Italian Romance
Released: 19th December 2014
Chris Date Quest
Previous Chris Date Quest: Las Vegas Love
Next Chris Date Quest: Hometown Heartthrob
Chris Date Quest
Previous Chris Date Quest: Las Vegas Love
Next Chris Date Quest: Hometown Heartthrob
Main Characters / Extra Characters:
My Characters
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Requirements / Rewards
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Part 1
Chris: I want to take you on a romantic getaway. What do you say?
On the Friday before a long break, you get a phone call!
Danny: Hello?
Chris: Hey, Danny... I was thinking about you. I’d like to see you again.
Danny: Oh yeah?
Chris: Yeah. I know we haven’t spent that much time together, so I was hoping you’d come away with me for a longer trip. What do you say?
Danny: Yes, I’d love to! But wait... where exactly are we going?
Chris: I’ll give you one guess... it involves traveling around in gondolas, sampling the finest gelato, and strolling around piazzas in the evening...
Danny: We’re going to Italy?
Chris: We’re going to Italy!
Danny: I can be packed in an hour!
Chris: All right! I’ll see you in first-class!
You settle into the long plane flight, relaxing next to Chris in one of the sofa-like seats of first-class. A flight attendant hands you a warm towel.
Danny: Ooh, the VIP treatment! I could get used to traveling in high style... free champagne, fully-reclining cushy chairs, and a mini HDTV to watch the latest movies on! This is awesome! I can’t believe we’re going to Italy!
Chris: So... have you been before?
Danny: No, I’ve never been!
Chris: I hope I can show you a good time then...
Danny: I’m sure it’ll be wonderful. What about you? I guess you must have visited to film your movie. Have you returned since?
Chris: Of course. It’s a beautiful country. I love Italy, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you...
Danny: Where are we going?
Chris: We’ll start out adventuring in Rome, wind our way through the countryside of Tuscany, and end in at a Carnevale masquerade ball in Venice...
Danny: Ooh... very fancy. You really know how to make an impression.
Chris: Only for those I want to impress.
A flight attendant comes down the aisle, bearing some drinks. Chris hands you one and raises his glass to yours.
Chris: What should we toast to?
Danny: To us. In Italy.
Chris: To us in Italy!
Next, you’re offered a fancy dinner on a china plate with real silverware.
Danny: Bon appetite!
Chris: I think you mean, ‘buon appetito’!
Danny: Hee hee, so what do you say to dinner and a movie?
Chris: Of course...
You flip through your entertainment options on your individual TV.
Danny: Hey, they have a good movie selection here... ooh, and they even have a movie of yours I’ve never heard of! Il Turista Americano, a romantic Italian drama!
Chris: Oh, uh, yeah...
Danny: Huh, how come no one knows about it? I don’t even think it’s mentioned on your IMDB page.
Chris: It’s was only a limited release in American theaters. I imagine not very many people have seen it.
Danny: I want to. The description says it’s a ‘sizzling, modern love affair’. What do you say? Want to ‘sizzle’?
Chris: You don’t want to watch that. It’s entirely in Italian...
Danny: What better way to learn the language, than to watch you in a romantic comedy speaking it?
Chris: But Fireman: Inferno is a much more fun movie...
Danny: Okay, but only because you’re shirtless for half the movie.
Chris: Heh. To be honest, I kind of thought it was ridiculous how often they made me take my shirt off. I mean, do you think real firemen run around like that?
Danny: Can’t blame people for dreaming. Besides, Fireman: Inferno isn’t exactly a pillar of realism.
Chris: Point taken.
Rewards
Before you know it, the plane lands, and you and Chris wind up in the bustling, romantic city of Rome!
Danny: Here we go...
Chris: Are you ready?
Danny: Oh yeah! So where are we going first?
Chris: Thought we’d get a little history by starting out at the Colosseum...
Danny: Sounds perfect!
Part 2
Chris: First stop... let’s have an adventure in Rome!
In the heart of the city, you and Chris tour the Colosseum, Rome’s ancient amphitheater.
Danny: Whoa, this is huge! I can’t believe it. This is where gladiators actually fought? It’s crazy.
Chris: It’s almost unreal, isn’t it? And it’s been around for two-thousand years. It’s the world’s first football stadium and the ancient world’s largest stage.
Danny: A stage? Is that why you chose the Colosseum as our first stop?
Chris: Yeah, I can’t help but feel a little drawn to it. This was the ancient world’s beating heart, the source of drama, violence, life, and death...
Danny: Seems like being on stage would be rather tough back in the days...
Chris: True. They staged full-scale battles here and had gladiators and slaves battle hungry beasts like tigers and bears.
Danny: Whoa... crazy. You know a lot about Rome and its history, Chris.
Chris: What can I say? It’s fascinating.
