Travel
Lazy beach days and dramatic sunsets in Florida’s panhandle
This past summer, my family and I were taking a cross-country trip in the US, and we wanted a few days of down time, with our older son joining us. And our (landlocked) son wanted some beach time. So, we decided on a few days in Florida’s panhandle. It was a great choice. We spent…
Read MoreStopping of at the Marche’s Macerata
We visited Macerata on a beautiful January day, after having mistaken picturesque, nearby Recanati for Macerata. Macerata is a hill town town in the Marche region’s interior. Its population is a little over 40,000. Perched 315 meters from sea level, this town is about 30 km from the Adriatic coast. Mentions of Macerata date back…
Read MoreFlorence’s majestic Piazza della Signoria
Florence’s Piazza della Signoria has been the heart of Florence’s political and urban life for centuries, and any tourist should ensure their walk in the city takes them to this busltling square. Building on the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s Town Hall, was completed in 1332. The belltower used to warn Florentines of fires, invaders – or…
Read MoreFlorence’s picturesque Ponte Vecchio
I had a wonderful day visiting Florence when my older son was back home for the Christmas holidays. With the high speed train, it’s only a short journey from Rome, and we lucked out with a January day of bright blue skies and remarkably warm sun. We had a great day walking for miles and…
Read MoreTouring Galveston’s Bishop’s Palace
Last week I wrote about our holiday in fabulous Galveston island, Texas. Since we were biking all over the island, we were passing thense impressive turn of the century show homes each day. The Bishop’s Palace had the most convenient opening hours, without need for an appointment, so this worked well for our schedule. …
Read MoreIsland living in Galveston, Texas
I’ve already written about the wonderful, historic Galvez Resort and Spa. My younger son and I stayed here during a driving holiday two summers ago. Our visit to Texas’ Galveston island was an idyllic holiday for us. We had been driving long distances (and had a long drive back), so we were thrilled to park…
Read MoreMedieval splendor: Giotto’s masterpiece in Padova’s Scrovegni Chapel
I was in Padova for a few weekends last month, and managed to book tickets to the spectacular Scrovegni Chapel, with its fourteenth century frescoes by Giotto. This is a not-to-be-missed monument when you are next in Padova. In order to protect the delicate frescoes, numbers are limited, so be sure to book those tickets…
Read MoreRoadtripping through New Orleans
I’ve always loved Louisiana’s New Orleans, and have passed through this unique city many times. On a roadtrip two years ago with my younger son, one that took us through much of Texas, I remember being sorry that we couldn’t squeeze in a trip to New Orleans. So when we took another American roadtrip last…
Read MoreSteep 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…
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