Christopher

There's nothing more devastating than to love someone and find that they've betrayed that love and trust !!

One of the things that I felt most the first time I visited Europe many years ago was the destruction caused by WWII and the cathedrals that were rebuilt or repaired. This chapter brought that memory and feeling back forefront. I can't imagine what the people of war torn countries - Iraq, Ukraine, and many others must feel while it's happening. Sad that the world hasn't learned to be at peace and harmony with each other after thousands of years.

The reverence and respect portrayed in this chapter is something that is rarely seen today. Refreshing and heartwarming to give respect to the architecture of the past and reverence to the memories for those who stood for what they believed be it 13 or 130. May Peace be with us all!

There's a characteristic that great stories have and @CLJobe described it perfectly "One nice thing about stories that have a thread of truth, you can ride that thread as if you were the one creating that thread. Close your eyes, and picture yourself in the story." So many chapters have brought back wonderful memories from the brain and tastebuds because it's like walking alongside Armand and Colin. Such and enjoyable journey together!

OMG, luv'd this chapter !! If there's one thing @CLJobe and I have in common, it's good food! Hoping on and off the trains across Europe brought back some wonderful memories but the reuniting of friends that are like family solidified the experience. I've honestly never met a stranger while traveling, most everyone has been very warm and inviting with some wonderful meals and drinks of the areas. ❤️

Somehow, authentic food in the country is delicious but gets bastardized when it's produced in another country. My mouth was watering at the tapas and calamari ... such memories. Can't wait till we get to Italy and the Limoncello!

My mouth was watering at the Paella ... lobster paella is amazing! The walk back reminded me of my time in London and the walk back from dinner one night ... just a leisurely stroll with no hurry to get anywhere quick ... it was the romantic time being spent together with each other that mattered. How stories bring back such wonderful memories ... and hunger pains! 😋

“Let’s walk to the top" ... oh hell no! It's 1,665 steps to the top and looking down doesn't bode well for those with any semblance of acrophobia! Even taking the elevator up that thing is enough to give one a heart attack. Though, it would be kinda kewl to see Eiffel's office at the top ... if one were so lucky

Another AMAZING chapter. To be offered to your a private collection of art in anyones home is a gift beyond words. I wonder though, why Armand didn’t mention to Monsieur Arnaud that he knew the artist with the Bluebird signature. Maybe for GG’s autonomy to remain? I’m sure his heart was warmed either way to see a piece of work his GG painted hanging in someone’s home that is a discerning art collector.

OMG, I luv'd this chapter as well. As I was reading, I could juste vision walking down the streets of Paris again and enjoying the camaraderie as well as sitting in the outdoor cafe having wine, cheeses, and breads. Oh so enjoyable and to have an expert guide like Armand out of this world. GREAT chapter!

Hi @JCtoGO2, I believe the author and readers definitely respect and encourage all views as evidenced by the numerous posts of varying points of view across the MANY different stories he's posted over the years. It's when someone continuously posts the same disrespectful complaint, chapter after chapter, even after the author has respectfully addressed the point of view, that the opinion becomes disrespectful. My question remains, why bother if one is just going to bitch about everything that is given freely? The author is providing something freely, as a gift to everyone, with 99.9% of all comments, points of view, and opinions, being appreciative and grateful for the gift, regardless of length, that he has so graciously chosen to share with us all. It comes down to not being a matter of expressing an opinion, it more so comes down to being disrespectful to the author and the gift he is graciously sharing with everyone - whether it be 1 word, 19 paragraphs, or the worlds longest novel weighing in at 9,609,000 characters - it's still a gift and should be appreciated. I personally could never imagine a guest being invited to dinner only to complain about the length of the asparagus over and over and over and over again. Just my opinion, take it for what's it's worth. I will always be grateful to the many authors on gayauthors.org, as I'm sure many others will agree, for whatever talents they choose to share regardless of their length or frequency.

I couldn't agree more with @chris191070, why bother @Timejun if all you're going to do is bitch about everything? A sad life indeed. Be appreciative of the world and all it has to offer you ... albeit free of charge! AGREED, regular readers love the daily chapters that are a quick and easy read!

I feel for Colin not speaking French ... I can't play golf but I drive a hell of a beer cart!

Sounds like the security guard at the Louvre was enjoying Armand's commentary as much as the group he was with was. I can't imagine someone keeping the Louvre "open" just because you wanted to see things. Armand's definitely impressed some very influential people. Two beautiful individuals in the City of Love.

"That night we became one. In fact, we became one a few times." Hell, if that's what it takes to become one, I must be down to a morsel by now!

I usually don't get riled but this is one of those cases. It amazes me how ungrateful some are - now twice this same comment by the same individual has been posted and it has been addresses by the author based on the majority of readership. My advice, Be thankful for what you get or shut it and move on! Thanks @CLJobe for always providing valued content which is greatly appreciated regardless the length or time.

The Anne Frank house and the history of the holocaust must be a reminder to us all that the tyranny can never be allowed to repeat itself by the likes of tyrants. Sadly, many are turning a blind eye to the one in our country now and embracing the evilness.

Double dipping is enough to nauseate someone, when the offender took a bite and put it back, I almost threw up in my mouth! 🤢 To think these girls grew up in homes where manner should be a given is incomprehensible. Oh, and my bags are packed as a +1 for the vacation to Italy

No @CLJobe, followed the POV pretty well, wasn't a distraction from the story that I could tell.

This chapter made my heart warm inside ... AND HUNGRY ... again! LOL!!! @CLJobe What a compliment Armand paid to the owner of the Italian eatery. I'm betting there will be a fresco on their wall soon.

Armands love of Colin, life and painting just busted through like a bright ray of sunshine on a beautiful morning. This story just keeps getting better and better! ❤️

I agree with Colin when it comes to escargot, clams, oysters ... no thank you. LOL!!! As for Pete, I'm not sure he's realized yet the treasure that was just given to him. While probably not recognizable at the moment, as some of the great masters probably weren't that sought after early on while they were alive, I'm sure Pete or his ancestors will soon come to realize the give Armand has given them. Luv'ing how the guys are just fitting together - it's either there or it's not and with these two, the feeling is definitely that it's there.

Yes, “Jane, ... keep your (damn) opinions to yourself.” And as for your daughter, I couldn't agree with Armand more, “...get the hell out of here.”

Sounds like Ellen has a bunch of pretentious snobs for friends. Glad Colin helped he and Armand to the next step. Armands art will just flourish that much more. I'm just wondering how many of the snob friends will want paintings from Armand and how much more they will cost? If the table sat 6 and Ellen took up one place, that's $350k x 5, $1,750,000. Not bad for an up and coming artist. 😂

Every time I visualize this painting of Colin, Dorian Grey comes to mind. A painting that captures ones attention and the beauty of the eyes. At $350,000, I hope mom likes it! lol