Travel
Views from the top of Pey-Berland belltower in Bordeaux
The views from the top of this 66 meter/216 feet tall belltower are spectacular – well worth the 231 steps you must climb to get up there. Construction on this clock tower began in 1440. It was physically separated from its cathedral, Saint Andre, to protect the church structure from the vibrations caused by daily…
Read MoreRome’s ex-Aquarium … that was never an aquarium
Living in Rome, I often pass the “ex acquario”, the former aquarium. For years, it was closed entirely, but I was always impressed by its beautiful exterior. Later, I would learn it was never truly an aquarium. The building was planned for Piazza Manfredo Fanti, in Rome’s Esquilino district, right beside the Termini railway station.…
Read MoreBordeaux’ stunning Place de la Bourse
Last November, I visited Bordeaux, France for the first time. It’s a city I’d been “meaning to visit” for many years, but it was such a pleasure to finally make it to this beautiful city. One of the first places to visit when you’re in Bordeaux is the spectacular Place de la Bourse. This is…
Read MoreIn the steps of the Grand Tour – at Castello del Gallo, Mandela
I had a wonderful trip to visit the Castello del Gallo, in Mandela, a small town east of Rome. The castle was taken over by the Orsini family in the 1600s, and would later be purchased by the Gallo family, with its connection to Giulia Bonaparte, cousin of Napoleon Bonapart III, and patron of the…
Read MoreThe wonderful Cité du vin, in Bordeaux
I had a wonderful time on my recent trip to Bordeaux, France. There was so much to enjoy about this city, but one can’t visit Bordeaux without learning about one of its most important industries – fine wines. Luckily, there’s a fabulous museum you can visit to learn all about wine – Bordeaux’ Cité du…
Read MoreZurich’s beautiful Christmas markets
Last December, my husband and I visited Zurich, Switzerland. It was early December, and the Christmas markets had just been set up. I adore the Christmas markets of northern Europe. I’ve lived in cities in northern Europe and always enjoyed the atmosphere of this season. Although you’ll rarely hear me complaining about Rome, the beautiful…
Read MoreGorgeous views from Siena’s Torre del Mangia
Last summer my husband and I were back in beautiful Sienna, in Tuscany, after an absence of several years. Siena is always beautiful, and it was fun to enjoy a passeggiata through its gorgeous center. Despite being a very hot July day, there was no way we would miss climbing the medieval Torre del Mangia,…
Read MoreA day in lovely Bern, Switzerland
Last December, my husband and I were staying in Zurich, Swizerland, and decided to take the train for a daytrip to Switzerland’s capital, Bern. Although I’ve travelled a fair about in Switzerland, it was my first visit in its capital, and we enjoyed out day exploring picturesque Bern. I’ve already written about the fabulous views…
Read MoreIt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … in Bordeaux
On my recent trip to Bordeaux, France I was there when they turned on the Christmas lights and opened the Christmas market to the public. I always enjoy traveling at this time of year to enjoy the festive holiday lights. Bordeaux is such an elegant city, so I had high hopes for its Christmas market.…
Read MoreAdmiring the Mighty Mississippi
The Mississippi River has long captured the imagination of Americans. It’s played a central role in American literature and films, and it physically divides the American east from the west. I’ve crossed over it numerous times in my life – on long cross-country drives, but it never fails to impress. The Mississippi flows from it…
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