A/N: Without further adieu, here's installment # 12.

Love Conquers All Ways

Chapter 12

When a newly married couple goes on a honeymoon, the destination is typically outside of their home country. Then, the real decision becomes the exact location of their rendezvous. Although they liked the relative seclusion of the SeolSuDae hotel, both Joong Hee and Mi Young knew that they really wanted to go abroad for a few days. But where exactly? After some consideration, they agreed that Italy would be their honeymoon destination. So, with a few online searches, they were able to make reservations in a hotel in Rome for a week (thankfully it's the off season there). After checking out of the SeolSuDae, they made their way back to Joong Hee's place to prepare for the trip. With excitement in their hearts, it wasn't long before they found themselves at the airport to begin their sojourn.

As they made their way onto their scheduled flight, they went through the usual entrance protocol like every other passenger. Soon, they found their seats and started to put their luggage into the respective compartment. After they each sat in their assigned seats, they finally had a chance to take a slight breath.

"Are you Ok, Mi Young-ah?" he asked.

"Yes. It's funny because I've actually never been on an airplane before!" she mused.

"Really? This is your first time flying?" he inquired.

"Yeah. It's exciting but I'm also a little nervous" she admitted.

"Well, the important thing is to get as much rest as you can. Otherwise, keep yourself as occupied as possible. This is not a short flight" he offered.

"I know. That's why I brought books and things to read. Also, music to listen to"

"That's good. They should have some decent movies on this flight also"

"It'll be great when we get there!" she beamed.

Indeed, there's nothing short or easy about a flight from Korea to Italy. Despite the long trip, Joong Hee and Mi Young seemed to handle it in stride. After a few long stationary hours, the plane finally arrived at Rome International Airport.

As the happy couple departed the plane, they made sure to get all of their belongings. Upon arriving inside the terminal, they tried to find the shuttle bus that would take them directly to their hotel. Before they landed, they agreed to let Joong Hee do most of the communicating and translating since his English was much better than Mi Young's. Also, he picked up some basic Italian words and phrases that he felt confident of using as needed. With that in mind, he managed to ask a nearby booth attendant where they could find their respective shuttle bus. It turned out to be just a few booths away. Upon finding it, he asked the attendant there if it's the right bus, and it was. So, with a few minutes to spare before the bus departed, he and his wife decided to check their phones and make sure all was well. Then, the bus was ready to make its appointed round to the hotel. With a sense of adventure in the air, they finally began their Italian vacation.

As they peered out of the window, they couldn't help but marvel at the eclectic mix of historical sites and artifacts alongside a modern, contemporary style. It's as though they were travelling back in time and to the future simultaneously. Despite the typical slow grinding Italian traffic, they were too relaxed and happy to care. Soon, after some effort, the bus finally arrived at the hotel.

The hotel's appearance was modest at best. Its best selling point was its centrality to most of the main attractions in Rome, especially the Coliseum and the Forum. With luggage in hand, Joong Hee and Mi Young made their way inside to check in. They managed to procure a nicer room on the 3rd floor. As they entered their room, they immediately noticed that the window offered a view of the Forum way in the background. Otherwise, the room itself had most of the amenities of a modern hotel. Without discussion, they each decided to take a nap on the bed. Long flights will always fatigue the inexperienced traveler.

When they both woke up, it was late evening. So, they decided to get some dinner at one of the restaurants downstairs. After tasting some Italian cuisine back home, they were anxious to try the real thing. In fact, they really wanted to compare the dishes here with those of JoonMinBak. Not surprisingly, Mi Young's Spaghetti Carbonara was at least 10 times better than the one in Korea. The same could be said for Joong Hee's Veal Scallopini. That's not even including the Amontillado they each drank. In short, it was their first meal in Italy, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

After dinner, they decided to take a brief walk outside. As they walked with hands firmly clenched, they both smiled so brightly that they could've kept Rome alight all by themselves. They took turns pointing out different sights of interest. Of course, many pictures were taken along the way. Even though they'd seen quite a bit during their walk, they felt it was time to head back to the hotel. After all, they knew there would be time later on to see the Forum and the Coliseum.

Another perk offered by the hotel are daily tours to other Italian cities. Although they really couldn't go wrong with any of the choices offered, they agreed to visit Pisa, Tuscany, Venice, and the rest of Rome. With this itinerary set, they now had a plan for seeing more of this remarkable country.

Pisa was the first stop of their schedule. It's not a short drive from Rome to Pisa, so they found themselves alternating between looking at the window and napping. But, despite the long journey, they found it more than tolerable. Upon arriving at their destination, they could see the world renowned Leaning Tower in the background. But, before that, they strolled through the city to take in all of its quaint, unique charms. Also, they found the locals to be quite friendly – some even offered to take pictures for and with them.

After enjoying a lunch of pizza, they finally made their way to the Tower. Although the queue looked quite impressive, it actually moved at a reasonable pace that they weren't waiting long. Soon, it was their turn to make their way inside. As they traversed this iconic landmark, they marveled at the architectural wonder that they were walking in. With patience and forward marching, they both finally reached the pinnacle. As they peeked down towards the ground, they were blown away yet again by the magnitude of the moment. Though the Leaning Tower doesn't compare to a Mount Everest in terms of challenge, it's still something that should be on everyone's bucket list. They knew how fortunate they were to be doing something so many others would never get to do.

