance what's-his-name is really bugging her. Sure, when we are comfortable enough with ourselves to seek someone else as a life partner, we look for someone with like values, but we also have to pay homage to that old adage "opposites attract." Gwen's relationship with what's-his-name has two strikes already: 1) Gwen doesn't really like herself yet and 2) there's no "opposite" to spark interest. Sounds as if the loss of Gwen's parents at relatively early ages forced Gwen into a serious adult role before she enjoyed all her youth. She lost both her childish and her childlike nature. Skipping down the stairs reawakens the childlike nature, but she fears that others see it as childish. She can't tell the difference. How sad for her.
Loved the Edwards brothers (although I was a bit confused as I said earlier). Loved their names. Loved their sibling rivalry. L-o-v-e-d Emerson's trying on the belt! (Lots of heavy breathing and laughing there
whiteginger,
Buon giorno to you, too!
I'm so delighted that you found the opening chapters funny (yay!) and that you liked my cast of S&M Club members. I'll admit, they were a really fun bunch of characters to write
I *love* what you wrote here about Gwen: "Skipping down the stairs reawakens the childlike nature, but she fears that others see it as childish. She can't tell the difference." That's exactly what I was going for in that scene. I liked the way you say that a person had to be comfortable with him/herself in order to seek a life partner. In Gwen's case, it'll come as no surprise to you that she has a lot to learn about herself still. She is really afraid to show not only the world who she is, but to even allow herself that insight. And I think when there's that level of self control (one that borders on repression, in her case), it requires more than logical analysis to open a person up to experience again. She can't just *think* her way into self acceptance. She almost has to learn physiologically what it feels like to be happy, open and free, so she can make that connection between her body and spirit. So she won't just overrule her "gut reactions" because they're viewed as a little irrational...
SO thrilled that you loved the Edwards brothers, btw!! I won't weigh in with commentary about them just yet because there's a lot still to be revealed about their past, but I'll answer your question about the ages. Thoreau is 40, so he's 5 years older than Emerson.
Can't wait to read more of your comments!
~Marilyn
seattle07 wrote:
6. I think that Gwen’s had a chance to acclimatize and she feels good about having “done” Rome.. . . .
WhiteGinger: Oh gosh! I forgot about Gwen's saying she had "done" Rome. I CANNOT imagine travel as a check list of things to be done.
8. I’m not sure I believe Emerson. I agree with Whiteginger that he’s probably been hurt in the past. He also might be warning Gwen that he’s not looking for true love.
WhiteGinger: But isn't that when we usually find things? When we're NOT looking?
Hi seattle07! If you read the other pre-discussion threads, you know that I brought enough wine and glasses for the entire club and Muse has a chocolate cake--AND an INSTANT CALORIE DISPOSAL!! So, since we're doing Europe via our imaginations, be sure to indulge yourself!
I had a little jet lag yesterday from our flight to Europe, but I got some sleep, so I'm refreshed and ready to begin our tour! Many thanks to Muse and Whiteginger! I've eaten a piece of your delicious chocolate cake (and the instant calorie disposal) and savored a glass of wine. I'm feeling relaxed and ready to take on Europe!
I immediately fell in love with this book! I burst out laughing when I first read of the S&M Club and what it really stood for! This book has everything I could ever want: quirky, funny characters and an amazing trip to take with good friends!
The S&M Club members are a riot! I loved the t-shirt sayings that Dr. Louie and Matilda had made up. I was trying to decide which member was my favorite, but I just couldn't make up my mind. I love them all and wish it was me on a month long trip to Europe with them! They all have a wonderful sense of humor and are ready to take a bite out of life. When they started the sing-along on the plane, I couldn't stop laughing! It seemed like so much fun to me! Poor Gwen was so embarrassed, but they were all just having a good time. The S&M Club members may be older than Gwen, but their spirits are those of teenagers! Gwen could learn a lot from them and I hope a little bit of them rub of on her by the end of the book.
