In April 1950, a young woman boarded the Île de France in New York and headed across the Atlantic to Le Havre and her first great adventure in life. On board she met Paul, a little older than herself, and he was sophisticated, learned, fun, kind, modern and mysterious. Deeply attracted to him and sure she had found her 'Mr. Right', he kept her at a distance despite his tenderness and affection. Over the next few months, they travelled together across post-war Europe, soul mates in their love of art and culture, their relationship growing by the day. She yearned to abandon the strict moral code she - like so many women of that era - had been brought up with and give herself to him completely, but something held her back. There was something deeply disturbing about Paul's past, something he would not divulge. Her values encompassed marriage, a home, children, security and stability. Paul could offer none of these - he told her so and she believed him. And yet . . . the temptation to stay with him was overwhelming. Having torn herself away twice, she eventually left him and sought sanctuary in the high mountains of San Moritz, there to pray to God and the saints for guidance in making the right choice - to love him or to leave him. Within weeks, her prayers were answered. Born in Trieste, Italy, of Austrian parents, and brought up in America, Claudia developed into an artistic, musical, deeply religious and spiritual person. Her conservative upbringing did not prepare her for this very unconservative chapter in her life. Claudia is on a romantic journey, providing a flavour of a Europe that mostly no longer exists. She leads us through Paris, Rome, Assisi, Venice, Oberammergau, Heidelburg, Frankfurt, San Moritz, Lucerne, Innsbruck and more. Her story provides a snapshot of what life was like at that time: the sights and scenery, the visitors' attractions, the music, the art, the street life, the local people. With no regrets and looking back now over a very long and fulfilling life, she is compelled to tell us her story from 60 years ago as if urged to do so by Paul himself from beyond the grave.
About the Author: Born in Trieste, Italy, of Austrian parents, and brought up in America, Claudia developed into an artistic, musical, deeply religious and spiritual person. Her conservative upbringing did not prepare her for this very unconservative chapter in her life. Claudia is on a romantic journey, providing a flavour of a Europe that mostly no longer exists. She leads us through Paris, Rome, Assisi, Venice, Oberammergau, Heidelburg, Frankfurt, San Moritz, Lucerne, Innsbruck and more. Her story provides a snapshot of what life was like at that time: the sights and scenery, the visitors' attractions, the music, the art, the street life, the local people. With no regrets and looking back now over a very long and fulfilling life, she is compelled to tell us her story from 60 years ago as if urged to do so by Paul himself from beyond the grave.