As the sun sets, you and Chris find yourselves near the Trevi Fountain, a beautiful structure with marble statues lit by lanterns.
Chris: The water for these fountains comes in through the aqueducts throughout Rome. The Romans were marvelous engineers...
Chris hands you a coin.
Chris: Here. Tradition says that if you throw a coin in, you’re guaranteed to come back.
Danny: Only me?
Chris laughs and takes out a coin for himself. Together you throw them into the fountain.
Danny: Here’s to coming back again!
Before the coins splash into the water, Chris leans in and catches you for a breathless kiss.
Danny: ...
Chris: You ready for dinner?
Danny: Lead the way...
Time - 2 hours
Chris: Just a little farther...
Danny: Where are we even going? I’ve lost track.
Chris leads you down several narrow side streets until, at last, one of them opens onto a beautiful pizza, a square with lights and people.
Chris: One of the finest restaurants in Rome... ah, here we are!
Chris guides you into a small restaurant where delicious smells waft in the air. The restaurant owners greet you and Chris enthusiastically, speaking at both of you in rapid Italian.
Danny: Oh, we don’t speak--
Chris: It’s all right, Danny. I’ve got this...
Chris starts chatting right back. You hear the words ‘il turista’, but otherwise can’t follow. Eventually the owners escort you both to a table under a flowery archway.
Danny: Wow, I didn’t know that you spoke Italian!
Chris: I know a little.
Danny: ‘A little’? You’re practically fluent!
Chris: Most of it I learned for that film...
Danny: The restaurant owners seem to really like you... and is that your photo with them on the wall? How many times have you come here?
Chris: A lot. When I was filming here, the cast would grab lunch here. This is one of the finest restaurants in Rome. Their food is delicious.
Danny: Speaking of which... what should we get?
You open a menu.
Danny: Whoa, this is entirely in Italian! I don’t recognize anything on here...
Chris: Everything here is good. You can literally choose anything, and it’ll be the best Italian food you’ve ever had.
Danny: In that case, I’ll have the Grana Padano gnocchi.
Chris: I’ll have that too!
A few minutes later, a waitress delivers a platter of pasta dumplings in a white, creamy sauce.
Chris: Grana Padano gnocchi. Parmesan gnocchi... delicious soft dough dumplings!
Danny: Oh! This looks really delicious!
You and Chris dig in.
Danny: Mmmmm, it is really delicious. Wow...
Chris: I told you. Best restaurant in town.
Danny: Mmmm, yeah. All right. I’m convinced. You can choose all the restaurants from now on...
After the meal, you stop by a local sweets shop and buy scoops of gelato.
Danny: A sweet end to the perfect night.
Chris: Oh, I can think of something a little sweeter...
He leans in to kiss you.
Rewards
The next morning, you pack up your bags and meet Chris in the lobby of your hotel.
Danny: So where to next on this whirlwind trip through Italy?
Chris: We’re driving a car through Tuscany!
Part 3
Chris: Let’s have a toast in Tuscany!
Chris takes the wheel and drives you away from the city into Tuscany, the wine country of Italy.
Danny: I didn’t realize how green the Italian countryside is...
Chris: It’s a real shock coming from L.A. where everything’s hot and dry, isn’t it? This is definitely one of the things I missed about Italy.
Danny: Did you stay here for long?
Chris: Uh, I lived in Italy for a while. For the movie.
Danny: Right. And I still haven’t even seen it!
Chris: Maybe later...
The car winds its way past several vineyards. At last, Chris pulls into a gravelly driveway, past long rows of grapes, and towards a stone farmhouse!
Danny: Where are we?
Chris: You’ll see...
Time - 3 hours
Chris pulls into the driveway of a large, stone farmhouse.
Chris: Welcome to La Vecchia Fattoria, or The Old Farmhouse. I hope you’ll like it.
You and Chris walk inside to a charming kitchen. An older Italian woman spots you and yells, ‘Il Turista!’ She kisses Chris on both his cheeks!
Chris: Buongiorno, Tiziana!
She talks to him in excited Italian, gesturing for you to come inside.
Danny: What’s she saying?
Chris: She says she missed me, and out tasting today is free.
Danny: People must really like your movie...
Chris: Uh, actually... I’ve kind of gotten to know Tiziana and the whole family here. I come here pretty often to get away from the hustle and bustle of L.A.
Tiziana ushers you into a wine tasting room where large overturned barrels act as cocktail tables. She brings too empty wine glasses out for you.
Chris: La Vecchia Fattoria has the best Italian wines and chocolate in the area. What do you want to sample?
Danny: Something non-alcoholic.
Tiziana pours you a bright orange drink.
Danny: What is this?
Chris: She says it’s a blood orange spritzer. A little blood orange juice and sweetened soda water.
