Trekcapri's Blog

Saturday's PhotoHunting: Dark

2012-01-27T04:40:00.000-08:00

On ABC Wednesday I featured a photo of this beautiful beach in Hawaii. It was a bright, sunny gorgeous day where the blues of the ocean and skies and the greens of the grass and trees really jumped out at you from the photo.

I wanted to once again feature another beach photo but on this day it was a bit rainy, the wind was really kicking and there were these dark storm clouds hovering above, preventing the sun from shining through.

These photos are of the Marina Grande Beach in the seaside town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Southern Italy. Being there at that moment made me realize that there are just some places in this world that remain gorgeous, even in bad weather.

In keeping with the mood presented by the weather, I decided to post process my original photos in Black and White. Back in the old film days I used to really enjoy taking and processing B&W photos. I remember the excitement I had watching as the images came to life in the dark room. Now it is a matter of one click on a software like Photoshop CS4 which is what I used and voila.

And in case you're wondering, here is one of the photos in it's original color. :)

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Kehole Pictures website HERE!

ABC WEDNESDAY: B is for . . .

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

~ Beach ~

Feel the cool ocean breeze,

brush through my hair.

Feel the soft white sand caress my toes,

no other feeling can compare.

Hear the melody of the waves,

as they wash ashore.

It's here on the beach,

my heart, my soul, they soar.

~Trekcapri (Kathy)

Photo taken in Hawaii

I know this is a little sappy, but well with me sappy is sometimes what you get. :)

I've been very fortunate to travel to some pretty awesome places with some very beautiful beaches. But IMHO, I would have to say that the best beaches that I've been to are located on the islands of Hawaii (Wikipedia)!

What can I say, you can take the local out of the islands, but you can't take the islands out of the local. :)

To see more members, see Denise Nesbitt's ABC WEDNESDAY website HERE.

Saturday's PhotoHunting: Animal

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy taking photos of all the wonderful animals that I get to meet while traveling.

It took a lot to resist posting yet another one of my beautiful Highland Cow photos from Scotland or more recently a photo of my little hiking buddy from Italy. But for this entry, I thought I would feature this group of turtles playing in their private little pond.

Well, actually. . . it's not quite so private.

Their home can be found here in one of the coolest train stations that I have ever passed through while traveling, the Madrid Atocha Train Station in Spain.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Kehole Pictures website HERE!

ABC WEDNESDAY: A is for Acoustic . . .

2012-01-17T21:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to my blogging friend, Annie (Churches in Venice), for introducing me to a wonderful and fun meme called ABC Wednesday.

Starting this week, participants create a post (photo or words or both) of a subject or an idea that starts with the letter "A". I think this is a really fun and creative meme and I am so happy to join Mrs. Nesbitt, the ABC Wednesday Team and my fellow ABC Wednesday participants for Round 10.

An acoustic (Wikipedia) guitar can really sing . . .

This is a close-up photo of my very special Spanish Guitar which I purchased in Granada, Spain. It really beats the guitar App on my iTouch, which I carry with me when I travel. :)

To see more cool posts, please visit Mrs. Nesbitt's ABC WEDNESDAY website HERE.

Saturday's PhotoHunting: Joy

2012-01-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

This was actually a tough theme for me because there are so many things that gives me joy and to find one visual to express it was a bit of a challenge.

But when it comes right down to it, nothing warms my heart and brings Joy in my life more than being with and spending time with family and friends (including my wonderful Internet friends).

I took a photo of this cool looking purple heart just off the main square in the town of Delft in the Netherlands. The famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer lived here. Among his works, I would have to say that "The Milkmaid" and the "Girl with a Pearl Earring" are my two favorites. The town is also known for their Defltware which are hand made and beautifully painted. I also had the opportunity to visit one of those factories, which I featured HERE on a previous theme.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Kehole Pictures website HERE!

Saturday's PhotoHunting: Tree Branches

2012-01-06T06:00:00.001-08:00

These Tree Branches provides a cool shade for hikers.

This is a photo that I've posted HERE before. It was taken while hiking along the Sentiero degli Dei (“Path of the Gods”) trail on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. And just under the sign you can see a glimpse of my little hiking buddy who I met on the trail. Not only did he keep me company but he actually escorted me all the way to the town of Nocelle.

Tree branches are also used for hand rails on some sections of the trail. Check out my little hiking buddy waiting patiently for me at the top of this uphill section. :)

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Kehole Pictures website HERE!

Reflections: What I thought of on New Year's Eve . . .

2012-01-02T19:28:00.000-08:00

Saturday's PhotoHunting: Drinks

2011-12-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

Kamikaze, Bahama Mama, Between the Sheets, Purple Hooter, White Russian, Zombie, B-52 and Alabama Slammer are a few examples of some interesting and fun names for cocktail drinks.

You can now add . . . . Purple Haze, Naked Colada, Up All Night, Strawberry Butterfly and Mango Kush . . . from the Numb Bar at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. These are slushy frozen cocktail drinks guaranteed to give you a sweet little buzz, especially if you're not a big drinker like I am. :)

As 2011 comes to an end and everyone is gearing up plans to ring in the New Year, you might consider one of the many cocktail drinks to choose from on About.com (recipes included) for your celebration.

Have fun toasting in the New Year with family and friends, but remember to be safe and don't drink and drive. Have a designated driver, call a friend or a family member to pick you up or take a taxi if you've had even one of those Naked Coladas. It will be the first wise decision that you will make in 2012.

I've been a little absent from the Blogshpere this past week while my sister has been in town. And now I am really looking forward to catching up with everyone before the year is up. :)

Wishing everyone, especially my family and friends, all of my blogging friends and fellow Slow Travelers and PhotoHunters a very Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year!

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Kehole Pictures website HERE!

Saturday's PhotoHunting: Lights

2011-12-23T05:40:00.000-08:00

I'll be spending Christmas 2011 with my wonderful sis, Jean, and her family in Las Vegas! Bright lights, gambling, food, extravagant shows . . .

Bright Lights - Las Vegas Strip

Wishing all of you and yours a very Happy Holidays and a Safe and Healthy New Year!

Christmas Tree Lights & Decorations - Bellagio Hotel

To see more Saturday PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Kehole Pictures website HERE!

Saturday's PhotoHunting: Natural

2011-12-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

The Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy has the most beautiful Natural environment that I've seen while traveling. They have these high rugged limestone cliffs which drops dramatically down toward the Tyrrhenian Sea.

What amazed me about the area is although the terrain is stunningly beautiful I would think that it would be next to impossible to do any kind of gardening or farming here. But the hardworking locals manage to do just that. Throughout the coast you can see these cultivation terraces carved out along the rocky mountainsides where lemons, olives and even grapes are grown.

This is a photo that I took while hiking the Sentiero degli Dei trail. You can kind of see examples of these terraces in the background to the right.

Here's a closer look at some of these terraces.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Kehole Pictures website HERE!

Saturday's Photo Hunting: Christmas Decorations

2011-12-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

In a place "where imagination is the destination. For young and old, big and small - it's the happiest place on earth!"

If you have the opportunity to visit Disneyland during Christmas, it can be extra special with all the beautiful Christmas Decorations on display throughout the park.

On Main Street USA

New Orleans Square

It's a Small World

Entrance to Fantasyland

Entrance to Main Street USA

Outside of It's a Small World Ride

They also have a very special Christmas Parade with live Marching Bands from Local High Schools which is really fun to watch.

Mrs. Claus checking Christmas Lists from Children around the world.

Toy maker ....

And the guest of honor himself, Santa!

With TNchick no longer hosting her weekly PhotoHunt, others have stepped up to host PhotoHunt and I think it is very cool.

This was a really fun theme and it's wonderful to be a part of Gattina's Saturday's PhotoHunting community.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Gattina's Kehole Pictures website HERE!

Feeling Inspired: I'm Back . . .

2011-12-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

I'm back! It was a fabulous trip and I am missing Italy already. So far my jetlag isn't so bad. I didn't get up at 1:00 am in the morning like I have after past trips. I am so enjoying catching up with everyone's blog which I have really missed reading.

I wanted to say a huge thank you to Sandra for showing me around her favorite places in Rome. It was so wonderful to meet her and learn about her language school which she will start on Monday and of her plans while in Rome. She is a very sweet person and so knowledgeable about so many things. She seems so comfortable in her new home already and it was a delight to see Rome through her eyes. I am looking forward to reading about her new life in Rome as she writes about her experiences on her blog, Leaping Without a Net. I am inspired by Sandra's kindness and her move to follow her dreams.

