For the Ladies of the Bored: More Advice Sought

Message

Fitzwilliam_Darcy · #1 Post by **Fitzwilliam_Darcy** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 7:58 pm

In my note of the 11th inst., I inquired of you (hypothetically) as to the hypothetical merit of a gentleman submitting a hypothetical proposal to his s intended on the anniversary of her nativity, as opposed to deferring such action to a later date, when he and his intended would be traveling abroad. The general consensus was to wait the additional few weeks.

Assuming, hypothetically, that the gentleman seeking to make the proposal wishes to maximize the romantic effect of his action (to wit, when the intended recalls the incident thirty years from now, she will still melt at the very thought of it, and she will still derive great amusement at being able to annoy her jealous friends by reminiscing about it), well, would you happen to have any thoughts as to the best time (or rather, place) wherein the gentleman might deliver the proposal?

The persons hypothetically involved have settled upon their itinerary. Their first destination will be Berlin, with a side trip to Potsdam (to visit Sans Souci, the palace of his late Majesty Frederick, King of Prussia). In Berlin, they will attend a performance of Turandot, a very unusual opera indeed, because in it, no one dies, except for the composer, who died before he finished it. After Berlin, they will travel to Quedlinburg (a well-preserved medieval town), and from thence to Leipzig, at whose university the celebrated composer, Mr. Karl Philip Emmanuel Bach, trained in law (you may recall that Mr. Bach's father, Johann Sebastian, was himself a very celebrated organist and conductor in Leipzig, and he even composed a few pieces, although of course his reputation as a composer pales next to that of his better-known son). After Leipzig, they will repair to Nurnburg, home of the engraver Albrecht Durer, then to Dinkelsbuhl, said to be the best preserved medieval town in Germany, and then on to Speyer. A few days later, after visiting the Roman remains in Trier, they will depart Germany for Belgium, first to visit Brussels (where they hope to visit the fields of Waterloo, where the Corsican Adventurer met his just denouement), and then Bruges. Upon leaving Belgium, they will journey to Paris, with a side trip to Versailles, whence they will return home.

If you were to undertake such an adventure, and if in the course of this adventure you were to receive a proposal of matrimony, might I enquire as to where you would most like to be propositioned?

One possibility is Berlin: while there, they will have occasion to spend time exchanging tender glances while walking along the Unter den Linden beneath the full moon (which, despite being the Harvest Moon, will no doubt be sick and pale with grief, that my Ms. Bennett art far more fair than she). Here is a scene along the Unter den Linden: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Berl ... ruecke.jpg

Dinkelsbuhl is delightfully medieval, but I fear that the name 'Dinkelsbuhl' does not have quite the most romantic ring to it (they will stay in this hotel in Dinkeslbuhl: http://www.deutsches-haus-dkb.de/ ).

In Bruges, they will spend some time venturing along the canals, basking in the medieval nature of that town as well (this is Bruges: http://goeurope.about.com/library/phot/bl_brugge_9.htm ).

Whilst fetching the crystalized bit of carbon that (hypothetically) the gentleman designed for Miss Bennet as a token of his non-hypothetical commitment, the jeweler asked where and when he intended to present it, and he mentioned that he was thinking of possibly doing this in Paris; her response was 'Oh! The Eiffel Tower! Every woman's dream!!!', but this seems a bit twee, and as I recall, Mr. Tom Cruise apparently used that venue to hire one of his wives, and in his pride the gentleman is rather prejudiced against following in that particular gentleman's footsteps. However, while en route to the Eiffel Tower from the hotel, the gentleman and Miss Bennett will be strolling along the Seine, where Miss Bennett will, as always, walk in beauty like the night, so I do not dismiss Paris entirely.

Your thoughts and comments please?

Your most obedient servant,

Darcy

Beebs52 · #2 Post by **Beebs52** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:03 pm

Do you need a personal assistant to carry the hypothetical jewel?

I'd still propose in Paris. Paris is so fine.

PlacentiaSoccerMom · #3 Post by **PlacentiaSoccerMom** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:03 pm

In Bruges, they will spend some time venturing along the canals, basking in the medieval nature of that town as well (this is Bruges: http://goeurope.about.com/library/phot/bl_brugge_9.htm ).