You and Chris try it.
Chris: Hmm, I’d say crisp with hints of blood orange and a fizzy mouthefeel.
Danny: Ha ha. Any other tasting notes?
Chris: It’s refreshingly perfect?
Danny: Ha ha, I agree. Cheers!
Chris: Here’s the thing. It doesn’t really matter what you’re toasting with... What matters is what you’re toasting to and who you’re toasting with. I can’t imagine better company, so we’ve got that covered. But what should we toast to?
Danny: Hmm... let’s toast to Italy!
Chris: I knew you’d love Italy as much as I do! Cheers!
As you finish off your drinks, Tiziana comes back with a tray of items dipped in chocolate.
Chris: And now for the dessert portion of our afternoon...
Danny: Mmmmm, I’m so excited...
Chris: Here, try this...
Chris holds a strawberry covered with chocolate for you. You nibble at it.
Danny: Yum!
Rewards
The next day, you arrive in Venice, You and Chris walk alongside the bustling Grand Canal, the main waterway of the city.
Danny: This city is so magical. It actually looks like it’s floating on the water! How do people get around?
Chris: Boats. Bridges. There are four hundred bridges on the island.
Danny: And I want to cross every one of them! But first... look over there! I see gondolas!
Chris: Want to ride in one?
Danny: Of course! It’s tradition!
Chris: Tradition?
Danny: A tradition I’m making up right now. Come on, I see a beautiful gondola over there! My treat!
Part 4
Danny: Nothing says romance like Venice in a gondola...
You lead Chris over to a gold and black gondola. Paying the gondolier, you and Chris step into the narrow boat. The two of you relax against a heart-shaped divan.
Danny: Hee hee...
Your gondolier pushes off from the docks and into the quiet side canals. He begins to sing in a rich tenor as you lean your head against Chris’ shoulder.
Danny: It’s wonderful, but I have no idea what he’s singing.
Chris: I can tell you...
Chris sings in your ear.
Chris: When I have sailed far away... I know you’ll always be at my side... My heart, my heart, my heart... will always want to be with yours...
You lean your head against Chris’ shoulder, as the boat sways through the canals of Venice. Eventually, you come back to the docks.
Chris: What did you think?
Danny: That was... that was...
Chris: Cliche and silly?
Danny: No. It was perfect.
After the gondola ride, you and Chris catch your breath in San Marco Piazza, a large, central square.
Danny: I didn’t realize there’d be so many people around.
Chris: It is Carnevale.
Danny: Speaking of which... I packed something formal for the ball, but I don’t have a mask.
Chris: Sounds like we need to visit a maskmaker...
You and Chris wind through the small alleyways of Venice until you come across Mulini’s Masks. Inside, masks of all colors and shapes hang from the walls.
Danny: This is both really cool and really creepy...
Chris: Ha ha, yeah. Any mask catch your eye? You could go lavish with this one...
Chris pulls down a mask rimmed with gold and sparkling with diamonds.
Danny: Ooh, this feathered one is pretty unique.
You pull down a bird mask with bright orange and red feathers on it.
Chris: There’s always the plague doctor mask.
Danny: Plague doctor?
Chris: It was said to keep the plague away. Probably because of its gigantic nose!
Danny: The feathered mask.
Chris: It’s flamboyant. Perfect for you.
Danny: Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?
Chris: You’re attractive and stand out in a crowd?
Danny: Aww, thank you.
Rewards
You and Chris shop around Venice, looking at Murano glass and antique books. Eventually, you wind up in front of a theater.
Danny: Oh, wow, Chris! Look! They’re playing your movie! Il Turista Americano!
Chris: What?
Danny: We have to watch it...
Chris: Are you sure? We have beautiful Venice awaiting us...
Danny: And you on screen is very interesting to me! Come on, Chris! If you won’t go, I’ll go by myself...
Chris: I guess I can’t have that...
Reluctantly, Chris offers you his arm, and you walk inside.
Part 5
Danny: I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer. We’re going to see your foreign movie!
Inside, you sit down as the movie starts. The opening credits roll with Chris arriving in Rome, wearing an explorer’s outfit.
Danny: Ooh, you’re so cute!
Chris’ romantic lead comes onscreen. She’s a widowed winemaker, dressed in mourning black.
Danny: Whoa, your co-star is stunning!
Chris: I guess...
Twenty minutes into the movie, you lean into Chris.
Danny: Aww... I see where this is going... you’re falling in love with her and Italy!
Chris: Uh-huh...
Time - 30 minutes
The movie ends with a passionate kiss between Chris and his co-star. You and Chris walk outside the theater.
Danny: That was really good. I didn’t understand all of it, but you were amazing! Your chemistry with the other actress... what’s her name?