So on the note of feeling inspired I wanted to share a beautiful short film that I found on Google+. It was written and directed by female film maker, Sharon Wright. One can draw several conclusions to the message. I see it in two ways: First, any act of kindness can create so many positive ripples of spreading the act of "kindness" to others. Second, even the smallest of contributions can make a big difference in someone's life.

Thank you again Sandra for taking me around Rome and for the inspiration to keep following my dreams!

PhotoHunt: Ripped

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

The original "ripped" hotties . . . :)

I took this photo of fake David in Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy.

Sadly, Tnchick's has decided to stop hosting the PhotoHunt meme due to her busy schedule. I want to thank her for creating and hosting this cool theme and providing a wonderful community of photohunters for so long. Wishing her the best.

I just returned from my trip and was surprised that my photohunt did not get published and realized that I forgot to schedule it. Oops! So here is my belated contribution with an Italian theme. :)

I had a wonderful time in Italy but it is always so nice to be home again and sleeping in my own bed. I can't wait to catch up with everyone.

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: My last live post from Italy . . . what a fabulous trip it was!

2011-12-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I leave my beautiful home away from home town of Praiano and head north to Rome where I will spend the night before my return flight home. I have arranged a car service to pick me up in Praiano to take me to Salerno where I will catch a direct train to Rome.

For my final night in Italy, I’m lucky to be able to meet fellow Slow Traveler and blogging friend, Sandra, for dinner (and maybe some prosecco). It will be her first full day in her new home of Rome and I am very excited to meet her and hear all about her plans and may even do a little travel talk. J

It will be a full day and evening tomorrow with an early morning flight out so sadly this will be my final live post from Italy.

I am very happy to say that my return trip to Italy after nearly 4 years being away was everything I had hoped it would be and more.

The small town of Praiano was the “perfect” place to base my 3 week stay here on the Amalfi Coast. It was in close proximity to Positano, Amalfi and Ravello and was well serviced by the local Sita Bus transportation system, which allowed me to get around fairly easily.

The town is really small and there is not much going on at night except for the casual stroll down its main road and gathering at the local bar. There is a family owned grocery store which I used to buy all of my staples for my apartment living. Some days I woke up early so I can catch an early bus for my day’s sightseeing but there were many days that I woke up early just so I could watch the sun rise in the morning.

My apartment was big, very functional and had the most beautiful ocean view along with the town of Positano and the island of Capri in the far distance. The sunsets that the website boasts about are 100% accurate. There was a very colorful almost mesmerizing sunset at least 99% of the time during my stay and from my apartment terrace and windows I was able to witness the sun setting in all its glory.

The things I will miss about my home away from home here in Praiano: the bells of San Gennaro, the passing horns of the Sita Bus, Vespas and cars. Here on the Amalfi drivers have to toot their horns when rounding a blind curve to alert oncoming drivers of your approach which I think gives you the right of way. I will also miss the locals here, especially the gatherings at the Bar del Sole and piazza. I will even miss my neighbor who loved playing club music in the early evenings. J

But most of all I will miss the way of life here. People stroll down the road, stop to make conversation, passing motorists stop at Bar del Sole to feel the sun at its peak in the late afternoon. Yes, the way of life here in Praiano is what I will miss the most (along with the beautiful sunsets and the people who live here).

With the exception of maybe a couple of things, I was able to get to all of my “must sees and do’s” in, which I am very thankful for. So what are the things that stood out for me on this trip:

- My return trip to the Isle of Capri (although not as magical as my first trip) was still wonderful. The view at the top of Mt. Solaro, the beautiful tiles in the Church of St. Michelle and sitting in the piazza sipping on a glass of prosecco watching the sunset are all very memorable for me.

- My day trip to Paestum was a definite highlight. To see those well preserved Greek Temples and to wonder around the scavi site was amazing especially in the beautiful setting surrounding the site.

- My day trip to Naples to see the beautiful Cloisters of Santa Chiara, the Naples National Archaeological museum and tasting an authentic Neapolitan pizza was also a trip highlight.

- I also loved exploring around some of the other towns here such as the town of Amalfi, Maiori, Bomerano, Positano and Ravello.

- I took in some interesting sites such as the boat ride to see the Emerald Grotto, the tour of the Paper Museum, seeing the beautiful gardens and views offered by Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo in Ravello. And let’s not forget my adventurous hike on the Sentiero degli Dei (“Path of the Gods”) where I met a very special hiking buddy whom I will never forget.

- All the wonderful Italians (and fellow travelers) I met during my stay here. The people at the grocery store and Bar del Sole, Chez Black, Gennaro, the tourist office lady, my neighbors, the people I met on the buses and trains and the Sita bus drivers (especially Dino) who skillfully drove the Amalfi roads without giving me motion sickness :).

- I visited so many wonderful churches on this trip, but the most special one of all is the one right here in Praiano. The church of San Luca stands high up on the hills above the town. It isn’t big and grand like some of the cathedrals I’ve visited but it has that “charm” quality like the churches I am fond of in Venice. There are also several very beautiful paintings and a grand looking organ. It’s really the kind of church I would prefer to attend mass in.

Here are some photos that I took:

Painting above the main altar (sorry it's a poor photo)

So today (my last full day in Amalfi) I treated myself to another wonderful lunch at my favorite restaurant, Chez Black. I had another fabulous eggplant pizza, a glass of prosecco and a cup of gelato. Then I took my last walk on the beach to bid Positano farewell (until hopefully next time). From the bus stop at the top of the hill I took a photo of Praiano for also the last time.

My car service picks me up at 8:45 am tomorrow morning, so my apartment owners will come by to check me out around 8:00 am.

One thing is certain, I have become so spoiled staying in one place for the entire 3 weeks and I have a feeling it won’t be the last time I will do this type of trip.

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for stopping by and reading my blog and for your wonderful comments. I really appreciate reading them and am just sorry that I could not comment back as I would normally. I do look forward to catching up with all of you when I return home.

I want to thank Pauline Kenny, founder of Slow Travel, the Slow Travel Community and to all of my wonderful blogging friends for all of the inspiration and knowledge that I have learned to help make this trip the success that it was. I also want to thank my wonderful sis and family, my good friends and my co-workers back home.

And as the sun sets here in Praiano, my 2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures also comes to a gracious end. Grazie Mille Italy for another fabulous time! I hope to see you again soon.

Ciao for now everyone . . . I wonder where my dreams will take me to next. J

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Hiking the Sentiero degli Dei (“Path of the Gods”)

2011-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Today I had to choose between visiting the small town of Scala near Ravello or hike the famous Sentiero degli Dei (“Path of the Gods”). I haven’t done any real hiking on this trip because I’ve been having some issues with my asthma and to be honest I made the mistake of watching the movie “127 Hours” and I was a tad scared of the thought of hiking alone in a foreign country in the middle of the hills up to 633 meters above sea level.

But today I felt pretty good and I decided to conquer my fears of hiking alone. Plus I didn't want to have any regrets on passing up the opportunity to hike this very popular trail.

The plan was to hike from Bomerano to Nocelle which I read on my Sunflower Landscapes “Sorrento-Amalfi-Capri car tours and walks” book by Julian Tippet. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to do some hiking on the Amalfi Coast.

First, I caught an early Sita bus to Amalfi then on to the town of Bomerano by way of Agerola. From Bomerano the path starts just to the left of the main church in Piazza Paolo Capazzo. From here the path goes through Grotta del Biscott, Colle Serra and ends in Nocelle where I took the bus back down to Positano then back to Praiano.

The path was basically well marked except for a couple of places where I just wasn’t sure. Luckily there was a hiker to point me in the right direction.

I found this hiking sign with this very cool statue of Mary in this cave like hole in the mountain. It was as if she was sending her best wishes to all the hikers off to tackle the Path of the Gods trail. Cool!

I later met a couple of hikers along the way, this one woman was very interesting and she spent a few minutes talking with me (her in Italian and me in English) but somehow it worked. I asked if I could take her photo and she politely posed. We bid each other Ciao and went on our merry way. She was heading in the opposite direction. In fact all the hikers I passed were going in the opposite direction.

