Messengers Unaware

When Marion and Werner Sallani-ages seventy-eight and eighty-two, respectively-left their Southbury, Connecticut, home on September 4, 1996, for a backpacking trip across Europe destined to last a month, little did they expect what was in store for them or that there would be a mysterious hand guiding their steps as they lodged with family, friends and at intimate hotels.

Through it all, their journey was lovingly details in Marion's diary, providing a permanent record of their trip. Two things made their trip extraordinary, however. First, at every step of the way, Marion and Werner were assisted by helping "angels", human being seemingly directed by a higher power to aid them whenever the need arose. Indeed, the sense that there was a hidden purpose behind their visit was reinforced near the end of their journey, when Marion was afforded the opportunity of fulfilling the function of helping "angel" for another soul in need, and afterward when Werner was able to do so for Johnny's stepchildren.

The second thing that sets this chronicle apart is the fact that it is not merely a tale of adventure but also a romance. Having found each other late in life-after each of their 50-year respective first spouses had passed away-Marion and Werner were only married for a few short years when they embarked on their European jaunt, rendering their tale one of renewal and the promise of a second love.