Chris: Sofia Morena.
Danny: Yeah, it was really good. You two looked so in love! I know you’re a good actor, but it was hard to tell that it wasn’t the real thing...
Chris: ...
Danny: Don’t tell me you and Sofia had this wild, off-screen romance...
Chris: Uh, well, that is...
Danny: Co-stars date. It happens. I get it. Look at what happened to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt...
Chris: Actually, I married her.
Danny: ...wait, what?
Chris: Sofia was my first wife. We met through the movie, and we fell in love. We had a whirlwind romance and married.
Danny: For how long?
Chris: A year... it’s why I’m so familiar with Italy. We lived in Rome and traveled the country extensively to Tuscany and Venice.
Danny: But... but... how haven’t I heard anyone talking about her and your marriage?
Chris: This was before I got big. By the time my first American film blew up, reporting on an old marriage was old news.
You contemplate Chris’ words.
Chris: Danny, say something.
Danny: I’m out of here. There’s nothing to say, Chris!
You throw several of your shopping bags at Chris and stalk away, clearing groups of pigeons as you stomp past!
Chris: Whoa, wait!
Chris scrambles after you, bags clumsily in tow.
Chris: Danny...
Danny: I don’t want to talk to you anymore! I’m going back to the hotel!
Rewards
In your hotel room later that evening... You’re looking at the bed, staring at the feathered mask you bought for Carnevale...
Danny: Unh, what a mess... I’m not sure what I’m going to do when I see him again.
...when there’s a knock at your door. You answer it. Chris stands outside, dressed to the nines.
Chris: Hi. Look, I know that there’s still some... some hurt feelings between us right now, but hear me out. I don’t want you to miss the masquerade at Carnevale. It’s special and entirely something else, and I think you’d love it. I don’t want you to miss it because of me. Please?
Part 6
Chris: So... about Carnevale...
You’re whisked away into an ornate ballroom decorated in opulent gold and bright colors. People whirl around to a serene waltz.
Danny: This is beautiful... everyone really dresses up for it. I feel like I’m in another time.
Chris: May I have this dance?
Chris takes you out on the dance floor. As you twirl in time to the music...
Chris: Look, I want to apologize for this afternoon and not telling you about my ex. I didn’t want to hide it from you. Yes, I met my first wife in Italy. And as a result of our relationship, I spent a lot of time here. But I love Italy. I fell in love with Italy. Even after I divorced Sofia, I still came here frequently. When I brought you here, I wasn’t trying to relive the good old days between me and my ex. I was excited to make new memories with you. And my marriage wasn’t the fantasy that you saw in the movie. At the end of the day, when we were done filming, when the mask came off, Sofia wasn’t the right one for me.
Danny: How did you know?
Chris: I noticed little things at first. She was rude to the waitresses. She never asked me anything about myself. She criticized everything I wanted to do. The first time we were in a gondola, I was so excited to be experiencing Italy. I couldn’t believe I’d traveled halfway around the world! But Sofia complained the entire time... about everything. About how gaudy and cliche it all was... about how I was stupid for wanting to do such a tourist thing.
Danny: And that’s how you knew she wasn’t your soul mate?
Chris: Even though gondolas are a tourist attraction, they’re still part of the culture, the city. You and I both managed to find the charm in it. And of course, I didn’t end things with Sofia because of her taste in gondolas. That was a small moment, Danny, but it was one of many. Sofia was a bitter soul. She couldn’t find joy in anything. Not like you. We always have fun, whether we’re running from the paparazzi or jet-setting off to Italy. You’re the one I want to be with. Can you take a chance on me?
Danny: ...yes.
You and Chris enjoy the rest of Carnevale. You watch people in boats glide down the canal...
Danny: Whoa, look at that one boat over there! They’re all dressed as birds!
Chris: I like the boat over there with all of them rowing in rhythm...
You watch the local costume contest...
Chris: These costumes are incredible. Did you see the man dressed like a gondola?
Danny: Wow, that guy is really committed! Who do you think is going to win? I’m betting on the angel of death over there with the gauzy black headdress and the working silver wings.
Chris: If I had to guess, I’d say the harlequin with the lion’s mask juggling fire!
Danny: Impressive!
And at last, you stand on a Venetian bridge, watching fireworks.
Danny: Just beautiful.
Chris: Yes, you are...
He draws you close, and you swat at him playfully.
Danny: You’re such a flirt!
Chris: But hopefully a cute one, right?
Danny: I suppose...
You and Chris kiss as a firework blazes behind you!
Rewards
The next day on your way to the airport...
Danny: I can’t believe we’re already heading back. That went so fast.
Chris: Time flies when you’re having fun. Danny, when we get back...
Danny: Yes?
Chris: I’ll be working on another film, but maybe in between... can I call you again?