Now I can understand why this trail is called the “Path of the Gods”. You almost feel god like standing above this magnificent view.

Big carin with contributions made by hiker from all over the world. Can you see my rock? :)

I crash into a hiker taking a rest on this rock and I asked which way to Nocelle. He told me go right up the path. When I reached the fork in the trail I turned back to him and he gestured to go right.

Trail markings

Now, I was in really good spirits at the beginning of the trail but that movie started to mess with my head because there were some really uneven rocky sections. And to top it all off, I kept hearing rustling in the bushes as I walked along. I think they were the big lizards I kept seeing but I had visions of a rattle snake popping out from the bushes and attacking me.

Finally I can see Nocelle and just like in a marathon race you think you’re close but then you’re not. I finally get to this section and it went down under these enormous trees with leaves on the ground. It was dark, it was scary, I was alone and I was wishing my good hiking buddies were with me right about now. Since that last hiker at the fork on the trail, I have not seen one person on the path and it was really making feel very uncomfortable.

I heard another rustling sound and when I looked up I saw the face of this dog! I got startled but I also think I startled him. J

I decided to buckle down and head down that dark and creepy path. I look up and I could see my little friend! Can you believe that he was actually waiting for me!

My hiking buddy

My little hiking partner would walk ahead then stop and wait for me to catch up. He actually escorted me all the way to Nocelle which I thought was so cool. But more importantly he kept me company when I really needed it. I would talk to him along the way and I tried to keep up with his pace (he was a fast hiker).

Finally the path evens out and there are hand railings for the rest of the way. Once we got to the town, my little friend turned towards me. He was a little shy and didn’t come close to me. I said Grazie and Ciao and then he disappeared back down the trail again. It was like he brought me right to the town and once he knew I got here, he was okay to leave me.

I taped a short video to feature my little friend and his unselfish act of kindness to a hiker who really needed it.

Thank you so much my little friend where ever you are!

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Naples . . .

2011-11-28T23:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I decided to do the reluctant day trip to Naples. So why reluctant? Well, I’ve heard so much about the city both negative and positive and well I just had to see it for myself.

Arriving at Napoli Central Station

The three main reasons for this trip was to see the Santa Chiara Monastery (and their beautiful Cloister), the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and eat an authentic Neapolitan pizza. And I’ am happy to say that mission was accomplished.

I woke up before the crack of dawn for the 6:30 Sita Bus to Amalfi so I could take the 7:00 am Sita bus to Salerno and the 8:30 train to Naples. I needed to get all my must see’s in before at least 3:00 so I can make all of my transportation connections back to Praiano.

I had some serious time limitations so from the train station I took a taxi to the Santa Chiara Monastery but got twisted around a bit and visited the wrong church.

It was still quite an impressive church but I wanted to see the cloisters. I asked a staff person for directions, but she didn’t speak any English and after several try’s of explaining the directions to me she finally put her hands on my shoulders, turned me around and pointed me in the direction of where the Monastery is. I actually thought that was pretty funny and I was very appreciative of her help. I also couldn’t help but giggle at how she finally gave me the directions.

The Santa Chiara Monastery Cloisters are so beautiful. And it’s hard to imagine the busy city activities just outside the walls. They also had an interesting Musuem (which included a small Archaeology area. Here are some photos I took:

Next I visited the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (and yes I took another taxi). What an impressive collection of archaeology finds. I thought the statue of Hercules was really impressive. I think this was my favorite section of the museum. I did purchase an audio guide along with my entrance ticket which came out to 10 euro.

I was running short on time so I decided to just wonder around, but do it quickly. :)

In the process I did manage to get a taste of a street vendor’s Neapolitan pizza. It wasn’t at a nice restaurant but being short on time I really couldn’t be picky. Still, it was pretty descent and I could scratch the final item off my “must see/do” list. J

So what are my impressions! Well, I think Jerry was right on when he said Naples was a “gritty” city. I saw quite a bit of grit. But since my visit here was limited to just a day trip and I did not have a chance to really explore the city I don’t feel qualified to provide a comprehensive opinion on whether or not to put Naples on your must see list.

However, I will say this. I do not regret coming here and I think there are some qualities that I really liked along with some that I didn’t. But that’s how it can be anywhere we choose to travel. I think travel is a way to open the doors up to new and different experiences as well as a way to fulfill our interests and passions.

Wow, only a few more days left on my trip and I’m already feeling quite sad about leaving my little home away from home town of Praiano. Today, I hope to mail home a box full of excess baggage (already thinking ahead to the train ride back to Rome and my trip back home).

Ciao for now....

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Grotta dello Smeraldo & How I made Paper

2011-11-26T23:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, even after reading such negative reviews from Trip Adviser, I decided to take this boat ride (10 euro) from Amalfi to see the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto). And although the experience wasn't quite on the same level as the Blue Grotto on Capri, in my opinion I thought it was really cool and I enjoyed it a lot!

The views of the coast from the boat was almost worth the experience . . .

Boarding the boat.

Leaving Amalfi

Views of the Coast from the Boat were amazing!

When we arrive at the sea cave location, I paid 5 euro to the guide and then boarded this small multi-seat boat where the guide paddles around the cave describing the history of how it was discovered and also to the location where you can really see the emerald color coming from beneath water level. It was really beautiful. And the rock formations inside the cave was really cool too.

Approaching location of sea cave entrance.

Entrance to sea cave

Rock formations inside the cave

More rock formations inside the cave.

Once we boarded the boat again they guides then take us inside to see the Fjord of Furore.

The boat ride back to Amalfi was very pleasant and since I took photos going I pretty much relaxed and took in the scenery on the return trip which was really nice.

Next, I decided to finally see the Paper Museum. My first attempt failed as they were closed when I got there. I'm so glad that I returned because the experience and what I learned was really interesting. The entrance fee includes a live guide taking you down to where the machinery is located and she then describes the equipment, the process and the history.

It is really quite a process . . . .

Entrance to Museum

Some of the Equipment used to make the paper

This is where you dip the tray in to make the paper (cotton is used).

The paper tray where the liquid is put on which makes the paper. You dip this in this big container.

The guide let me even try to do it. I dipped the tray in the liquid and then pressed it over this other sheet on this woodend stand. That was pretty fun to try it. :)

Mine

This is what it "should" look like. He, he.

More equipment. This one looked like a newspaper press. Over the years they invented newer equipment which would improve the time it took to make the paper.

Water from the mountain is used in the process as well.

Here she explains how the water system is used in making the paper.

After my day long adventures, I decided to have a quick bite at this restaurant in Amalfi before heading back to Praiano. They even had live entertainment.

This musician was really good.

While enjoying my pizza and the wonderful music of this musician I reflect back on my adventures. I really enjoyed seeing the sea cave and have no regrets for going even after reading the negative reviews from Trip Advisor. Sometimes as a traveler you really need to experience things for yourself and make up your own opinion. Afterall we are all really different people with different likes and dislikes and what may be a negative experience for one person may be an amazing experience for another.

The other thing I learned is that I will definitely have to keep my day job because I would make a terrible paper maker!

Okay, time for another adventure. Ciao for now. :)

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Work, play, movies & other stuff . . .

2011-11-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I decided to chill a bit after my long travel day to Paestum on Thursday. First, I enjoyed a morning chill session at Bar del Sole.

It was a lovely morning. I thought this was such a great visual. Three good friends enjoying a nice morning conversation with a great view.

Next, I took the bus to check out the town of Maiori. I enjoyed exploring around the town. And although it wasn't Black Friday here, in keeping with some tradition I did do a bit of gift souvenir shopping. :)

We all know that Positano is in several movies but I did not know that the town of Maiori was the setting on several films by Roberto Rosellini. While exploring around the town I stumbled onto this location where a scene from his movie "The Miracle" (the second episode of the film "L'Amore" - Love) in 1948, was filmed.

Seems like the town is already prepared for the Christmas Holidays with their decoreations all put up.

And can't leave Maoiri without finding something fun to photograph . . . I think the kids rides here are so much more colorful than the ones at home. :)

While riding on the bus I saw two very different and interesting ways in which the locals manage to move heavy loads for construction purposes around. With such hilly cliffs and hard to reach places I can only imagine how challenging it is here.

First, for the really heavy and difficult to get to places you need to bring in some air support. From the bus ride we see this helicopter lifting this really large and heavy object over to the hills from this big barge anchored off shore.

