Amorous Adventure Plus

[Finley Chopin]

TheRoman poet Gaius Petronius Arbiter (14-66) wrote this 20-volume novel, only fragments of which have survived. It depicts a witty, realistic and sometimes grotesque portrait of social conditions in first-century Rome at the time of the Roman Emperor Nero (37-68). The main character and narrator is an educated young man named Encolpius with a wide range of interests, who travels all over Lower Italy.

Between many erotic and amorous adventures with people of both sexes and many mischievous pranks, he also ends up in the coastal town of Puteoli (now Pozzuoli in Campania) on his journey. Here, together with his companion Giton, his friend Ascyltos and the rhetor Agamemnon, he attends a remarkable banquet organised by the nouveau riche and uneducated multi-billionaire Trimalchio (a wine merchant).

This episode, which became famous as the "Cena Trimalchionis", forms the main part of the fragments. It is also an excellent source for the typical food, drink and table manners of the upper classes of Rome in the early imperial period. The cena was the main meal of the day for the upper classes and took place in the late afternoon (beginning at 3 to 4 pm), usually after a visit to the baths. The passages on the banquet in question, with explanatory background information on the drinking culture of the time, were taken from a work by Christopher Daniel for the University of Erlangen, who kindly gave his permission for their use.

Water and wine played an important role in the everyday life of the Romans. The consumption of pure water was not customary at a cena (especially in wealthy circles), but was an essential part of every meal to dilute the wine. Wine was drunk at almost every meal (rarely at breakfast), but especially at the main meal. Light wine was enjoyed with appetisers (gustatio), preferably the very popular honey wine mulsum.

Wine was considered a staple food. Consumption was correspondingly high, with a daily amount of 0.8 to 1 litre per male and 0.5 litres per female inhabitant of Rome. Slaves were also entitled to this, although they certainly had to make do with simple quality. As a rule, this was a pomace wine known as iora.

wein.plus is a handy, efficient guide to a quick overview of the colourful world of wines, winegrowers and grape varieties. In Wine lexicon, the most comprehensive of its kind in the world, you will find around 26,000 keywords on the subject of grape varieties, wineries, wine-growing regions and much more.

Among the best ways to create intimacy is to experience something new together. Why not try a hot air balloon ride, for example? Rainbow Ryders offers nightly sunset rides that fly couples across the vibrant Sonoran Desert. The adventure finishes with sparkling wine for two.

Like OdySea, the Phoenix Zoo is considered by many a spot squarely for families. But in reality, it is the perfect outdoor oasis for couples looking to create new memories. The Premium Adventure, a fully custom and private experience, is ideal for those looking to go over the top. It features a 90-minute personalized tour, plus one premium encounter with a one-horned rhinoceros, flamingos, a giant anteater, elephants, stingrays, tortoises, or a group of reptiles.

Whether couples are seeking an adventure, a scenic table for two or a getaway complete with long walks on the beach and sunset picnics, Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort, has it covered for you and your special Valentine.

Starry-eyed guests can take advantage of an over-the-top romance package throughout the month of February that is complete with all the traditional amorous touches, and then choose from several romantic Cape Rey adventures to create a custom SoCal escape.

The 50-plus acres of flowers, highlighted by a miniature rose garden and special events, provide a full day of stellar photo-taking and fragrant touring. For the upcoming event schedule, visit www.theflowerfields.com.

Nestled on prime coastal property, the city has become well known in recent years for family-friendly LEGOLAND, but the amorous adventurers seek its natural beauty, highlighted by miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails and lagoons filled with migrating wildlife.

On-property amenities include the sea-inspired Ocean Crest Spa, an expansive, ocean view swimming pool with private cabanas and Chandler's Restaurant & Lounge, where guests can enjoy fresh, regional cuisine and those same stunning views.

For $79 per couple, the beach picnic includes a cheese and charcuterie appetizer, a selection of seasonal fruit, heirloom tomato and spinach salad, a Maine lobster roll, lamb lollipops and chocolate-covered strawberries and truffles for dessert.

Couples can also make a love connection while enjoying a nightcap at Chandler's Restaurant bar where a trio of romance-themed cocktails offers a passionate journey by the glass. The violet-colored Amethyst cocktail pays homage to February's birthstone and sparkles like one, too, thanks to a splash of Viniq liqueur, which is added to the combination of gin, pomegranate, lemon, mint and prosecco.

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