Danny: Yes!
Chris: I want to take you on a romantic getaway. What do you say?
- Date
- Spend 50 Diamonds
On the Friday before a long break, you get a phone call!
Danny: Hello?
Chris: Hey, Danny... I was thinking about you. I’d like to see you again.
Danny: Oh yeah?
Chris: Yeah. I know we haven’t spent that much time together, so I was hoping you’d come away with me for a longer trip. What do you say?
Danny: Yes, I’d love to! But wait... where exactly are we going?
Chris: I’ll give you one guess... it involves traveling around in gondolas, sampling the finest gelato, and strolling around piazzas in the evening...
Danny: We’re going to Italy?
Chris: We’re going to Italy!
Danny: I can be packed in an hour!
Chris: All right! I’ll see you in first-class!
You settle into the long plane flight, relaxing next to Chris in one of the sofa-like seats of first-class. A flight attendant hands you a warm towel.
Danny: Ooh, the VIP treatment! I could get used to traveling in high style... free champagne, fully-reclining cushy chairs, and a mini HDTV to watch the latest movies on! This is awesome! I can’t believe we’re going to Italy!
Chris: So... have you been before?
Danny: No, I’ve never been!
Chris: I hope I can show you a good time then...
Danny: I’m sure it’ll be wonderful. What about you? I guess you must have visited to film your movie. Have you returned since?
Chris: Of course. It’s a beautiful country. I love Italy, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you...
Danny: Where are we going?
Chris: We’ll start out adventuring in Rome, wind our way through the countryside of Tuscany, and end in at a Carnevale masquerade ball in Venice...
Danny: Ooh... very fancy. You really know how to make an impression.
Chris: Only for those I want to impress.
A flight attendant comes down the aisle, bearing some drinks. Chris hands you one and raises his glass to yours.
Chris: What should we toast to?
Danny: To us. In Italy.
Chris: To us in Italy!
Next, you’re offered a fancy dinner on a china plate with real silverware.
Danny: Bon appetite!
Chris: I think you mean, ‘buon appetito’!
Danny: Hee hee, so what do you say to dinner and a movie?
Chris: Of course...
You flip through your entertainment options on your individual TV.
Danny: Hey, they have a good movie selection here... ooh, and they even have a movie of yours I’ve never heard of! Il Turista Americano, a romantic Italian drama!
Chris: Oh, uh, yeah...
Danny: Huh, how come no one knows about it? I don’t even think it’s mentioned on your IMDB page.
Chris: It’s was only a limited release in American theaters. I imagine not very many people have seen it.
Danny: I want to. The description says it’s a ‘sizzling, modern love affair’. What do you say? Want to ‘sizzle’?
Chris: You don’t want to watch that. It’s entirely in Italian...
Danny: What better way to learn the language, than to watch you in a romantic comedy speaking it?
Chris: But Fireman: Inferno is a much more fun movie...
Danny: Okay, but only because you’re shirtless for half the movie.
Chris: Heh. To be honest, I kind of thought it was ridiculous how often they made me take my shirt off. I mean, do you think real firemen run around like that?
Danny: Can’t blame people for dreaming. Besides, Fireman: Inferno isn’t exactly a pillar of realism.
Chris: Point taken.
Rewards
- none
Before you know it, the plane lands, and you and Chris wind up in the bustling, romantic city of Rome!
Danny: Here we go...
Chris: Are you ready?
Danny: Oh yeah! So where are we going first?
Chris: Thought we’d get a little history by starting out at the Colosseum...
Danny: Sounds perfect!
Part 2
Chris: First stop... let’s have an adventure in Rome!
- Danny
In the heart of the city, you and Chris tour the Colosseum, Rome’s ancient amphitheater.
Danny: Whoa, this is huge! I can’t believe it. This is where gladiators actually fought? It’s crazy.
Chris: It’s almost unreal, isn’t it? And it’s been around for two-thousand years. It’s the world’s first football stadium and the ancient world’s largest stage.
Danny: A stage? Is that why you chose the Colosseum as our first stop?
Chris: Yeah, I can’t help but feel a little drawn to it. This was the ancient world’s beating heart, the source of drama, violence, life, and death...
Danny: Seems like being on stage would be rather tough back in the days...
Chris: True. They staged full-scale battles here and had gladiators and slaves battle hungry beasts like tigers and bears.
Danny: Whoa... crazy. You know a lot about Rome and its history, Chris.
Chris: What can I say? It’s fascinating.
As the sun sets, you and Chris find yourselves near the Trevi Fountain, a beautiful structure with marble statues lit by lanterns.
Chris: The water for these fountains comes in through the aqueducts throughout Rome. The Romans were marvelous engineers...
Chris hands you a coin.