And for the smaller (but yet still heavy and difficult jobs), the locals use pack mules. Here, the worker must haul heavy stones from somewhere up on the hills back down to his truck. He uses two primary adult mules. The baby mule apparently is used to lead the other mules from the front.

And that's how I spent my after Thanksgiving Day Friday here on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Ciao for now.

PhotoHunt: Hand-Written

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love the handwritten restaurant menus I see while traveling . . .

I took this photo at a restaurant my friend and I ate at in Rome. I had a Pizza Margarita and it was delicious!

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving.

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Paestum . . .

2011-11-25T00:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday traveling by a combination of bus and train to the town of

Paestum or “Poseidonia” as it was known. It was founded by Greeks from Sybaris in the sixth century BC and later in 273 BC colonized by the Romans who then Latinized the name.

But by the ninth century a combination of malaria and Saracen raids led to the gradual abandonment of the city where it was overtaken by forests. This site was rediscovered again in the eighteen century when Charles III was building a road through there. When the trees were cut down, there were three intact Greek Temples.

The three impressive Doric temples are in the large area situated nearly in the centre of the town and constitute its sacred area.

The Temple of Hera also known as the “Basilica” is the most ancient of the three temples and dates back to the middle of the VI Century BC. It is dedicated to Hera, wife of Zeus. Archaeologists judged that it belongs to the Hellenistic age. It has nine columns on the front and eighteen along the side.

Standing north of the Basilica stands Temple Hera II also known as the Temple of Neptune. It is the largest and best preserved temple of the city. It has 6 x 15 columns and can be dated about 450 B.C. It was called the Temple of Neptune by the archeologists of the XVIII century because it was considered the oldest and therefore the first one to be built in honor of the divinity from whom the city took its name and under whose protection it had placed itself, as Poseidon is the Greek name for Neptune.

The Temple of Ceres is located near the entrance. It is a hexastyle Doric Temple of the end of the VI Century B.C. It is believed that this temple was dedicated to goddess AthenE-Minerva as evidenced by uncovered fragments of clay statuettes of AthenE and the name of the Goddess inscribed on the fragment of a vase.

My trip to Paestum was super long and involved taking two buses and a train, but I can't imagine this trip having missed such an opportunity to visit here. Seeing these amazing Greek Temples and in such a wonderful setting and at times with just me on the site was amazing! It was a very special way to spend this year's Thanksgiving!

Here are more photos and I hope to post more either later on this trip or once I get home.

Entrance to Museum and where you buy your entrance tickets.

Entrance to Scavi Site

Wide shot of the grounds.

Walkway around the site.

Close up of some finds uncovered.

Many thanks to everyone for leaving such cool comments and for taking the time to read my blog. I hope you all had a very wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday celebration.

Ciao for now...

2011 Amalif Coast Adventures: My Rainey Day in Positano . . .

2011-11-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

The sky is dark, the beach huts are boarded up for the winter, most of the stores, hotels and restaurants are closed and the boats are all covered up . . .

. . . . on the near empty beach a loan sun bather types on her iPad while a couple of tourists are busily taking pictures.

And me . . . . I enjoyed a delicious pizza (best on this trip so far). It had tomatoes, mozzarella and eggplant. I also had a nice glass of prosecco (also the best I’ve had on this trip) and a vanilla gelato for dessert.

Today I spent a Rainey Day in Positano and had the best time!

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Mt Solaro and more of Capri . . . .

2011-11-19T23:32:00.000-08:00

On day 2, I woke up early so I can catch the bus to Anacapri where I wanted to see the two things on my must see list, Mt. Solaro and the Church of St. Michelle

I arrived at Piazza Victoria in Anacapri where I can then take the chair lift (10 Euro Roundtrip) up to the top of Mt. Solaro for a 360 view of the island. I was there just as they opened and was the first one up the chairlift.

I’m not afraid of heights but I did get a little bit of a Yikes feeling as I first got on the lift. It is a single chair lift and operates much like a ski lift. You stand by this spot and as the chair comes around the corner and reaches you, you sit. Of course it has been a long while since I went skiing and memories of one mistiming incident resulting in me falling, my seat partner falling and the lift operators being forced to stop of the lift came up.

But as luck would have it I managed to time it perfectly and I was on my way. It wasn’t so bad once I got on and the view on the way up is wonderful. It took 13 minutes and you pass over these lemon trees and other interesting looking gardens.

The summit of Monte Solaro offers (at 580 meters) a spectacular views over the island, including the Bay of Naples, the bay of Salerno and out towards the island of Ischia.

For about 15 minutes (until other groups of tourists arrived) I had the top of Mt.Solaro all to myself (with the exception of the chairlift employee). It was actually quite wonderful. :)

But what goes up must come down . . .

Next, I visited the Church of St. Michelle (2 Euro Entrance fee) . . .

The church is famous for its majolica floor covering the whole area under the octogonal dome and nave. The Neapolitan artis Leonardo Chiaiese created this masterpiece in 1761. The scene depicts the explusion of Adam and Eve from the Garden. There are great details: the flowers, the plants and the animals including mythical ones such as the unicorn. Climb to the second floor to get a better view of the entire floor.

I then return to Capri by taking the same bus. I decide to have a nice pasta lunch at this restaurant the hotel staff recommended.

After lunch I took a pleasant walk down this path for a closer view of the Faraglioni Rocks.

Well, my trip to Capri was a success. Sometimes I don't do a lot of research on logistics and I often surprise myself that I am able to get from point A to point B. But I do and I've been very fortunate.

I absolutely loved my day trip to Capri and I am so glad that I was able to return to a place that captivated me so.

But I have to be honest with my feelings about the experience. I'm not sure if it is me or Capri that has changed over the years. I think it is me as a traveler that has changed because although I loved my visit here, it was not as "magical" as say my return trip to Venice. It didn't feel as "magical" as my stay here in Praiano.

Capri is a very beautiful and for anyone who has not yet been here I would recommend it highly. But for a return traveler like myself, I think it could be my 2nd and final visit here. I don't regret coming here and I loved sitting and watching the beautiful views from Anacapri and Mount Solaro and it will be forever in my travel memories.

Thank you Capri for allowing me to relive my memories and for giving new ones to remember for the rest of my life. I will cherish them as always.

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Trek returns to Capri . . . .

2011-11-19T23:01:00.000-08:00

It has been many years since I’ve been to Capri and although I remember my visit to the famous Blue Grotto with great detail, I hardly remember the rest of the town. On this trip I don’t want to repeat seeing the Blue Grotto, but wanted to do a couple of things that I haven’t done before.

First of all, it was a very long trip to get to Capri. From Praiano, I took the Sita bus to Amalfi, then from Amalfi I took another Sita bus to Sorrento where the driver let me out at Piazza Tazzo. Would you believe that this Christmas tree is the only photo I took in Sorrento? Sometimes I do revert back to my "I'm on a mission" mode which doesn't allow me to really appreciate being in the moment. I really wish I would've taken more photos here.

The bus driver told me to walk down these stairs and they will take me to down toward Marina Piccola. When I looked down, I thought to myself, he wasn't kidding. There are a lot of stairs here for sure. :)

The hydrofoil ferry took about 30 or so minutes and it cost 15 euro (one-way). Prone to motion sickness I did take a Dramamine and although most people sat below, I sat myself on the top deck for the fresh air and wonderful unobstructed views on the way over.

From here you can see the main land disappearing in the distance and Mt. Vesuvius to the side. Remembering my visit to Pompeii I’m reminded of not only its size but of its power.

As the ferry approaches the island you can see the vertical rocky cliffs and memories of my previous trip surfaces again. I know this image and I remember the long walkway of the ferry dock.

The ferry arrives at Marina Grande where I have to then purchase a ticket for the Funicular to reach the center of the town of Capri (Piazza Umberto).

From here I got a glimpse of the spectacular view below. I checked into my hotel and went back to the piazza to enjoy a pizza, prosecco and the sun setting over the island. I later also capped dinner off with a gelato cone.

Now off to bed . . . the hotel I chose is La Canasta and it looks like an old villa turned into a hotel. It has only 4 rooms and I think I only saw one other guest there.

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: A day in Praiano . . . .

