Practical travel information for practical travelers
It’s time to start thinking about Italy again. Although that presumes that I’ve ever stopped thinking about it. With the new year fully underway, we’re beginning to sort through details, watch airfares, and think about how we want to spend our time there this year. It will be a shorter trip this year, probably only [...]
When I think about Italy, which I often do, it’s not the attractions or the countryside that capture my attention. Oh sure, it’s beautiful and there are lots of incredible sights to see, but what really speaks to me is the food. In my opinion, what makes Italy so fascinating and appealing is its food, [...]
Guest post: Today I have a guest post from a new friend, Matt, who lives in one of my favorite parts of the world – Tuscany. He’s provided this guest post about an activity that I’ve wanted to do while visiting Tuscany, learn how to cook some of those wonderful dishes. Here’s how Matt says [...]
One of the things that I was excited to do in Sicily was climb Mt. Etna. At approximately 10,922 feet high, this largest active volcano in Europe was visible from the back deck of our villa. Every morning I’d take a look at how beautiful it was, it’s very top visible in the earlier morning [...]
Everywhere you turn in Italy you’ll find grappa, a clear alcoholic beverage sure to knock your socks off. Grappa is made from the grape residue left over from the crush of grapes during the winemaking process, and includes the grape skins, stems, seeds, and everything else. Like many food items in Italy, the beverage originally [...]
It took the better part of 24 hours, but I’m finally settled into my villa in Sicily. The day started with a 3:30 am car service pick up, which started the day’s travel with a flight to Chicago, then connecting to an overnight flight to Rome. The group met up at the Rome airport, thankfully [...]
For most people, a trip to Rome is going to include a trip to Vatican City, and a stop to see the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s (Square and Basilica). It may seem like an easy stop on your travels, but it can be daunting. A little research and advance planning can help [...]
Our hectic pace of life takes its toll on our physical and emotional health, so when it’s vacation time, why not consider a trip that’s part of the Slow Cities movement. The movement, started by the Italians in the 1990’s, is a way of protecting traditions and traditional ways of living. You remember those – [...]
In addition to traveling, Mary Jo likes lingering over a cup of coffee, wandering in a museum, sipping wine at a cafe, enjoying a relaxing massage, and sharing it all with friends and readers.
Her most recent travels were to Portugal and Italy.
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