Chris: Here. Tradition says that if you throw a coin in, you’re guaranteed to come back.
Danny: Only me?
Chris laughs and takes out a coin for himself. Together you throw them into the fountain.
Danny: Here’s to coming back again!
Before the coins splash into the water, Chris leans in and catches you for a breathless kiss.
Danny: ...
Chris: You ready for dinner?
Danny: Lead the way...
Time - 2 hours
Chris: Just a little farther...
Danny: Where are we even going? I’ve lost track.
Chris leads you down several narrow side streets until, at last, one of them opens onto a beautiful pizza, a square with lights and people.
Chris: One of the finest restaurants in Rome... ah, here we are!
Chris guides you into a small restaurant where delicious smells waft in the air. The restaurant owners greet you and Chris enthusiastically, speaking at both of you in rapid Italian.
Danny: Oh, we don’t speak--
Chris: It’s all right, Danny. I’ve got this...
Chris starts chatting right back. You hear the words ‘il turista’, but otherwise can’t follow. Eventually the owners escort you both to a table under a flowery archway.
Danny: Wow, I didn’t know that you spoke Italian!
Chris: I know a little.
Danny: ‘A little’? You’re practically fluent!
Chris: Most of it I learned for that film...
Danny: The restaurant owners seem to really like you... and is that your photo with them on the wall? How many times have you come here?
Chris: A lot. When I was filming here, the cast would grab lunch here. This is one of the finest restaurants in Rome. Their food is delicious.
Danny: Speaking of which... what should we get?
You open a menu.
Danny: Whoa, this is entirely in Italian! I don’t recognize anything on here...
Chris: Everything here is good. You can literally choose anything, and it’ll be the best Italian food you’ve ever had.
Danny: In that case, I’ll have the Grana Padano gnocchi.
Chris: I’ll have that too!
A few minutes later, a waitress delivers a platter of pasta dumplings in a white, creamy sauce.
Chris: Grana Padano gnocchi. Parmesan gnocchi... delicious soft dough dumplings!
Danny: Oh! This looks really delicious!
You and Chris dig in.
Danny: Mmmmm, it is really delicious. Wow...
Chris: I told you. Best restaurant in town.
Danny: Mmmm, yeah. All right. I’m convinced. You can choose all the restaurants from now on...
After the meal, you stop by a local sweets shop and buy scoops of gelato.
Danny: A sweet end to the perfect night.
Chris: Oh, I can think of something a little sweeter...
He leans in to kiss you.
Rewards
- 25 Cash
The next morning, you pack up your bags and meet Chris in the lobby of your hotel.
Danny: So where to next on this whirlwind trip through Italy?
Chris: We’re driving a car through Tuscany!
Part 3
Chris: Let’s have a toast in Tuscany!
- Danny
Chris takes the wheel and drives you away from the city into Tuscany, the wine country of Italy.
Danny: I didn’t realize how green the Italian countryside is...
Chris: It’s a real shock coming from L.A. where everything’s hot and dry, isn’t it? This is definitely one of the things I missed about Italy.
Danny: Did you stay here for long?
Chris: Uh, I lived in Italy for a while. For the movie.
Danny: Right. And I still haven’t even seen it!
Chris: Maybe later...
The car winds its way past several vineyards. At last, Chris pulls into a gravelly driveway, past long rows of grapes, and towards a stone farmhouse!
Danny: Where are we?
Chris: You’ll see...
Time - 3 hours
Chris pulls into the driveway of a large, stone farmhouse.
Chris: Welcome to La Vecchia Fattoria, or The Old Farmhouse. I hope you’ll like it.
You and Chris walk inside to a charming kitchen. An older Italian woman spots you and yells, ‘Il Turista!’ She kisses Chris on both his cheeks!
Chris: Buongiorno, Tiziana!
She talks to him in excited Italian, gesturing for you to come inside.
Danny: What’s she saying?
Chris: She says she missed me, and out tasting today is free.
Danny: People must really like your movie...
Chris: Uh, actually... I’ve kind of gotten to know Tiziana and the whole family here. I come here pretty often to get away from the hustle and bustle of L.A.
Tiziana ushers you into a wine tasting room where large overturned barrels act as cocktail tables. She brings too empty wine glasses out for you.
Chris: La Vecchia Fattoria has the best Italian wines and chocolate in the area. What do you want to sample?
Danny: Something non-alcoholic.
Tiziana pours you a bright orange drink.
Danny: What is this?
Chris: She says it’s a blood orange spritzer. A little blood orange juice and sweetened soda water.
You and Chris try it.
Chris: Hmm, I’d say crisp with hints of blood orange and a fizzy mouthefeel.
Danny: Ha ha. Any other tasting notes?
Chris: It’s refreshingly perfect?