2011-11-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

Early this afternoon I explored my town (Praiano). It has one main road going through it. Most of the hotels and big restaurants are closed for the winter season and there are maybe a handful of tourists around. I stop in the local post office to check out the hours, I walk down the road with the occasional car/vespa zipping by me, I stop to take photos of everyday happenings (no art, no architectural wonders) and they interest me. I stop by a packed local bar called Bar del Sole. It seems to be where the weekend road warriors take a break and where the local villagers and fisherman come to chill. I find myself drawn there myself.

As I walked along (a stranger among them) the locals here are friendly and they greet you with Buon Giorno. I reply with a Buon Giorno back, which is one of the few lines I have mastered here with the exception of Grazie.

I stop into the family owned grocery store to buy more essentials. I want to make some pasta tomorrow so hopefully purchased the right ingredients. I took this translation food guide with me to make sure. And what I’m not sure of I simply ask and they are helpful. I also asked if they had an empty medium sized box they could spareme so I can use it to mail some stuff home. In only a week I managed to already accumulate a few souvenirs and gifts that I've purchased. :)

Today was not packed with sightseeing, I did not go out to any grand beach front restaurants or do any shopping at name brand stores. Today, I explored my town, greeted some of my neighbors and once again watched another incredible sunset.

A cloud covered Sunset in Praiano and the lights of Positano in the distance...I can hear the sounds of vespas go by, the bells of Chiesa di San Gennaro, the occasional toot of a car or the Sita bus, dogs barking in the distance, the sounds of various conversations from my Italian neighbors and the quiet calm of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Daily living in the small town of Praiano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy is simple and yet so full of life and I absolutely love it!

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Ravello . . .

2011-11-19T00:24:00.000-08:00

They say that Ravello is where great artist, musicians and poets enjoy staying because of its positioning high up on the hills where one can be inspired by its magnificent view of the Amalfi Coast.

So it is only natural that a place like Ravello would attract dreamers like myself as well.

To get to Ravello, I take a Sita bus from Praiano to Amalfi then take another Sita Bus from Amalfi to Ravello. The ride involved many twists and turns (so what’s new here) and it took about 30 minutes.

The bus lets you off at Vescovado Square. A few steps up and through this tunnel, I can immediately see the Duomo and entrance to the Villa Rufalo. I am now in the main Piazza Duomo.

I ask directions and head off toward Villa Cimbrone. I accidently take the long route through these narrow alleyways which passes through some private homes and villas. It was a long way to get there but I found it interesting.

As I move along I can hear the donkey’s below. Apparently workers here use them to carry loads to and from places and I can see why. It is very hilly here with no main roads.

And following in the footsteps of Annie, I try to pay attention to the details and of things to look out for along the way. And I’m rewarded by a couple of wonderful surprises...

Villa Maria’s Organic Garden. I don’t know what type of vegetable these are but they are huge.

The entrance fee is 6 Euros and they give you this pamphlet which provides you with the main attractions and map to guide you through the grounds.

The Villa is itself is an historic building dating from the 11^th century. My first stop is the Cloister which is a graceful little courtyard in an Arabian – Sicilian – Norman style.

Next, I walk along the shade of the Avenue of Immensity. Being that this is November, very few flowers are in bloom but the artistry of the grounds work is still pleasing to the eyes.

Next is probably one of the most famous photo that I’ve seen in other websites and blogs, The Terrace of Infinity. This balcony is adorned with these 18^th century marble busts and behind them is this incredible view of the Amalfi Coast below. When you look straight down, you’ll see these lemon groves and terraces.

There is also this beautiful Rose Garden and although it is November and very few flowers are in bloom there were a few here and there which made me imagine how beautiful these gardens must be when all the flowers are in full bloom.

Next I visited the Cathedral (Duomo) which is located in Piazza Duomo. The entrance fee is 2 euro. Founded in 1086, there is an Arabic inspired influence. The bronze doors have a picture on it with 54 scenes of Christ’s life (of course I forgot to take a close up of the doors-may later). Inside there is an interesting looking marble centerpiece.

I had planned on also seeing Villa Rufolo before leaving but was sort of on sightseeing overload after my long visit at Villa Cimbrone, so I happily became side tracked (aka went shopping and café sitting) then returned home to Praiano. This is the advantage of knowing that you are here for 3 weeks. I know that I would have a chance to return to see Villa Rufolo (a definite must see).

My dreams were definitely fulfilled on my visit here . . . more to come when I return to visit Villa Rufolo.

Thank you everyone for stopping by to read my blog. I have enjoyed reading your comments about my photos. I'm glad that you are enjoying them.

Well, after my two night day trip to Capri and a long travel day yesterday, I'm ready for some "il dolce far nienete". I'll be spending the day visiting Praiano. :)

PhotoHunt: Rain (Wet)

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Recognize this "wet" scene?

I took this photo (in the rain) near the Glenfinnan (Wikipedia) Monument in Scotland. In the foreground are these little pearls of raindrops clinging to the branches and barb wire fence.

In the background is the Glenfinnan viaduct which is where the famous Hogwarts Express (Wikipedia) was filmed traveling along in the Harry Potter Movie Series.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

2011Amalfi Coast Adventures: Trekcapri Is on Capri . . .

2011-11-16T22:59:00.000-08:00

It was a long travel day but I finally arrived just in time to enjoy the sun setting.

The WiFi at the hotel is pretty slow so I wil. Just do this quick post. First breakfast then to Mt Salero for a 360 degree view of Capri. :)

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Chez Black . . .

2011-11-15T11:58:00.000-08:00

Today I visited Ravello and what a beauty! I leave for Capri tomorrow, so I am unable to devote the time Ravello deserves. I will have to postpone my post about my visit there until I return from Capri.

But for now here's a quick post on how well I'm eating here on the Amalfi Coast. Here's my post on my dining experience at Chez Black in Positano.

And here's the wall of fame! I wonder if Mr. Steinbeck's photo is one of them?

I started with a wonderful Caprese salad. Although I don't eat a lot of cheese I actually liked it.

Next my delicious grilled Sea Bass (and they offer to take out the bones for you) . . . .

When the dessert tray came around, let me tell you I was so tempted.

The service was excellent and you can see the owner come by to greet customers and help the waiters/hostess.

So if you find yourself in Positano, get yourself to Chez Black for a great meal, great view and a great place for people watching.

Chez Black
Via del Brigantino, 19
Positano (S) - Italia
www.chezblack.it

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: The Town of Amalfi . . .

2011-11-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I decided to visit the town of Amalfi . . . but first some breakfast and internet surfing. Check out my morning view. :)

Amalfi was once a very powerful Maritime Republic rivaling Genoa, Venice and Pisa. It’s a cool town which seems busier than Praiano and Positano. There are lots of shops selling touristy items.

The center of town is not very far from where the Sita bus drops you off. Once you cross the narrow road through this Arch, you are in the main Piazza del Duomo. Here you immediately see the Arab-Norman façade of the Cathedral. It has lace like open arches and an 11^th century bronze door from Constantinople. The tiled cupola is typical of Amalfi coast churches. The fee to enter is 3 Euros and it includes entrance to the Clositer of Paradise, the Basilica of Crucifix, the Crypt and the Cathedral.

The Cloister of Paradise is the ancient cemetery for the noblemen of Amalfi, built between 1266 and 1268. Here you can enjoy the charm of the characteristic interlaced arches, supported by 120 slender columns in the Moorish style. The greenery of the small Mediterranean garden at the center of the Cloister filters through the pure white row of columns.

Along the side there are various sarcophagi and ancient Byzantine pulpits of the Cathedral. From here you can also get a glimpse of the Amalfi Cathedral’s bell tower (1180-1276). It is decorated in the Moorish style with polychrome majolica tiles.

The Crypt is the heart of Amalfi because here are preserved the head and other bones of Saint Andrew, Jesus’ first disciple. The Cathdral has a baroque interior dating to the early 18^th century.

While looking around to find the paper museum I get lost in the maze of narrow alleys. Here away from the tourist crowds I can get a sense of local life here. Laundry hanging, the sounds of conversation and music coming from the inside of these homes. It’s pretty cool.

Then I stumbled onto the Arte e Carta the little paper making store that Samantha Brown visited when she was here in Amalfi. Here I meet the daughter who spoke with Samantha. I mentioned to her that I saw that Travel Show and was very impressed with their store so I was really glad that I found it.

