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 ns 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


    spectacr 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 tform 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 spectacrndscape. 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 canpromise, 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.


    Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    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,ke, 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 wee 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 chocte cake. The group was happy, the hosts,


    and of course Ari and Hannah.  Great experience to everyone. Time to go back.