The Nanda Inn

Two blocks down the cobblestone street from the train station sits the Nanda Inn. The tables outside were busy with the lunchtime crowd engaging in a variety of topics of conversation. The inside was equally packed with patrons. Waitresses carrying food orders and drinks hurried between tables both delivering and taking orders for the restaurant.

A woman's voice rose over the din. "Sorry we don't have any tables at the moment. Um sir----madam we're full to capacity for lunch." It took Theo and I a moment to realize these comments were directed at us and another moment to realize where they came from. A small pleasant looking older woman with light grey hair worn in a tight bun wearing a pair of oval shaped eyeglasses and a long pink floral print dress with worn brown leather shoes working a hostess stand.

Theo answered her." Oh my apologies madam I hadn't realized you were speaking to us. We wish for accommodations for the evening and I would like to enquire about vacancies." She smiles and directs us to check in counter.

So we walk across the grey and white tiled floor to the large mahogany check in counter. In stark contrast to the dining room there is no one at the counter with the exception of an impeccably dressed elderly gentleman working behind it.

"Top of the -- ah -- well midday to ya! What can I do for ya youngsters." He looks out the window before continuing. "On this fine sunshine day. Why not a cloud in the sky." I let Theo do the talking. "We're looking for a room for the evening, a single bed made for two." He nods and winks at Theo." Ah yes sir a room for two, yes I was young once sir say no more." He directs his next comments in a hushed tone." She's quite a beauty she is you lucky dog ya." Than he addresses both of us. "We have a lovely room on the second floor, window overlooking the lake in back. Nice big bed, Ideal for the old in and out. All for the low price of fifteen dinaris."

Theo pays him then he comes out from behind the counter and escorts us to the room. I must say he sure is spry for a man of his apparent years.

The room is tidy and clean. With a hard wood floor and shiplap paneling on the walls. There's a small table with a silver tray of fresh fruit and a pitcher of citrus juice and some glass cups alongside two small wooden chairs. Small endtables with oil lamps flank the large bed.

After the man leaves Theo and I drop our bags by the brass queen size bed and walk to the window. The view is everything the innkeeper said it is. A lovely lake with a small pier with wild grass and a variety of flowers on the shore.

A perfect setting for a romantic encounter.