She then showed me a plaque on the wall with a photo of her father with Samantha Brown’s name underneath. I was quite sad to hear that her father passed away 4 years I ago. She proceeded to show me around the store indicated her father’s mark on the paper. Here is where I decided to purchase a print. It is beautiful and made on the homemade paper that her father made. She was even kind enough to pose for me in her store and with her sweet cat. She then asked if I could e-mail her a copy of the photo which I happily did.

I discovered where I need to go to try to see the Valley of the Mills. But that will be for another day without my big camera. J

Well, I can’t help but give you another sunset shot….

Thanks everyone for stopping by and for your kind comments.

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Positano smiles and says Buon Girono . . .

2011-11-13T22:43:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I "borrowed" that line from Samantha Brown. :) Today, I will pay Positano a visit. A place where John Steinbeck was inspired to write that very famous article and now years later, I have this opportunity to see Positano through my own eyes.

According to the Sita Bus schedule I should arrive in Positano by lunch time. The bus lets you off at the top of this hill and you need to walk these narrow alleyways down towards the beach. The path is lined with cute shops and interesting and colorful signs showing you the way as you can get sort of twisted around because you can't really see the ocean walking down. There are white washed shops that line the narrow alleyways down toward the black/grayish sand beach.

First, I paid a visit to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. As you enter the church you can read a greeting which says:

I don’t think I have read such an inviting and pleasing welcome. It’s like I was really meant to start off my vacation here on the Amalfi Coast with this early visit to this wonderful church. I can now begin to understand why Mr. Steinbeck was so captivated by this town.

The Santa Maria Assunta seems to be the center piece of this town more than the beach itself with it’s brilliant dome made of majolica tiles as well as a 13^th Byzantine century icon of the Black Madonna. According to local legend the icon had been stolen from Byzantium and traveling across the Mediterranean by pirates, a terrible storm had blown up. In fear for their safety, the pirates unloaded the precious icon off in Positano and the storm stopped.

They have some wonderful art as well and one that struck me was this “Chapel of Immaculate Conception” Here’s what was said about this painting:

The painting (1795) depicts the Virgin as she appears in the Book of the Apcalypse: with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown with twelve starts, curshing the snake. The angels around her are holding symbols taken from the Song of Songs that are applied to Mary: the Lily, the mirror, the rose, the olive branch, the star

After being inspired with my church visit, I decided to have lunch at Chez Black which is a restaurant located right on the Beach. Mimi mentioned that it was her favorite and I can see why. It’s a little on the pricey side but the service is excellent, the food was outstanding (I had the grilled Sole) and the view….well it’s priceless!

More glimpses of a beautiful town . . .

Thank you everyone for all of your wonderful comments. They are very much appreciated. I am really enjoying this beautiful place in Italy!

Ciao for now.

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Ciao from Italy . . . .

2011-11-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a whirlwind two days . . .

Roma! The history, the art, the energy, the architecture, the churches, the food . . . . It’s got it all and it's amazing. After the long flight I arrived at my hotel only to be told that they lost my reservation and they don’t have any more rooms. I wasn’t happy, but they immediately found me a nearby hotel and the bellman helped with my luggage. Then when I checked out, I discovered that the other hotel paid for my room so I all I had to pay was 2 euros for taxes. Okay, now all is forgiven. J

By the time I arrived at my hotel, it was already dark but I headed out in search for a TIM store. I had no address but I saw it while in the Taxi on the way to the hotel. Don’t ask me how I found it, but I did. They got me hooked up with a SIM card and I’m good to go. They don't sell unlimited plans, so I got the maximum internet time they had to offer. Hopefully that will last me.

And how can I be in Rome and not stop by the Trevi Fountain to toss my Euro coin in it to guarantee a return back to Rome! Plus, I remember learning that the coins collected from the fountain are used to help feed the needy.

There was this married couple there and it was so cool because when they went to toss their coins into the fountain the entire crowd cheered them on. I sat by the fountain eating a nice wonderful and delicious scoop of pistachio gelato!

Next to the Fountain I found a church and influenced by Annie’s blog I went in to take a look inside and to light a couple of candles. In the corner to the right of the Alter I found the most beautiful Mary I have ever seen. She is so mesmerizing it really took my breath away looking at her. Somehow I felt so comforted by her eyes. Thanks Annie for inspiring me to appreciate the many beautiful churches in Italy. They are truly wonderful.

On the way back I stopped to take a photo of this other fountain. I noticed a lot of police presence and this motorcade came zooming in. I was told that was the President of Italy. That explains the police presence and news vans. By now I’m getting hungry, so I stopped by this family owned pizza. The pizza wasn’t the best I have had in Italy, but the strawberry desert was really delicious and made for it. J

I started to blog before I went to bed but I my eyes suddenly shut down and I was out! I had set my alarm before I went to bed. I set my alarm to wake up early so I can have breakfast and do a fast blog post before heading to Termini to catch my train to Salerno.

My alarm didn’t go off and I woke up late giving me only an hour before my train leaves. I hightailed myself out of bed, through everything in my bags and wend downstairs to check out and have them call a Taxi.

I made my train in plenty of time. While waiting to find out what Platform number my train will depart from I met a girl who was on the same train. We chatted the whole time but got split up due to different seat assignments on the train. She was cool, plus she alerted me to which car I had to get on. She was worried for me and rightfully so, because I was getting on the wrong coach.

On the train, I sat next to the most entertaining travelers from Australia. They were a hoot. They are in Europe for 7 weeks and they are going to a lot of places. The two Italian ladies next to me didn’t speak any English but they were a hoot too! They were very busy scratching their lotto tickets and I’m sure talking about what they would do if they won. I know that’s what I would be talking about! He, he.

They all got off in Naples and I stayed on until Salerno. My car service was already waiting for me. I had heard a lot about the drive through Amalfi even seen several videos and wow! It is exactly what they say . . . hair raising sharp turns through out. Should I still do the Vespa adventure? Probably not. J

I arrive in my apartment and it is exactly as depicted on the Summer in

Italy

website. It is gorgeous! Super clean, tasteful décor, and very well furnished and equipped. The owner helped me to bring my bags up the stairs. The owner, Mrs. Agata is so nice.

And from the terrace in my bedroom! My beautiful sunset . . .

And since I can see Positano from my Terrance, I’ll be going there tomorrow.

Thank you everyone for stopping by! Ciaó for now.

PhotoHunt: Two

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've posted this photo before but I just couldn't help using it again for this week's theme. There are two riders on this small boat cruising along the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.

And I think we all know who is in charge here. :)

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

Scheduled Post

Thank you so much for visiting my PhotoHunt post this week. I am currently en route to Rome so this is a scheduled post. I am not sure if I will have consistent internet access while in Italy, so I have scheduled the next 3 PhotoHunt posts just in case I am not able to post them manually.

I should have some internet service during the trip and I am looking forwarding to seeing everyone's take on these upcoming themes.

I have a feeling that my first Live Post from Rome should be coming up today . . . :)

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Leaving for Italy . . .

2011-11-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

Last time I was in Italy was in 2007 when I spent two wonderfully long (and yet not long enough) weeks in Venice. Since then, I have been aching to return! After 4 long years, the day has finally arrived. Tomorrow I'm off to Italy!

On the eve of my trip I can't help but to reflect back to when I first joined Slow Travel, which was in 2004.  Slow Travel/Talk is an awesome website that was created by Pauline Kenny who now runs Slow Europe. It is here where I first learned that the best way to get the most of my travel experiences was to slow down and see less.

I honestly don't think that I fully grasped that concept until my trip last year when I spent two weeks in Amsterdam and one week in Berlin.  On this trip, I didn't do everything that I wanted to do and I didn't get to see all of my "must see's.  And I discovered that seeing and doing everything on my trips wasn't as important to me as it once was. I enjoyed being able to live in my neighborhood in Mitte and observe and live daily life there, even going to the same cafe and restaurants as a regular. And even at a slower pace, I still managed to satisfy my interests in history, art and culture.

This year I wanted to slow down my travels even further and spend the entire three weeks in "one" location.

This is a re post of a PhotoHunt theme I did for Triangle.  I took this photo while walking along a small side road near the town of Arisaig in the Highlands of Scotland.  Don't you love the urgency of the message. I think it speaks volumes.  My motto of late is to try not to put things off for another day, because I just never know what's around that curb.