Aunt Bea is so much fun. Gwen is the opposite to her Aunt Bea. Bea is carefree, laid back, ready for whatever adventure life throws at her. Gwen on the other hand is very structured, a bit self-conscious, she doesn't seem to be completely comfortable with herself. I think Bea is a good influence on Gwen. She could learn a lot from her.
I wasn't really surprised that Aunt Bea and the S&M Club members wanted Gwen to have a summer fling. Even knowing they were all over 60, they certainly didn't act it. They all acted like a bunch of teenagers ready for a good time, while Gwen was acting much older than her age. Aunt Bea didn't seem to be a big fan of Richard, so maybe this was her chance to get Gwen to rethink their relationship and possibly find someone more suited for her.
Gwen's phobia of multitudes of ten fits perfectly with her very controlled lifestyle. When they first arrive in Europe, the first thing Gwen wants to do is make a list of all the places she wants to visit, so she can have the satisfaction of physically checking them off the list. She even brings a pen with her on the tour, just for this purpose! She sees a particular site and then as soon as possible, crosses it off the list. Aunt Bea sees this and tells Gwen she's missing everything good. Gwen doesn't understand because she's seen everything that everyone else has. I think at this point she just hasn't let go and allowed herself to become emotionally invested in any of the sites.
When Gwen sees the little girl racing down the steps at the Isle of Capri, she is drawn to her. She sees the girl as "An embodiment of youth. And joy. And life." She wanted to be a part of that too and the feeling reminded her of being a kid. I think this is the first time in a long time that she felt truly free and able to let go of all her insecurities. To just live in the moment. She put aside her list of things she should see and became spontaneous. When the other members of the tour group see her however, she immediately feels self-conscious and flees from their sight as quickly as possible. Gwen is not yet confident in who she is. She is afraid of what people are thinking about her and I hope she learns from the members of the S&M Club how to let go and live.
I was as surprised as Gwen to learn that Emerson didn't believe in the "One". The timing of this conversation was interesting to me because Gwen confesses to Emerson that she has a boyfriend back home. Emerson doesn't seem to be fazed, but he seems to be interested in Gwen and I wondered if this confession didn't bother him a little bit. As other posters have said, my best guess would be that he was hurt in a past relationship. We know his brother, Thoreau, was married before, had gotten a messy divorce and that he still believes in marriage, but Emerson's reasoning is still a mystery to me.
Catherine111 wrote:
I hope I am doing this right . . .
1) I am really enjoying the book, not just the plot and the characters, but also the brief lessons we are given throughout Gwen’s tour. I am learning about so many things. I also love the music and art references and how they influence Gwen (and me, actually). I was struck in the very beginning with Gwen’s deep sadness. I saw her birthday lunch as heartbreaking. She has a kind of deep-rooted sadness that surfaces now and then. But I think she has worked very hard to keep her sadness hidden from everyone around her. I also think she has a poor opinion of herself and thinks she is not worthy of better things (Richard a prime example).
2) I like the members of the S & M club. They are a wonderful diversion for the reader and for Gwen. They are a great comic relief that we need.
3) I like Aunt Bea, although I can see why she may grate on one’s nerves after awhile. We all know someone like this, someone who wants a child (or niece in this case) to spread their wings and go beyond their comfort zone.
4) I’m not surprised. I don’t know why I’m not. But I’m not surprised.
5) One part of Gwen’s characterization that I find particularly realistic is her age phobia. Something I share with Gwen is the loss of a mother at a very early age. I understand the stress associated with the “closing in” of that unique birthday. There is a sense of relief and liberation once you pass the age of your mother’s death. Gwen’s experience is all that more traumatic, since she lost several family members early in life.
6) I think Gwen’s carefree outlook on the stairs is a glimpse into who she really is inside. She is then robbed of her feelings by onlookers who begin to judge her actions. She then bottles her emotions again because she is too influenced by outside forces. I don’t think she wants people to see the real Gwen for fear of rejection (as is then illustrated by the reaction of the group, or certain members of the group).
7) I love the Edwards brothers. They bring a fresh, new perspective to Gwen.