Have you seen the movie, In Bruges? Don't propose In Bruges!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chlo: There's never been a classic movie made in Bruges until now.
Ray: Of course there hasn't. It's a shithole.
Chlo: Bruges is my home town, Ray.
Ray: Well, it's still a shithole.
Chlo: It's not a shithole!
Ray: What? Even midgets have to take drugs to stick it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ray: After I killed him, I dropped the gun in the Thames, washed the residue off me hands in the bathroom of a Burger King, and walked home to await instructions. Shortly thereafter the instructions came through - "Get the fuck out of London, you dumb fucks. Get to Bruges." I didn't even know where Bruges fucking was.
[pause]
Ray: It's in Belgium.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ray: Bruges is a shithole.
Ken: Bruges *is* not a shithole.
Ray: Bruges *is* a shithole.
Ken: Ray, we only just got off the fucking train! Could we reserve judgement on Bruges until we've seen the fucking place?

dimmzy · #4 Post by **dimmzy** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:04 pm

Paris. No question. Good idea to skip the cliche spots.

Just think ... you come home. She calls her mother/sister/BFF and they squeal with delight, "OMG! You're engaged!!! Where did he propose?"

"Leipzig."

"God bless you."

"Bruges."

"Bruise? He bruised you? What happened?"

PlacentiaSoccerMom · #5 Post by **PlacentiaSoccerMom** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:05 pm

Maddie and I say no to the Eiffel Tower. That's where Tom proposed to Katie and would you want to be associated with Tom Cruise?

Beebs52 · #6 Post by **Beebs52** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:06 pm

You could always go to the Arc de Triomphe at 4 AM and watch the guard walk back and forth and do it there.

PlacentiaSoccerMom · #7 Post by **PlacentiaSoccerMom** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:10 pm

I vote for Berlin after the Opera.

There is a restaurant in Berlin called Hugos. They have a 360 degree view of the city.

http://www.hugos-restaurant.de/en/restaurant.php

silvercamaro · #8 Post by **silvercamaro** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:27 pm

My dear Mr. Darcy,

If your beloved is the kind of woman who will find greatest pleasure in impressing her family and friends with the retelling of the story of the proposal, then it is vital that the location be one of which said family and friends have heard, even if they are dolts, so they can be properly envious. That scenario demands Paris.

Not every woman would put a higher value on the retelling of the story than the personal memory of a precious, private moment shared with the man she loves, however. If she is that kind of woman, I would vote for the Schossbruecke under a full moon. That bridge with that moon reflected in that river will burn an image into her heart that can never be erased. This will offer a further advantage of enabling you to celebrate the engagement throughout your trip, rather than risking additional days of possible tension as she worries whether you're ever going to pop the question.

sunflower · #9 Post by **sunflower** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:00 pm

I would start by saying that I'm sure whatever you pick will be special and memorable.

I agree with the anti-Paris sentiments...Tom Cruise ruined it for me.

My vote is Versailles for 2 reasons. One, it is beautiful and you can do something special but understated. A picnic in the same place where Monet found inspiration...to me that is what France is all about. Two, it is at the end of the trip and I doubt by that point she will expect it at all and it can be a true surprise. If she has any inkling, I am guessing that after you leave the Eiffel Tower, she will no longer expect it and assume it is not happening on that trip. So what a nice surprise it would be!

KillerTomato · #10 Post by **KillerTomato** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:01 pm

I am, as you may know, not a lady. But my vote for an occasion such as this would be in France, but not in Paris (which you may recall from a previous posting in this establishment, I hated).

Versailles is most beautiful, and there are several locations (such as the gardens, or the Hall of Mirrors) which would serve your purpose in an exceptional manner.

If you do insist on Paris for some reason, I would suggest somewhere off the beaten path, such as (as I have mentioned before) the middle of the Pont Neuf, orthe Arc de Triomphe, or the Tuilleries, or some such place as that. Definitely NOT the Eiffel Tower.

I have recently seen "In Bruges," a fine, fine film, and one which has many locations that would suit your needs. But considering the nature of that film, if your new Elizabeth Bennet has seen the movie, it's probably not the best choice.

In summary, go with Versailles.

kayrharris · #11 Post by **kayrharris** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:15 pm

I have no advice, but I can't wait to hear "the rest of the story".

