Travel
‘The most beautiful track in Italy’ – in Formia
I’ve already written about the Italian seaside town of Formia. Formia is south of Rome at the edge of Italy’s Lazio region. Since 1955, it has been famous as the site of Italy’s Olympic Committee (CONI) training center, with a beautiful campus, running track, indoor track, gym and sports facilities that hosts professional athletes from…
Read MoreSand, sun, sports (and Roman poets) in Formia
I had never been to Formia – in southern Lazio, very close to the border with Campagna – before dropping my son off there for a track and field camp. The seaside town of about 38 000 people is in a dramatic spot, developed along the sea with Mount Altino rising dramatically just behind it.…
Read MoreNot quite ready to say Auf Wiedersehen – Demel at Vienna airport
There are so many things to like about Austria’s capital city of Vienna. Many years ago, I lived here for a short time, and now I enjoy getting back for visits. Perhaps it’s better that I don’t live here, because when I do return I simply can’t resist all the wonderful sweets on offer. I’ve…
Read MoreImperial charm in Salzburg, Austria
I adore the postcard-perfect city of Salzburg, in Austria, where I have been numerous times. But as we were driving back from a summer vacation in Austria and the Czech Republic two summers ago, my husband and I decided to play tour guide to our sons, who had never been to Salzburg before. We only…
Read MoreSpring/summer mountain biking in Abruzzo
It’s been far too long since I’ve managed to get out to my little mountain escape from the city, in Ovindoli, Abruzzo. I’ve been dying for a weekend escape mountain biking on this picturesque high plain in the Apennine mountains. I wrote about my last biking trip out here in the autumn. Although I never…
Read MoreMy first opera visit in running gear and sneakers – in Oslo
On a visit to Oslo, Norway, I was a daily visitor to the opera. In theory, this shouldn’t be odd as I love opera and try to go when and wherever I can. But a busy work schedule meant I didn’t actually have time to ever get to a performance, not even one. Nevertheless, my…
Read MoreOslo’s City Hall
I’ve already written about my trip to Norway’s capital. I’ve written about my early jogs around Oslo and my visit to the Nobel Peace Prize Museum. But during my visit for work, I was lucky enough to attend a gala dinner at Oslo’s City Hall – the same venue where the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate…
Read MoreEmperor Tiberius’ impressive seaside villa, Sperlonga
I’ve already written about how much I love the seaside town of Sperlonga, and wandering its beautiful, twisting streets. Despite all my visits to this gorgeous beach spot, I only recently made it to the museum and ruins of Ancient Rome’s Emperor Tiberius, who ruled from 14-37 AD. For Tiberius, aside from having a great eye…
Read MoreAlpine art-deco splendor in Ortisei, Italy
I’ve already written about my fantastic skiing holiday to the Dolomites, in northern Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige province, this past winter, and the town in the Val Gardena where we made our base, Selva di Val Gardena. But the ‘historic’ town – always feels funny to use that term in Italy unless a town spans back…
Read MoreThe long trip down San Patrizio’s well, Orvieto
I love the Umbrian town of Orvieto, perched up so dramatically on a hilltop. I’ve already written about the views over the town from the Moro Tower and the town’s Etruscan Museum, with its stunning views over the cathedral, but there’s plenty more to see when you’re in town. If you’re coming in by train and…
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