novelxo Chapter 21 Napa Valley Tour
Napa Valley is located in Napa County at California's Wine Country. The valley is considered one of the premier wine regions in the world. The group plans to experience the wine train ride. The Wine Train is a three-hour, 36-mile round-trip journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. After boarding the train at the McKinstry Street Station, guests travel through the old industrial section of Napa, crossing the Rural-Urban Limit Line (RUL) about ten minutes into the journey. Then it's nothing but the spectacular scenery of beautiful wine country, the famed agricultural preserve of Napa Valley, past some of the most expensive and famous farm real estate in the country, and through the charming towns of Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford. Then visit the Love Lock Bridges. A small pedestrian footbridge connecting the Napa Valley Wine Train station to the Napa Valley Wine Train's boarding platform has been dedicated to lovers all over the world with its own Love Lock Bridge. On the bridge, lovers can take a simple padlock decorated with their names, initials, or a special date and lock it to the bridge fence. Then the key can be either tossed into the abyss below the bridge or saved as a keepsake. They visited numerous vineyards like Castelo de Amorosa, Mondavi, V. Satui, Berringer, Napa Wine, Domaine Chandon, Elyse, and Sequoia Grove. It was an elegant journey, the discovery through a spectacular landscape. The group explores the art of winemaking, and some of the most elegant wine estates in Napa Valley. The group would want to extend the tour, but since everyone has to return to work, they have to leave the valley with a heavy heart.
During the tour, Ari calls Hannah every day just to touch base. Hearing her voice on the other end makes his heart skip a beat.
Hannah consulted her friends about her reservation and Ari's proposal.
Guys, what do you think?
Straightened up first the situation regarding Cherry and his son. Both of you can compromise, Chie suggested.
We want you to be happy, you're the only one who can decide on that matter. Coney said.
What is your heart telling you? Gie asks Hannah. Follow your heart but keep something for yourself.
There's no guarantee, but it's better to try, Nel said.
The truth is, I would like to change my monotonous life, I would like to be happy. I would like to feel how to be taken care of. But I don't want to rush it, I need time to think. I have to spend 20 days on my work assignment, maybe that would help to clear my mind. Hannah said.
Do it, Hannah... it's worth a try. Ley encourages Hannah. We are here for you...we will support you whatever your decision. I think it's time for you to change your life. Your kids are grown up, you need someone by your side. Susan quips.
Everyone felt the sadness at the same time excitement....mixed emotions.
Thank you, guys....it will be easier for me to decide in getting all your opinions. I will follow my heart. But I think I am not ready.
Last day on tour, Ari called Hannah since a business colleague, a childhood friend invited the group for dinner. The host couple would like to meet Hannah. Ari will meet them there. Dinner will be in Chateau Montelena Winery in Calistoga. One of the most historic & peaceful settings in the Napa Valley, Chateau Montelena is a stone castle located on the hillside overlooking a Chinese garden, lake, and vineyards. Ari arrived early, while waiting for the group, the host Benny, wife Ellie, and Ari chatted about the vineyards and Ari's love life. Both husband and wife are curious who is this woman that Ari is chasing for years. Benny and Ari went to school together, childhood friend and confidante. After half an hour wait, the van arrives and one by one enters the chateau. Ari came forward and introduce the group to Benny and Ellie. When its Hannah's turn, he introduced her as the love of his life. Hannah's face turns red and pinches Ari. Benny and Ellie welcome Hannah and her friends. Exchanges are fun and pleasantries. They talked about Ari and Benny on their college days, the fraternity, the alcohol, the initiations, and the women. It was a sumptuous dinner, steak with mash and fresh vegetables on the side, paired with Moscato de Asti. Desert was moist chocolate cake. The group was happy, the hosts, and of course Ari and Hannah. Great experience to everyone. Time to go back.