TheConfessor · #12 Post by **TheConfessor** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 11:03 pm

The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men gang aft agley.

Did it occur to you that all this hypothetical planning might be for naught? What if she has been having the same hypothetical thoughts? What if she asks you first? What would you say to her then? No?

To be safe, ask her now and get it over with. Then enjoy your vacation together, and live happily ever after.

Disclaimer:
I'm not qualified to answer. I'm just trying to be logical, and thinking outside the box. Whatever you do will be fine. Best wishes.

a1mamacat · #13 Post by **a1mamacat** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:00 am

and from thence to Leipzig, at whose university the celebrated composer, Mr. Karl Philip Emmanuel Bach, trained in law (you may recall that Mr. Bach's father, Johann Sebastian, was himself a very celebrated organist and conductor in Leipzig, and he even composed a few pieces, although of course his reputation as a composer pales next to that of his better-known son).

and also, the birthplace of Richard Wagner, who wrote the traditional Bridal March for the opera Lohengrin...

Hmmmm?????

Coinky dink? I think Not

hermillion · #14 Post by **hermillion** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:03 am

Oh, Ed, Ed, Ed. We're talking romance . . . sentiment . . . lifelong memories . . . making her friends swoon with envy.

Logic has absolutely nothing to do with it!

otherindigo · #15 Post by **otherindigo** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:08 am

*sigh*

Just *sigh*...the type of sigh when I see Buble'.

Evil Squirrel · #16 Post by **Evil Squirrel** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 6:18 am

otherindigo wrote:*sigh*

Just *sigh*...the type of sigh when I see Buble'.

*Sigh*

Spoiler

ulysses5019 · #17 Post by **ulysses5019** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:04 am

You should think about changing your wussy name.

PlacentiaSoccerMom · #18 Post by **PlacentiaSoccerMom** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 12:12 pm

ulysses5019 wrote:You should think about changing your wussy name.

Fitzwilliam is a fine name.

JBillyGirl · #19 Post by **JBillyGirl** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:10 pm

If you're thinking about Paris, I'd go for the apex of one of the bridges, at night. Everything is so beautifully lit along the Seine at night. I'd go for either the Pont Neuf (as KT mentioned) or the Pont Alexandre III, which is the most elaborate bridge with lots of romantic streetlights. If you're thinking of Versailles, I'd suggest going beside one of the fountains, also at night. There's something about the combination of light and water at nighttime that strikes me as exceptionally romantic, especially when surrounded by spectacular panoramic views.

It sounds like the two of you may have some medieval inclinations, so I suggest that if at all possible you do not miss two particular attractions there: Sainte-Chapelle, a spectacularly decorated Gothic church near Notre-Dame; and the Cluny Museum, which has the world-famous Unicorn Tapestries (the red ones, not the green ones at the Cloisters in NYC). I'm not sure if either would be an ideal place to propose.

I'm sure you'll find your own best way of popping the question, but I ran across this website for a company that seems to specialize in setting up just such a romantic situation (I know nothing about them):

http://www.apoteosurprise.com/indexEN.htm

I have no thoughts on Germany as I have never been there. Best of luck!

TheConfessor · #20 Post by **TheConfessor** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 3:49 pm

JBillyGirl wrote:If you're thinking about Paris, I'd go for the apex of one of the bridges, at night. Everything is so beautifully lit along the Seine at night.

If you opt for a bridge over the Seine, try not to drop the ring.

otherindigo · #21 Post by **otherindigo** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 4:52 pm

Evil Squirrel wrote:
otherindigo wrote:*sigh*

Just *sigh*...the type of sigh when I see Buble'.

*Sigh*

Spoiler

Bwahahaha... I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! It made me cry tears of laughter.

minimetoo26 · #22 Post by **minimetoo26** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 6:33 am

The total unromantic, practical female left on Earth (guilty! I mean, present!) says propose to her before the trip so you don't have to lug the ring through airport security where it can be stolen or pulled out for extra screening and the surprise will be lost.

I suppose that's because our stuff got stolen when we returned from our engagement trip, and if I had said no, the ring would have been a goner.

Just don't propose to her in the security line at the airport. Even I would think that was kinda weird.

Okay, my final vote is an abstention because I just don't get this kind of stuff...