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- Chiang Mai, Thailand – When asked about Chiang Mai, the only phrase that ever comes to mind is “college town”: not because it is raucous and rowdy but because it has a young, modern sensibility, and everyone seems to help everyone else. It was my favourite, by far, and I can certainly see why there is a growing expat community growing here.
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Tag Archives: italy
Rome, Italy – My home away from home
I will tell anyone who asks: Rome is to me what the sun is to Superman. It is my home, my love, and my return. If you must, take a map but “flying blind” really is part of the fun of Rome: getting lost, finding little cafés, little shops, or just watching people go about their business. Continue reading
Posted in Rome
Tagged architecture, Chapter Roma, colosseo, colosseum, de'ricci, Flavio al Velavevodetto, food, foro italia, Italia, italy, peace, people, Roma, Roman Forum, rome, Trastevere
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Murano – stunning glass work and so much more!
I have been visiting Venezia on a yearly basis, and every year includes a day in Murano: a day of strolling the canals, looking at the glass work, and occasionally strolling in to a church. But it wasn’t until this trip that I realized that there is so much more to this wonderful island and I am smitten!
Nights
Sometime in 2016 (I think), the Hotel Le Gare (http://www.lagarehotelvenezia.com/en/) opened on Murano and I have been dying to stay there since. It did not disappoint! The hotel is modern, but mixes in the famous glass of Murano, the architectural details and structures from the original building (an old furnace), and is just so welcoming and inviting that you may not want to leave.
I will also tell you that Murano is an island of two faces: during the day, it is overrun with tourists looking for that special gift to take home. But at night, when the tourists leave, this is a wonderland of solitude, and quiet, and even reflection like few other places I have ever been.
Bites
If you only have one night in Murano, be sure to book the Osteria Aquastanca (http://www.acquastanca.it/homepage-en/). It’s only a short walk from the Le Gare and the food is absolutely divine! When I arrived, the entrance was full of locals talking to the owner and the barman. And immediately after sitting down, the restaurant was joined by 2 other guests, at separate tables: one, a local woman having her dinner and another man, just returning from business, who stopped in hoping to have meal. And given that they kindly made vegetarian options for me – carcioffi (in season!) with fresh mozzarella – I knew I was in love.
Sites
At the time of this writing, I have been visiting Venezia on a yearly basis, and every year includes a day in Murano: a day of strolling the canals, looking at the glass work, and occasionally strolling in to a church. But it wasn’t until this trip that I realized that there is so much more to this wonderful island and I am smitten! Lose yourself. Wonder around. Get lost. It’s an island after all so when you see water, and if that’s not where you want to be, then turn in a different direction.
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Posted in Murano
Tagged Accor hotels, acquastanca, canals, glass, italy, Le Gare Venezia, Venezia
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Sanremo, on the Ligurian coast: an era of days gone by
Sanremo is an interesting town along the Ligurian coast that I had always wanted to visit. For a short visit, it’s a lovely place. Continue reading
Cortona Italy – Cortona and the villa near it are truly one of the most amazing finds I have ever made.
Cortona and the villa near it are truly one of the most amazing finds I have ever made. Continue reading
Posted in Cortona
Tagged best hotel, cortona, hiking, italy, linden, mountain biking, relax, tuscany
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Bergamo Italy – A tranquility and joy of life that we should all aspire to
To say that I am enamored with Bergamo is an understatement. There is tranquility, a vibrancy, a friendliness, and a peacefulness in this hilltop town that no one word can adequately describe. Continue reading