Traces of the past in the Roman countryside

Aqueduct, Tivoli, Italy / Kimberly Sullivan

One of the (many) things I love about Italy are the brushes with the past no matter where you go. We came upon the remnants of this Ancient Roman aqueduct in the fields between Tivoli and Castel Madama. Even though you see these all the time, it never fails to put me in a good…

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One night in Tolentino, Marche

Tolentino, Marche, Italy/ Kimberly Sullivan

It wouldn’t be summer for me without a healthy does of Track Tourism… Yes, it’s true I’m driving my son all over the Italian peninssula for his track races. But it’s Italy, so I’m always discovering new (beautiful) places. The latest discovery for me was the inland town in Italy’s Marche region – Tolentino. Almost…

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A surprise visit to Avellino

Avellino, Campania, Italy/ Kimberly Sullivan

Because of his qualifying time in a track event, my son was asked to compete in an invite-only race in Aventino, in Italy’s Campania region. It’s about a three-hour drive south of Rome, and I decided to take the day off and accompany him there. I was excited to see him run, and to hopefully…

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A garden of one’s own

Durham garden, England/ Kimberly Sullivan

With a nod to Virginia Woolf, a woman who writes may need a room of her own … but a lovely English garden will also do quite nicely… I coveted this garden daily during my time in Durham, England. While there for the Historic Novel Society meeting this past September, I was staying in a…

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Views from Prague’s Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic / Kimberly Sullivan

No visit to Prague is complete without crossing the famous Charles Bridge (Karlův most) – as one can see from the (seemingly) Times Square-level of tourists passing by it each day. Nevertheless, it’s a must on any trip, and truly is picturesque in all weather conditions. I still have memories of living here years ago…

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Exploring seaside Salerno

Salerno, Italy / Kimberly Sullivan

Earlier this spring, my younger son had a track race in seaside Salerno. Salerno is a small city in Italy’s Campania region, south of Naples and directly south of the beautiful Amalfi coast. This was my first visit to Salerno, and I was really pleased to have “discovered” this pretty town. It was pleasant –…

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First beach outing of the season – in Sperlonga

Sperlonga, Italy/ Kimberly Sullivan

This spring has been odd. As my younger son, whose memory is far better than mine, reminds me, this spring is apparently like the spring of 2019. All rain and grey weather until almost June. This is unusual in Rome, but this was definitely the case this spring. That’s why I was so excited to…

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Atmospheric cemeteries … in Durham, England

Durham, England cemetery / Kimberly Sullivan

I’ve already written about the northern English historic town of Durham. I enjoyed visiting this interesting town close to the Scottish border. I’ve already written about the Durham cathedral, climbing its belltower and walking around the historic center. When I was walking back and forth between town and the Historical Novel Society Conference at the Durham…

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Long, lovely walks around Durham, England

Durham, England/ Kimberly Sullivan

I had a fabulous time on my first visit to Durham, England last September for the Historical Novel Society Conference. What a lovely, historical city. It was so much fun to explore, and perfect for lovely walks in that balmy, early September weather. I’ve already written about the spectacular Durham Cathedral  and the (exhausting) climb…

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