Danny: Ha ha, I agree. Cheers!
Chris: Here’s the thing. It doesn’t really matter what you’re toasting with... What matters is what you’re toasting to and who you’re toasting with. I can’t imagine better company, so we’ve got that covered. But what should we toast to?
Danny: Hmm... let’s toast to Italy!
Chris: I knew you’d love Italy as much as I do! Cheers!
As you finish off your drinks, Tiziana comes back with a tray of items dipped in chocolate.
Chris: And now for the dessert portion of our afternoon...
Danny: Mmmmm, I’m so excited...
Chris: Here, try this...
Chris holds a strawberry covered with chocolate for you. You nibble at it.
Danny: Yum!
Rewards
- 25 Cash
The next day, you arrive in Venice, You and Chris walk alongside the bustling Grand Canal, the main waterway of the city.
Danny: This city is so magical. It actually looks like it’s floating on the water! How do people get around?
Chris: Boats. Bridges. There are four hundred bridges on the island.
Danny: And I want to cross every one of them! But first... look over there! I see gondolas!
Chris: Want to ride in one?
Danny: Of course! It’s tradition!
Chris: Tradition?
Danny: A tradition I’m making up right now. Come on, I see a beautiful gondola over there! My treat!
Part 4
Danny: Nothing says romance like Venice in a gondola...
- Gondola!
- Spend 100 Cash
You lead Chris over to a gold and black gondola. Paying the gondolier, you and Chris step into the narrow boat. The two of you relax against a heart-shaped divan.
Danny: Hee hee...
Your gondolier pushes off from the docks and into the quiet side canals. He begins to sing in a rich tenor as you lean your head against Chris’ shoulder.
Danny: It’s wonderful, but I have no idea what he’s singing.
Chris: I can tell you...
Chris sings in your ear.
Chris: When I have sailed far away... I know you’ll always be at my side... My heart, my heart, my heart... will always want to be with yours...
You lean your head against Chris’ shoulder, as the boat sways through the canals of Venice. Eventually, you come back to the docks.
Chris: What did you think?
Danny: That was... that was...
Chris: Cliche and silly?
Danny: No. It was perfect.
After the gondola ride, you and Chris catch your breath in San Marco Piazza, a large, central square.
Danny: I didn’t realize there’d be so many people around.
Chris: It is Carnevale.
Danny: Speaking of which... I packed something formal for the ball, but I don’t have a mask.
Chris: Sounds like we need to visit a maskmaker...
You and Chris wind through the small alleyways of Venice until you come across Mulini’s Masks. Inside, masks of all colors and shapes hang from the walls.
Danny: This is both really cool and really creepy...
Chris: Ha ha, yeah. Any mask catch your eye? You could go lavish with this one...
Chris pulls down a mask rimmed with gold and sparkling with diamonds.
Danny: Ooh, this feathered one is pretty unique.
You pull down a bird mask with bright orange and red feathers on it.
Chris: There’s always the plague doctor mask.
Danny: Plague doctor?
Chris: It was said to keep the plague away. Probably because of its gigantic nose!
Danny: The feathered mask.
Chris: It’s flamboyant. Perfect for you.
Danny: Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?
Chris: You’re attractive and stand out in a crowd?
Danny: Aww, thank you.
Rewards
- none
You and Chris shop around Venice, looking at Murano glass and antique books. Eventually, you wind up in front of a theater.
Danny: Oh, wow, Chris! Look! They’re playing your movie! Il Turista Americano!
Chris: What?
Danny: We have to watch it...
Chris: Are you sure? We have beautiful Venice awaiting us...
Danny: And you on screen is very interesting to me! Come on, Chris! If you won’t go, I’ll go by myself...
Chris: I guess I can’t have that...
Reluctantly, Chris offers you his arm, and you walk inside.
Part 5
Danny: I’m not taking ‘no’ for an answer. We’re going to see your foreign movie!
- Danny
Inside, you sit down as the movie starts. The opening credits roll with Chris arriving in Rome, wearing an explorer’s outfit.
Danny: Ooh, you’re so cute!
Chris’ romantic lead comes onscreen. She’s a widowed winemaker, dressed in mourning black.
Danny: Whoa, your co-star is stunning!
Chris: I guess...
Twenty minutes into the movie, you lean into Chris.
Danny: Aww... I see where this is going... you’re falling in love with her and Italy!
Chris: Uh-huh...
Time - 30 minutes
The movie ends with a passionate kiss between Chris and his co-star. You and Chris walk outside the theater.
Danny: That was really good. I didn’t understand all of it, but you were amazing! Your chemistry with the other actress... what’s her name?
Chris: Sofia Morena.
Danny: Yeah, it was really good. You two looked so in love! I know you’re a good actor, but it was hard to tell that it wasn’t the real thing...