8) The outlook doesn’t fit. I think he made this statement as a defense mechanism for one of two (maybe both) reasons. First because as others have said, there may be a painful breakup in his past. But I also think it may be possible he tells Gwen this as a defense against the news that she has just revealed to him --- that she has a boyfriend. We know he has been interested in Gwen from the first moment he saw her (with his wink). He spends the day with her and then finds out that she is attached. His statement may be a way to protect himself against her news.
Catherine you're doing great for a novice, see pretty soon you'll be addicted to us, have to visit everyday and read every book and know all of us personally. Okay just in case that bit of psycho bable didn't work I have a subliminal tape for you to listen to while you sleep
First I'm sorry for the loss of you mom at a young age
and second I never thought about that aspect of her being so tied up about 10s
thanks for sharing that.
April, welcome to Europe I'm glad you got your rest and now can enjoy the sightseeing
You mentioned how much you loved the S&M club, in fact everyone does, including me and the t-shirts I was rolling my eyes and practically rolling on the floor the first time I read that.
In fact they remind me of how my daughter describes my mom and me when we're out, we don't seem to know any strangers, Erin always comments that we could tell our life stories to the people in front of us in line at the grocery store.
So maybe this gives me hope that I would get up in front of a 747 full of people and start singing "OOOOOOOKlaHoma
seattle07 wrote:
- Loving it! One of my favorite books is A Room With A View and it seems like Gwen is also up for a life changing Grand tour. Richard seems like Cecil Vyse with his comment that fall is a more reflective time for an engagement-ha! I’m enjoying the humor and the characters.
Deb and Marilyn, thanks for posting the pictures to help set the mood. I haven’t been to all the places in Italy that were mentioned and it was nice to take a virtual tour.
2. I’m impressed with these seniors. I love their young at heart attitudes, their intelligence and how active they are: planning trips, participating in tournaments, Facebook, etc. It reminds me that sometimes, age really is just a number. I hope that I’m like them when I grow up!
3. I like Aunt Bea and I’m glad that she’s looking out for Gwen. I like her spunk and I think she’s got a kind heart.
4. I was a bit surprised, but the S&M club members seem to like romance, intrigue and drama. They know about Richard and how he didn’t propose. They probably want Gwen to have some romance and maybe a fling is a good test to see if she really wants to commit to Richard.
5. Gwen’s phobia of multiples of ten matches her personality. Gwen’s an introvert and comes from a mathematically inclined family. She also teaches math so she’s really aware of numbers and their impact. She’s going to be more cautious this year because her mom also died at 30.
6. I think that Gwen’s had a chance to acclimatize and she feels good about having “done” Rome. I’m glad that she gets caught up in the romance and adventure of travelling. I do feel badly that she was having a good time but ends up feeling childish.
7. The Edwards brothers are good for Gwen. Close to her age, extroverted and Emerson seems interested in her. Travel (and life) is more fun when there’s an element of romance and excitement. Also, Gwen decided to find her sense of adventure on the trip and I think the Edwards brothers will help her achieve her goal.
8. I’m not sure I believe Emerson. I agree with Whiteginger that he’s probably been hurt in the past. He also might be warning Gwen that he’s not looking for true love.
Seattle,
First of all, tiramisu and limoncello cocktails...yum!! In March, I went to an in-person book club meeting and brought a few quarts of gelato to share with the group. As much as I'm a chocoholic, I have to say that the limoncello gelato was my favorite. SO flavorful!
I'm so glad you're a fan of A Room with a View! It's no secret that it's one of my favorite classic novels, too, and it was one of the big influences for me when I wrote this book. Definitely, there are parallels between Cecil and Richard. And the name "Emerson" wasn't accidental either...
I've really enjoyed reading what everyone's predictions are when it comes to Emerson and his comment about not believing in "the one." I'm so curious to know what thoughts you'll have about him and his brother as more of their past is revealed.
BTW, you've reminded me to ask everyone: What flavors of gelato do you all want to have for a refreshing, post-sightseeing, afternoon treat?! I'm taking orders...
~Marilyn
