Page 36: CHAPTER VIII • LOUISE’S FISRT EUROPEAN TRIP
Louise had only been out of the U.S. by ship on our honeymoon to Bermuda. When I told her to get ready for a vacation in Europe, she was surprisingly thrilled, but only agreed to go if we traveled by ship. Louise had never been on a plane and feared the idea. I was busy at the time, and planned to fly back, but failed to tell her of my intentions.
The travel agent suggested not purchasing the top-price first class cabin, because he was a personal friend of the ship’s purser. He met us on board, arranged the exchange, and introduced us to him.
September 15, 1949, we left New York on the S.S. LaGuardia with an eastbound ticket only. After the first night I the cabin we paid for, we were moved onto the top deck in a beautiful suite. In the dining room we were assigned to the chief engineer’s table. He was practically a neighbor, residing in Bogota, New Jersey, and we became very friendly.
The maitre d’ told us he had the same position at the Marguerite Hotel’s Restaurant, part of the 270 Park Avenue complex built by Uncle Charles. These factors contributed to making our voyage sweeter.
We first stopped in Palerno, Sicily, for about six hours. Accompanied by the chief engineer, we toured the City, visiting many landmarks.
After having a calm, relaxing, enjoyable nine-day crossing, we arrived in Naples at 9:00 a.m. The relatives residing in Naples, and sister Giulia from Fontanarosa, were there to meet us. The ship’s captain gave us permission to let them on board, and graciously gave us his table in the dining room, where we enjoyed a nice breakfast. It was a very happy meeting for Louise and reunion for me.
We stayed in Naples that day, in Celeste and Michele Parrella’s house, which became our Naples headquarters. The next morning, with Celeste and Giulia in their chauffeured car, we drove to Castelmezzano. There Louise first met my parents. After two days Celeste and Giulia returned to their homes.
We sojourned in Castelmezzano about ten days, long enough for Louise to get acquainted, tour the town, and go for a picnic in the country, riding on a donkey.
We then returned to Naples where Celeste’s son Carmine was our host and guide on a tour to the Amalfi Drive, the City of Pompeii, and all the interesting sights in Naples, including the finest restaurants.
Celeste, brother Giorgio, sister Maria, Louise and I boated to Capri, visited all the sights and enjoyed a delicious meal in a fine restaurant. We also toured Ischia, another island in the Bay of Naples.
Another day Celeste and her husband Michele gave us a tour to the Vesuvius volcano. Guides with ropes led us all the way to the top. While I was admiring the unforgettable view from the edge of the crater, a sudden strong gust of wind almost blew me into it. Michele, who weighted over two hundred pounds, quickly grabbed me and sat on me, thereby saving my life.
A few days later one of Michele’s nephews drove brother Giorgio, Louise and me to Fontanarosa. On the way we stopped in Caserta to see that city’s sights. At Giulia’s house we met her husband Giovanni Penta, the town’s only druggist. They owned a large farm about a mile from town. It was there that I made a pig of myself. I climbed a fig tree and, despite repeated warnings from Giulia, stuffed myself so much that later I became sick, and paid dearly for my orgy. We continued to enjoy our visit in Fontanarosa for a few more days, and then returned to Naples.
On the way back to Naples from Fontanarosa I told Louise about flying from Rome to London. She voiced some objections, but being a very understanding person and always aiming to please, she condescended.
Giorgio and Maria left Naples to come to Rome by train with us, and acted as our guides on our two-day stay. We visited St. Peter’s, the Colosseum and other landmarks, and the best shops.
Page 37: October 19th my sister and brother returned to Naples. We went to the airport. Before boarding the plane to London, Louise had tried to dismiss her fear. We got on board and were seated. Louise was still very nervous, her face blushing red. Once airborne and flying smoothly, while we were enjoying complimentary drinks, Louise calmly assured me she would like flying very much.
From our hotel in London we called cousin George to notify him our our arrival. He took time off from work and we drove in his car to meet all of Mama’s relatives, touring London’s sights. In all, we both had a most wonderful time, and enjoyed the opportunity to meet all the relatives in London.
As one will learn later in this chronicle, on this voyage I became aware that my father was not faring too well physically. In fact, his condition worsened and he passed away within the following year, at the age of 74.