Chris: ...
Danny: Don’t tell me you and Sofia had this wild, off-screen romance...
Chris: Uh, well, that is...
Danny: Co-stars date. It happens. I get it. Look at what happened to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt...
Chris: Actually, I married her.
Danny: ...wait, what?
Chris: Sofia was my first wife. We met through the movie, and we fell in love. We had a whirlwind romance and married.
Danny: For how long?
Chris: A year... it’s why I’m so familiar with Italy. We lived in Rome and traveled the country extensively to Tuscany and Venice.
Danny: But... but... how haven’t I heard anyone talking about her and your marriage?
Chris: This was before I got big. By the time my first American film blew up, reporting on an old marriage was old news.
You contemplate Chris’ words.
Chris: Danny, say something.
Danny: I’m out of here. There’s nothing to say, Chris!
You throw several of your shopping bags at Chris and stalk away, clearing groups of pigeons as you stomp past!
Chris: Whoa, wait!
Chris scrambles after you, bags clumsily in tow.
Chris: Danny...
Danny: I don’t want to talk to you anymore! I’m going back to the hotel!
Rewards
- 25 Cash
In your hotel room later that evening... You’re looking at the bed, staring at the feathered mask you bought for Carnevale...
Danny: Unh, what a mess... I’m not sure what I’m going to do when I see him again.
...when there’s a knock at your door. You answer it. Chris stands outside, dressed to the nines.
Chris: Hi. Look, I know that there’s still some... some hurt feelings between us right now, but hear me out. I don’t want you to miss the masquerade at Carnevale. It’s special and entirely something else, and I think you’d love it. I don’t want you to miss it because of me. Please?
Part 6
Chris: So... about Carnevale...
- Carnevale!
- Have Danny wearing a Fade to Black Outfit
You’re whisked away into an ornate ballroom decorated in opulent gold and bright colors. People whirl around to a serene waltz.
Danny: This is beautiful... everyone really dresses up for it. I feel like I’m in another time.
Chris: May I have this dance?
Chris takes you out on the dance floor. As you twirl in time to the music...
Chris: Look, I want to apologize for this afternoon and not telling you about my ex. I didn’t want to hide it from you. Yes, I met my first wife in Italy. And as a result of our relationship, I spent a lot of time here. But I love Italy. I fell in love with Italy. Even after I divorced Sofia, I still came here frequently. When I brought you here, I wasn’t trying to relive the good old days between me and my ex. I was excited to make new memories with you. And my marriage wasn’t the fantasy that you saw in the movie. At the end of the day, when we were done filming, when the mask came off, Sofia wasn’t the right one for me.
Danny: How did you know?
Chris: I noticed little things at first. She was rude to the waitresses. She never asked me anything about myself. She criticized everything I wanted to do. The first time we were in a gondola, I was so excited to be experiencing Italy. I couldn’t believe I’d traveled halfway around the world! But Sofia complained the entire time... about everything. About how gaudy and cliche it all was... about how I was stupid for wanting to do such a tourist thing.
Danny: And that’s how you knew she wasn’t your soul mate?
Chris: Even though gondolas are a tourist attraction, they’re still part of the culture, the city. You and I both managed to find the charm in it. And of course, I didn’t end things with Sofia because of her taste in gondolas. That was a small moment, Danny, but it was one of many. Sofia was a bitter soul. She couldn’t find joy in anything. Not like you. We always have fun, whether we’re running from the paparazzi or jet-setting off to Italy. You’re the one I want to be with. Can you take a chance on me?
Danny: ...yes.
You and Chris enjoy the rest of Carnevale. You watch people in boats glide down the canal...
Danny: Whoa, look at that one boat over there! They’re all dressed as birds!
Chris: I like the boat over there with all of them rowing in rhythm...
You watch the local costume contest...
Chris: These costumes are incredible. Did you see the man dressed like a gondola?
Danny: Wow, that guy is really committed! Who do you think is going to win? I’m betting on the angel of death over there with the gauzy black headdress and the working silver wings.
Chris: If I had to guess, I’d say the harlequin with the lion’s mask juggling fire!
Danny: Impressive!
And at last, you stand on a Venetian bridge, watching fireworks.
Danny: Just beautiful.
Chris: Yes, you are...
He draws you close, and you swat at him playfully.
Danny: You’re such a flirt!
Chris: But hopefully a cute one, right?
Danny: I suppose...
You and Chris kiss as a firework blazes behind you!
Rewards
- none
The next day on your way to the airport...
Danny: I can’t believe we’re already heading back. That went so fast.
Chris: Time flies when you’re having fun. Danny, when we get back...
Danny: Yes?
Chris: I’ll be working on another film, but maybe in between... can I call you again?
Danny: Yes!