Travel
Steep hills and dead poets in the Marche’s Recanati
My son and I were traveling through Marche and actually stopped off in picturesque Recanati by mistake. Italy is one of those fabulous places when a wrong turn can introduce you to a fabulous hilltown filled with stunning views, art and culture. Every year, we are in Ancona for races, and often tag some time…
Read MoreThe burial ground of genius : Florence’s Santa Croce Basilica
The Basilica of Santa Croce is a must-see destination when you are visiting Florence. Groundbreaking for this church began in 1295, and work was completed in 1385. The church is an artistic gem – with work by Cimabue and Giotto. But the real reason to visit this basilica is its fame as the burial ground…
Read MoreThe fried olives keep calling us back … to Ascoli Piceno
Can you blame us? Every time my younger son and I travel to Ancona, the regional capital of Italy’s Marche region, for his track & field races, we detour from the highway to visit the striking town of Marche’s Ascoli Piceno. While we greatly admire this picturesque town and its stunning architecture (you can see…
Read MoreVisiting Durham Cathedral, UK
The spectacular Durham Cathedral is a stunning monument that dominates the Durham cityscape on a rocky prominotory next to the castle high above the Derwent River. I’ve already written about the stunning views afforded by climbing those daunting 325 steps to enjoy tower views over all of Durham and the surrounding countryside. Today, Durham Cathedral…
Read MoreEnjoying the nature in the Bronx’ Van Cortlandt Park
Last week, I wrote about the picturesque Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale . This neighborhood also boasts a sizable public park (think Central Park of The Bronx) that’s worth exploring when you’re here. I’ve always been here on hot summer days, and have witnessed huge lines to enter the free pool, so if you want to…
Read MoreLuxury Bronx – in Riverdale
When mention is made of the Bronx, most aren’t thinking of graceful, single family homes and leafy, shaded streets. And yet, that exactly describes the exclusive Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale. The Bronx is one of the five boroughs that makes up New York City, and The Bronx is directly north of Manhattan. Riverdale began to…
Read MoreHappy 2023! Wishing you a travel-filled year
Happy 2023! Hoping you’re facing a new year with plenty of travel – whether it be to new countries, or exploring new regions in your immediate surroundings. Travel does the soul good. Like many, I’m pretty angered by what we went through during these almost three (wasted) years of Covid hysteria, when it became almost…
Read MoreIn the steps of the Ancient Romans – enjoying the hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, Tuscany
Earlier this month, I enjoyed a fabulous weekend escape in Tuscany – in the small town of Bagno Vignoni. This town was known to the thermal-bath-loving Ancient Romans … and it continues as a spa location up until today. We stayed at the Le Terme Hotel, right at the edge of the town’s central piazza/thermal…
Read MoreThe Eternal City is ready for its holiday close-up
Rome is not the most spectacular city when it comes to Christmas decorations. BUT it does enjoy some amazing Christmas weather. I love walking around Rome over the holiday period and enjoying the Christmas decorations. Weather forecasts in Rome are looking pretty good for these next few weeks, so I’m looking forward to enjoying the…
Read MoreChristmas cheer in Montepulciano and Pienza, Tuscany
Earlier this month, I was in Tuscany for a weekend with my family, and we enjoyed seeing the cheery Christmas decorations. They were especially pretty in the towns of Montepulciano and Pienza – two gorgeous Tuscan hilltowns. Montepulciano is a steep medieval hilltown (bring good walking shoes), known for its long wine tradition. Montepulciano…
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