Travel
Views over Bologna from the terrace of San Petronio
During the holidays, my younger son and I decided to take the fast train up to Bologna for a day trip. I hadn’t been to Bologna for years, and my son was visiting for the first time. He and I both have a passion for finding the highest object in town and climbing to the…
Read MoreViews over Gubbio from atop Mount Ingino
Last week I wrote about the charming, medieval town of Gubbio – located in Italy’s Umbria region. If you’re there on a clear day (as we were), you don’t want to miss out on spectacular views over the medieval tile rooftops from the peak of Mount Ingino – a small peak of the Apennine mountains…
Read MoreMedieval splendor in Gubbio
It’s been years that I’ve wanted to visit the town of Gubbio – in Italy’s Umbria region. I have travelled all throughout the pretty region of Umbria, but Gubbio is on its far eastern side, and I never managed to get there. That’s why I was so happy to visit during the Christmas break. It…
Read MoreLet it snow … in Abruzzo
In mid-December, I had to run out to Abruzzo for some errands. I was out in the town of Ovindoli only for the day – and what an unseasonably warm day it was! There was at least a little bit of snow on the ground, but not that much for December. The ski slopes had…
Read MoreA European Christmas market round-up
‘Tis the season … And for me, that means it’s a good time to reflect on some of my favorite Christmas markets around Europe. Because I live in Rome, people often think the city is decked out for the holidays. Sadly, especially in recent years, this couldn’t be further from the truth. To enjoy the…
Read MoreEnjoying views over Gdansk, Poland
Whenever I visit a new city, one of the first things I like to do is to get an idea of the layout from the highest point. In most European cities and towns, that means climbing the cathedral belltower. That’s why, on a recent visit to Gdansk, Poland, my family and I raced desperately against…
Read MoreGetting in the Christmas spirit … in Gdansk, Poland
Last week, I wrote about my Christmas inspiration from (for me, at least) an unlikely source – Vigo, Spain. Immediately after my trip to Vigo, I departed with my family for a long weekend visit to Gdansk, Poland. For years, I have wanted to visit Gdansk. While I always pictured visiting during the summer season…
Read MoreGetting in the Christmas spirit … in Vigo, Spain
The last week of November found me at work in Galicia’s largest city – Vigo. I’ve been several times in this Atlantic coastal city, although always in late summer/early fall, so it was interesting to see it in the colder months. And it was a surprise to see that Vigo now touts itself as the…
Read MoreNew York’s City Island and Orchard Beach
After writing about various islands you can visit when you’re passing through New York – Governor’s Island , Randall’s Island and Roosevelt Island – I’m following it up with another (new for us) island we visited during our last visit – City Island in the Bronx. City Island is easily reached by NY public transport.…
Read MoreEscaping one island to visit another: Manhattan’s Roosevelt Island
There’s so much to do when visiting the island of Manhattan, that visitors don’t often venture to “neighboring” islands. Who knew that New York was such an “island paradise”? I’ve already written about why you should go explore nearby Governor’s Island and peaceful, sports-packed Randall’s Island. I, myself, was guilty of never having been to…
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