Romantic Getaway: Cupid's Castle
Interview by Grace Sydney

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What nearby attractions or activities would you recommend to your guests looking for a romantic day trip?

I would suggest a balloon ride over the wineries, then later lunch at one of the wineries. On Sundays, some have jazz in the afternoon and you can have a picnic and relax and enjoy the music. Or you can go to Julien, a little western town about 1/2 hour from the castle. It is noted for its Apple Pie and Cinnamon Ice Cream, shopping, antiques, horsedrawn carriages, and buffalo burgers in a 50's diner. Wild animal park is also 1/2 hour away, or the beach. If you want to do San Diego, its about 1 hour away, as is Seaport Village, Old Town and more.

You have been blessed with a marriage that has lasted over forty years. What advice can you give to couples just beginning their lives together?

What was the glue that kept Teddy and I married for over 40 years? Well, when Teddy and I got married, my Aunt Parmy's advise was to never go to bed on an argument. She said "stay up till the problem is resolved". Believe me, in the last 44 years we have had some sleepless nights, but Teddy has a saying that at our age it is good advice, especially because it can be so exhausting, He says" Let's not argue! Let's save our energy to get up in the morning". We have found the humor in the silly things that start an argument and it's hard to be mad at each other when you're laughing.

Don't be controlling, give each other space to be themselves, use their creativity and be their own person. You must not lose who you are or the thing that you loved about each other in the beginning. Remember, you can not change a person. They have to change on their own. Of course, it does help if you can cook his favorite meal or dessert. It is true, about a way to a mans heart is his stomach, but there is also one other thing. Yes, it's good sex. You fill your man's belly and his fantasy, you got him forever. Men are pretty basic , good food and good sex. Now us women are more complicated,

Married 40 years, Cupid's Castle host and hostess Ted and Connie Vlasis photo courtesy Cupid's Castle

Men, Don't forget a Birthday or Anniversary , even if it's just a card and a lottery ticket, a flower you picked from the garden, giving her a massage or taking her out for dinner. There is no excuse. Many Teddy has forgotten, but there is always something you can do. I remember a birthday where Teddy and I took a walk on the beach together and he found a little white stone on the beach and handed it to me and said "Happy Birthday, sweetie" and handed me the little stone that was heart shaped. That meant more than a diamond to me.

Remember to grow together but to still be your own person, you will be so happy because you still have the freedom to be you.

Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about Cupid's Castle Bed and Breakfast?

What else can I tell you about Cupid's Castle? If you have the time, go to our site and read the story "O'Woman", book by Bea Fogleman-- a short story that Connie wrote and was in the book. It's a book about ordinary women who have accomplished a measure of success. It is inspiring and has brought many people to come to the castle.

Last but not least, Our saying is "The first time you come, your're guest, the second time you come you're family"

One of Connie's sayings, because she found herself wearing so many hats in a day is,

"I book them
I cook for them
I wed them
and I bed them"

One other thing, when we were preparing to open our B&B, a gentleman called and asked if we had a room. I told him we weren't open yet. He said he just needed a place to crash and he didn't care if we weren't ready, well we said ok, but we won't charge you . He showed up on the next night. It was in late Nov of 1999 . A tall 6'7" large man with a white beard. We got him comfortable in his room and next morning as I was fixing breakfast and I heard a bell jingling, I turned around from the kitchen sink and there he was dressed in a Santa suit. He way doing a benefit for an orphanage in Mexico. It was quite a shock, but I can say my first guest was Santa.

Next one night in December of the same year, a couple came to the door after we hung our sign, still not quite ready for business. It was night and they rang the bell, I went to the door and they asked me for a room. I told them that we weren't open yet, but they were so tired and there is no other place for them to go, so I agreed to let them stay. I had them sign the register and their names were --You guessed it!! Joseph and Mary. Oh my Gosh! I was shocked. I was the Innkeeper and I HAD a room for them. I jokingly asked them if she was pregnant. Who knows how history might have changed if I was the Innkeeper in Joseph's and Mary's time.

It just goes to show you how important a little Innkeeper can be. I feel so proud to be one and Teddy and I have created so many new friends and new family from this wonderful experience. It is truly a blessing and we are so grateful.

For More Information

Cupid's Castle
P.O.Box 580
Pauma Valley, Ca. 92061
Tel : 760-742-3306
Fax : 760-742-0279
www.cupidscastlebandb.com