The second stop of their itinerary was Tuscany. The famed hometown of singer Andrea Bocelli, Tuscany is known worldwide for its expansive vineyards and charming villas. As the bus rolled through the magnificent countryside, both Joong Hee and Mi Young were simply speechless at what they saw. They couldn't take enough pictures of the vineyards and landscape. As they got off the bus, they got to stand outside a row of the famed villas. They could see some residents looking at them with distrustful gazes. It seemed that these folks were more than used to seeing tourists constantly walking underneath their windows. Mi Young and Joong Hee were bemused by it all.

As part of this tour, they were treated to a lunch (with wine of course). After their pasta meal, they had a couple more hours before they had to head back. Mi Young wanted to check out some of the vineyards. Joong Hee had slightly different plans.

He noticed that some of the villas had side alleyways that offered some privacy from the main thoroughfares. Whether it was the breathtaking landscape or possibly the wine he consumed, his impish nature started to get the better of him. He took Mi Young by the hand and started to steer the two of them inside one of the alleyways.

"Joong Hee-shi. What's going on?" she asked. Before she knew it, he started kissing her as passionately as he'd ever done before. Stunned by the gesture, she broke the kiss right away.

"Are you crazy? We're in a public place! With a small group too" she said with some annoyance.

"Mi Young-ah. I can't help it. We've been in Italy for a few days now, and I feel like we haven't had a chance to really be intimate." With that, he kissed her again. Then, she stopped him again.

"Did you have too much wine? You're not thinking clearly. Besides, I really want to go see the vineyards"

"Mi Young-ah. I promise there will be plenty of time to see them. Can you just humor me for a few? Hmmm? It's not just anyone – it's your husband. Please?"

Realizing that she really couldn't say no to him again, she decided to give her impish husband the kiss he craved. Although it only lasted about a couple of minutes, the passion of their kiss truly reflected their loving marriage. It portended a much stronger bond for them as time moves on. Then, with hearts freshly filled, they strolled through the scenery hand in hand before they had to board the bus to end another fun filled day.

A new day brought a new stop for their Italian experience – Venice. They both felt extra excitement upon seeing the famed city on water. Once the bus arrived in Venice, they were trying to figure out what to see and do first. Ultimately, they just walked around and took in some amazing sights from this iconic city. Soon, they approached St. Mark's Square. They found a vendor selling bags of pigeon feed. So, they each paid him for a bag in order to feed the famous flying denizens of Venice. In turn, their own appetites were fueled, and they eventually came across a tiny restaurant that was tucked in next to one of Venice's bridges. With yet another fine Italian meal in their tummies, they strolled some more before they finally crossed off another item on the bucket list – the gondola ride. With perfect weather, amazing ambiance, and a happily singing gondolier, Joong Hee and Mi Young could be forgiven for thinking that they were dreaming. They knew that the experience was real when they shared another passionate kiss while resting comfortably in the boat. The ecstasy from their sweet soiree seemed to almost levitate them from the gondola back onto the bus to Rome.

They spent the last remaining days of the trip in Rome itself. At long last, they took the opportunity to visit the Coliseum and the Forum. They got goose bumps as they understood the historical significance of these landmarks. But, they also appreciated the beauty that both offered. With much to do and see, it's no wonder that Rome is nicknamed the "Eternal City".

As the last night of their trip arrived, they marveled at how quickly time flew. In short, they were really going to miss Italy.

"So, Mi Young-ah. How should we celebrate our last night here in Italy?"

"I'm not sure. Take a walk?"

"I've done more walking this week than I've done my entire life. How about something else?"

"Well, we already ate. So, I'm really not sure what else"

"Oh, I know. I've got it."

"What?"

He spread his arms out, but not for a hug. She immediately knew what he had in mind.

"Do we get any music?" she wondered aloud.

This moment reminded them of the first slow dance that they shared in his apartment a long time ago. Just like before, he took out his phone and found just the right tune for them to dance the night away.

Although Andrea Bocelli may not have been physically in his home country, his spirit certainly took hold of one particular Rome hotel room that night as one of his hit songs echoed through the air.

Svegliati amore mio, che la notte e' gia' passata
Svegliati vieni qua fra le mie mani, nasce il sole
Non pensare al passato, quanta nebbia see'e' la'
Stringimi e parlami ancora, e vedrai si rivivra'

Legami con I capelli il cuore
Tu mia onda scendi dentro me
Stringimi che ormai io sono il mare
Questo brivido ti sciogliera'

Although their honeymoon was coming to a close, Joong Hee and Mi Young knew that their love for each other remained stronger than ever. Their slow dance symbolized the importance of being with each other at that moment. Their future could wait. They knew that, when in Rome, you simply dance with love burning in your heart and not have a care in the world.

Legami con I capelli il cuore

Questo brivido ti sciogliera!

A/N: What do you think? Please keep the reviews coming!