Many thanks and appreciation to Pauline for creating Slow Travel, to the wonderful moderators and members of the Slow Talk Community, to my friends and family who support and understands my passion and to my very special blogging friends who continue to inspire my travels.

It will be a long travel day tomorrow but the good news is soon I'll be back in Italy where I'm going to enjoy learning about history, seeing beautiful art, churches and sunsets, eating some delicious pizza and gelato and I hope to enjoy a lot of what the Italians have a saying for . . . .

“il dolce far nienete”
The Sweetness of Doing Nothing

Thank you again everyone. I hope to be blogging and checking in on PhotoHunt while on the road, but just in case I'm not able to, I have scheduled my PhotoHunt pics.

Wishing all of you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving Holidays!

Ciao for now. :)

PhotoHunt: Light

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

I thought the rain on light (or light on rain) effect looked pretty cool.

I took this photo while riding on a tour bus in the Netherlands. We were returning to Amsterdam after visiting the cities of Den Haag, Delft and Rotterdam.

Here, I found street light, car light, reflection light and house light . . . and if there weren't any clouds I bet I would've had some moon light too. :)

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

PhotoHunt: Broken

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Broken . . . . and yet artistic.

I took this photo in the Sculpture yard behind Kunsthaus Tacheles, an art center in Berlin, Germany. This place is pretty wild and with an interesting history. I enjoyed my visit there.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Ravello, Paestum, Capri . . . . and Naples

2011-10-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

Yikes! Only 12 days more before I leave, so I will have to really speed up my pre-trip (itinerary) posts really fast now. :)

Ravello is a small picturesque town positioned high up on the mountains above the coast. In the early 19th century, Ravello was a favorite vacation spot for aristocrats also attracting the attention of famous poets and artists because of it's amazing views and peaceful atmosphere. There is a market square in the center of town where you will find a wonderful Cathedral. The San Pantaleone Cathedral has pulpit carried by columns decorated with mosaics that sit on six stone lions. It really reminds me a little of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.

Not far from the cathedral is Villa Rufolo which was built in the 13th century characterized by Byzantine and Arabic elements. The Villa Rufolo is the sight where the very Internationally known Ravello Music Festival takes place. The concert season ends in October so unfortunately I will not be able to attend. Next, I want to visit Villa Cimbrone which was built in the 14th century and is famous for stunning views of the coast.

Paestum is an ancient Greco Roman city which is famous for having three well-preserved ancient greek temples. The three main temples that can be found in Paestum (Sacred Destinations) are: The Temple of Neptune (or Apollo or Hera II), the Temple of Ceres (or Athena), and the Temple of Hera. I can't wait to explore these great archaeological finds. This trip will be a long day as I must travel by bus from Praiano to Amalfi, then take a bus on to Salerno and finally a train to Paestum. Whew! I'm tired just writing about this. I am very confident that it will all be worth it. :)

The first time I visited the island of Capri was in 1993 when I took my first ever international trip to Europe. I was part of a group tour (and not a Slow Traveler) and so I hardly remember any of my experiences. My three most vivid memories from that trip was seeing the Tower of London in England, seeing Venice and finally taking the boat ride over to the Island of Capri. It will be very interesting as it was when I revisited Venice in 2007, to see what my experiences will be like revisting this very popular destination.

For this day trip, I will have to take a bus from Praiano to Sorrento and then take a Ferry to Capri. I will have two nights here on Capri and during my visit I want to get a closer look at the Faraglione, take the Funicular up to see the Natural Arch and then take the gondola up to the highest point on the island on Monte Solero where I will find some of the best views of the island (hopefully it will still be operating).

I am really excited about visiting so many wonderful towns on the Amalif Coast and hearing from fellow Slow Travelers and Blogging friends, Jane (Casey, Italy and Other Good Stuff) said:

You will love, love the Amalfi Coast. We haven't been there for years but it will be the just the same when we get there as last time. So beautiful!

And fellow Slow Traveler and Blogging friend Menehune (Syncrhonicity) said:

I visited Sorrento, Capri and Positano on one of my first trips there....Wondering why I never went back! The description of Sorrento is so true, at least for me. Loved this area of Italy.

I have received lots of encouragements and support from Fellow Slow Travelers and Blogging friends, Sandra (looking forward to hanging with you in Rome) (Leaping without a Net), Annie (Churches in Vencie), Girasoli (Shave Ice and Gelato), Barb (Follow My Bliss), Nancy (A Winelovers Wanderings), Anne (Light is Sweet) and Marta (Postcards from the Trail) and now I am really getting excited to start my 2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures.

But hold up . . .

What about Naples! I wasn't planning on visiting Naples, but the more I read about this city that is full of energy, history, and culture, the more I begin to develop an interest. And then finally, I read fellow Slow Traveler and blogging friend, Jerry's blog (Jerry's Thoughts, Musings and Rants), about his experiences in Naples and well . . . I just have to go now. Afterall, how could I be so close and not visit the "birth place of Pizza! :) I'm even contemplating a possible over night stay in this amazing city.

On my must see list:

Naples National Archaeological Musuem

Santa Chiara Monastery and Church

Naples Duomo-Cathedral

Spaccanapoli

And I cannot leave without sampling an authentic Neapolitan and very yummy Pizza!

Much appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all my Fellow Slow Travelers and Blogging Friends for continuing to inspire, guide and share so much of your knowledge and experiences so I may have a wonderful adventure. And a pre-trip post cannot be complete without a special shout out to the wonderful and generous community of Travelers on Slow Talk and Pauline Kenny (Slow Europe) founder of Slow Travel.

And to my friends and family, thank you so much for putting up with my obsession (I mean passion)! :)

I'm not sure if I will be successful in getting my MiFi to work while on my trip, so I'll either blog and tweet a lot or I'll blog and tweet a little. I love reading my live posts to reminisce about my trip, so I hope to have it up and working. I will definitely have WiFi in my hotels in Rome and Capri, so I will definitely be doing some posts.

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Amalfi . . .

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

The town of Amalfi is the largest of the small villages along the famed Amalfi coast. I have read that between the 9th and 12th centuries Amalfi's maritime empire rivalled Venice, Genoa and Pisa.

Dominating the Piazza del Duomo is the Amalfi Cathedral (Sacred Destinations) which was built in the 9th Century and dedicated to Apostle St Andrew.  After climbing up 57 steps, you will find the church's bronze doors which came from Constantinope dating from 1066.  To the left is a beautiful cloister, Choiostro del Paradiso, with whitewashed arches and palms. There is also a museum with several ancient treasures. I'm not very big on visiting crypts (so will pass on this), but down one level from the museum visitors will find a heavily decorated crypt with the remains of the Apostle St. Andrew.

To the left of the Cathedral steps, I will find the Museo Civico which contain a nice collection of paintings such as the Apocalypse of St. John by Domenico Morelli.

Fellow Slow Traveler and blogging friend, Girasoli (Shave Ice and Gelato), said that she enjoyed the town of Amalfi (*edited). I'm going to browse the quaint alleys around the town and make my way to the Paper Museum (Museo della Carta), which is on my must see list. On the Travel Channel show video I purchased, Samantha Brown visited a paper maker in the town of Amalfi and I found it really interesting. It kind of makes me feel sad and guilty that with today's technological advances we have been moving away from paper related products to high tech products.

Next on my must see list, I will love to take a day to hike the Valle delle Ferriere trail to see the natural reserve and old paper mill ruins.  In this pristine setting I will come across water falls, trickling streams and a very rare plant called Woodwardia Radicans which comes from the Tertiary Age and is a rare example of pre-glacial flora.  I found this cool YouTube video which gives me an idea of what I'll see.

I'm finding out that there are some wonderful little trails here on the Amalfi and I just hope that the weather will be kind to me so I can explore some of them.

I just looked at the calendar and realized that I have only 19 more days left before I leave, so I may have to speed my pre-trip posts up a bit. My apologies for so many posts in such a short period of time. :)

Next up, Ravello, Capri, Paestum and Naples . . .

PhotoHunt: High

2011-10-21T06:00:00.001-07:00

Mt. Titlis is located in Switzerland and is 3,238 meters high.

You have to take two cable cars to reach the summit.

Because it was snowing instead of the glorious Swiss Alps views, all we could see was white clouds and snow! But that didn't stop us from taking the final chair lift to try to see the Glacier at the very top. We convinced our poor tour director to take four of us up and so she did. And guess what we saw . . . . White!

