We’ve been traveling to Europe, particularly Italy, for nearly two decades now. While I’ve studied the Italian language and customs, I’m still far from fluent. However, I’ve discovered that understanding the words needed to order a meal and ask for the toilet can suffice in any country. Additionally, I’ve found that as long as you … More Where Everybody “Doesn’t” Know Your Name
I realize how fortunate I am to be able to travel and experience the magic of the world, but it doesn’t always go as planned. Since my first visit to Italy years ago, I have enjoyed the crisp, fresh, wonderfulness that is a glass of Prosecco, a sparkling wine, first named in the sixteenth century, … More In Search of Prosecco
If you imagine Italy as a fancy boot, the area at the heel of the boot is known locally as Puglia (Apulia in English.) The land, ripe for invasion, reflects those events, especially on the Adriatic coast, where you see the Greek influence. The buildings gleam with white-washed stucco. Color comes from various forms of … More Alluring Apulia
Gazing upon blue (or green) waterways is a delight. When booking a room by a lake, river, sea, or ocean, I search until a broad expanse of light sparkling off waves is present in the photos. Not enjoying heat or sand, it is the joy of a beach vacation. I have contemplated the Atlantic Ocean … More In Search of a Sea View
Across the street and around a corner lies an area known as Piazza 25 Aprile. Previously, this site was part of a medieval neighborhood known as Borgo San Giovanni. On April 25, 1944, a British air unit aiming to bomb part of the railway system prematurely released the weapons projecting them on this neighborhood, killing … More Piazza 25 Aprile, Umbertide
One of the advantages of living in Italy is the proximity to other areas of discovery. We usually plan to visit one or two each time we are here. Our most recent excursion was to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. These places have vistas of great beauty, but they co-mingle with a large number of … More An Area Most Well-Known
One of the activities we look forward to is taking a quick road trip to an appealing destination. This week, Mike looked at a map and chose Monte Argentario, a small peninsula in Toscana (Tuscany). About two and a half hours west of us, the drive proved to be fascinating, going and coming. Who knew … More Ah… the Side Trips
For the first time, we are in Italy during the spring, particularly Easter. It fascinates me to learn about new cultures and customs. Dropping from the ceiling of one of our favorite places to eat were a number of chickens. While I thought it was to create a homey atmosphere, the server explained it was … More Buona Pasqua (Happy Easter)
Trains, planes, and automobile Paris has always been the ultimate trip, and in hopes of doing it well, I waited until I could go off-season; that meant retirement! I never imagined the hurdles that would need to be overcome to achieve this goal. After reading and planning, I booked hotels, purchased train tickets, and set … More Debbie in Paris: Part One
This is the fourth summer we have spent at our modest home in Umbertide. By this time little rituals have sprung forth. At the Wednesday market, we chose from the various multi-colored petunias and geraniums deciding on the perfect ones to sit outside in the window boxes located on each floor of the building. This … More The Fourth Time’s a Charm!