The picturesque Island of Capri has long been a destination sought out by emperors, jet setters, and day trippers alike. Although there are a couple of other islands in the Bay of Naples, Capri consistently attracts the majority of visitors from Naples and the Amalfi Coast. During a long weekend in Naples, we included…
Rome’s Academy of Costume & Fashion
May is glorious in Rome and the perfect time to checkout some inspiration fashion design. In addition to the pleasant weather, there are countless special events to to take advantage of throughout the month. The first weekend of the month, cultural and historic buildings throughout the city, including many Embassies and private homes, are open…
Pope’s Summer Palace at Castel Gandolfo
The town of Castel Gandolfo is a quick day trip from Rome. Last year, the Vatican opened up the summer residence after Pope Francis decided not to spend his summers at the villa as had been tradition with his predecessors. Pope Francis had already ordered the grounds of the Barberini gardens open to the public…
Parisian Markets: Bastille Market
The Bastille Market (Marche de la Bastille) is the perfect place to start a lazy Sunday in Paris. Located on boulevard Richard Lenoir (Metro Line 1 or 5), the outdoor market is open every Thursday and Sunday. [easy-image-collage id=1047] I found it to be one of the best neighborhood markets in Paris to get fresh produce…
Rome Rose Garden at Circo Massimo
Only the Eternal City can looks so good after a few thousand years. The public rose garden or Roseto Comunale’s opening coincided with Rome’s birthday week. The city celebrated 2769 years on April 21st. Over a thousand varieties of roses are planted in two sections of the Roseto Comunale. The garden has spectacular views of the ruins…
Five Spots for a Perfect Sunday in Paris
As Audrey Hepburn famously said, Paris is always a good idea. Following that advice, I decided to squeeze in a day in Paris during a connecting flight back from a work trip to the Ivory Coast. I paid the price with some sleep deprivation, but it was totally worth it for the unexpectedly sunny day. …
Ivory Coast Style
West Africa has always fascinated me for its mix of African hospitality, palm trees, tropical fruit, beaches, and Francophone influences. A work conference brought me to the Ivory Coast, but the little I was able to see of the capital during down time far exceeded my expectations. As a bonus it was a non-judgmental…
Victoria Falls and Botswana Safari
Spending time in Africa again has brought back so many wonderful memories. Top among which are the incredible safari adventures that are possible while living and travelling in South and East Africa. I’m already daydreaming of a longer return trip that can include some nature time and of course sunset cruises. The safari options in…
Cacio e Pepe at Roma Sparita
I didn’t understand all the hype about the Roman staple pasta dish – Cacio e Pepe – until I tried it at Roma Sparita. There is no shortage of articles and reviews written on the virtues of cacio e pepe. Since the main ingredients are Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, I assumed it would…
Naples in 48 Hours
Now that I am living in Italy, it was finally time to take a trip to Naples. It’s such a short train trip from Rome and the birthplace of Pizza Margherita after all! In previous trips to Italy, and the Amalfi Coast specifically, Sorrento was always recommended as a more manageable base. Although Naples…