So what can you do at 10,000 feet high in the Swiss Alps if you can't see anything....well you can have a good old fashioned snow ball fight!

A bit of history here. This was my second try at seeing the Swiss Alps. My first attempt failed in 1993 because we were snowed out as well.

But seeing the Swiss Alps remains on my Bucket list and someday I hope to return to Switzerland again to actually see it.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Positano . . .

2011-10-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

Positano bites deep.

It is a dream place that isn't quite real
when you are there

and becomes beckongly real
after you have gone.

by John Steinbeck

(Harper's Bazaar, Published article in May 1953)

Apparently Positano was a poor fishing village during the first half of the 20th century and it wasn't until a published article about Positano by John Steinbeck in Harper's Bazaar in May, 1953 did the town begin to attract large numbers of tourists. I found a copy of his article HERE and loved it.

I think John Steinbeck's article was interesting because it was written in the 1950's but he really writes in a way that a Slow Traveler of today would. That being that he noticed things that only a Slow Traveler notices after they have spent enough time in one place to notice them. Here's another excerpt from his famous article:

"In a few days we became aware of Positano's greatest commodity - characters. Maybe they aren't marketable, but Positano has them above every community I have ever seen. Yes, Positano flourishes with characters."

I think that the main attraction that I'll find in Positano will be the town of Positano itself. It captivated, Travel Channel Host, Samantha Brown, so much that all she could say when she first saw Positano was "you had me at Buon Giorno . . . you had me at Buon Giorno."

Positano is so beautiful that you can find her in several movies, my favorite of which is in the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, with Diane Lane. In fact, I had to watch it on Netflix recently.

Once a sleepy fishing village, Positano has become a favorite of the rich and famous with its' chic (and pricey) hotels and small boutiques. There are limestone cliffs, draped with these pastel colored houses which seem to flow gently down the rugged cliffs to the pebbly gray sand beach of the Marina Grande and down onto the turquoise green Tyrrhenian sea. Talk about your picture perfect postcard.

There are steep pedestrian only lanes, shaded with vines of bougainvillea and they say that even on the off season the village maintains its charm. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes when venturing out to explore the steep and narrow streets here. I love this next excerpt from John Steinbeck's famous article:

Again, Positano is never likely to attract the organdie-and-white linen tourist. It would be impossible to dress as a languid tourist-lady-crisp, cool white dress, sandals as white and light as little clouds, picture hat of arrogant nonsense, and one red rose held in a listless whitegloved pinky. I dare any dame to dress like this and climb the Positano stairs for a cocktail. She will arrive looking like a washcloth at a boys’ camp. There is no way for her to get anywhere except by climbing.

Once I am able to recover from that initial "wow" reaction that I'm sure I'll get from my first sight of Positano, I want to visit the town's main church, the Santa Maria Assunta with its distinctive majolica tiled dome. This triple naved layout church took shape in the 18th century when it was built over the remains of a 13th century Benedictine abbey. Inside, located above the high altar is the La Madonna Nera (Black Madonna), a Byzantine icon. Legend has it that this came to Positano on the waves of the sea after a terrible storm.

On the seaside, I'll also find two ancient defensive Towers, Torre Trasita and Torre Sponda. They were used for defensive purposes against pirate assaults.

Yes, it seems that Positano does in fact bite deep . . . . next up the town of Amalfi.

2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: Like pearls on a string . . .

2011-10-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the Amalfi Coast is located along the Sorrentin Peninsula in Southern Italy. With it's limestone cliffs, sparkling turquoise waters, beautiful gardens/lemon groves, magnificent vistas and spectacular sunsets, I have read that the Amalfi Coast is the perfect place to relax and experience the genuine soul of Italy.

After considering all of my options (scheduling, flight options and price), I went with the amazing City of Rome to be my fly in and fly out city rather than Naples. Although it was not the cheapest most convenient option out there, who am I to complain about "having" to travel to Rome again. :)

My first night's hotel is not very far from the famous Trevi Fountain so first on my agenda will be to head over so I can throw my traditional Euro coin into the Trevi Fountain to guarantee my 5th return trip to Italy. :) Next, I'll have to find a gelato shop then head over to the Spanish Steps, where I can enjoy a brief "Audrey Hepburn, Roman Holiday" moment. In 2005 (the last time I was in Rome), I purchased this really cool Calendar which contains several scenes on it from the movie. This was my favorite.

And before my return flight home at the end of my trip, I'm excited and lucky to be able to get together with blogging friend Sandra (Leaping Without a Net). It will be the second day of what will be several months (or years) living in Rome. Her journey is an amazing story and I am looking forward to hearing more about her plans. A great way to end my 2011 Amalfi Coast Adventure.

My logistics are all but done and now all that is left to do is pack and write a few Pre-Trip posts about my planned itinerary. Here is my first installment . . .

Like pearls on a string the beautiful small villages that line the famous Amalfi Coast offer travelers beauty, history, great food and lots of timeless Old World Charm. With 3 whole weeks I will be able to savour my time exploring the many interesting and beautiful things in this part of Southern Italy.

I have created a short list of "must sees" for each town and with the exception of my two night day trip to Capri I will decide day by day what I want to see and do. I'll be there in November so the weather will be a factor. I also plan on making day trips to Paestum (to see the Greek Temples) and Naples (to see the National Archaeological Museum and Santa Chiara Monastery), but more on these day trips later.

I plan on limiting my sightseeing to 1 or 2 places per day and then use the rest of the day to go on walks, sit at a cafe/bar or just have fun with my photography. This trip will be a lot about me and my desire to relax and feel like I'm part of this little town. But I also want to learn about the history, art and culture.

My home away from home will be the small town of Praiano which sits between the more popular tourist destinations of Positano and the town of Amalfi. My apartment looks really cool. It has a terrace in every room opening up to breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and a distant view of Positano. I read somewhere that the position of the town makes Praiano the ideal place to view both the sunsets and sunrises and that the sunsets here are among the best in the world. Whoo hoo!

The name Praiano comes from the Latin Pelagium (open sea). It is a small village west of Positano and sits below Monte Sant'Angelo. It is a town that once had a flourishing silk industry and was during the 10th-11th centuries the summer residence of the Amalfi Doge. Today, Praiano has opened itself up to tourism without the masses typically associated with it's neighbors, Positano and Amalfi.

For a little town, Praiano has some really interesting things to admire.

Inspired by blogging friend, AnnieNC (Churches in Venice), I have developed a genuine love affair with the wonderful churches in Italy. It started back in 2007 when I visited Venice and experienced seeing so many incredible churches there influenced a lot by reading Annie's blog and her Slow Travel article called "My Favorite Lessor Known Churches in Venice". And how lucky am I to have several charming churches to visit here in the small villages along the Amalfi coast. Yay!

My first church to visit on my trip will be the Church of San Gennaro located right down the street from my apartment. Built in 1589, the structure is a Renaissance basilica style building with three naves that is flanked by a bell tower with a cupola covered in majolica tiles.

In front of the building is a beautiful Piazza San Gennaro also adorned with a beautiful tiled majolica design. This delightful Piazza has a wonderful distant view of Positano and serves as a great gathering place for the locals to enjoy the cool evening breeze and friendly conversations. I think I know where I'll be hanging out during the early evenings. :)

Other sights on my must see list here in Praiano include:

- Church of San Luca Evangelista, built in the baroque style in 1588.

- Sighting towers such as Toree a Mare and Toree Asciola which were built to protect the harbour against saracens and pirates.

- Marina di Praia is a pebble beach located between two cliffs.

You know, for a little town there seems to be a number of interesting things to see.

Next up, Positano and Amalfi . . .

PhotoHunt: Public

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, you can't get anymore "public" than this . . .

I took this photo in Amsterdam. I actually walked by this a couple of times before I realized that it was a public urinal for guys. :)

I just had to snap a photo of it for my WC's in Europe photo collection. He, he.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

Have you ever had Blogger's Block . . .

2011-10-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

I have completed all but one last logistical arrangement for my trip and so now I am ready for the really fun part of trip planning . . . writing about what I'll be seeing and doing.

For each trip I enjoy writing pre-trip posts about what I plan on seeing. It is a great tip I learned from blogging friend and soon to be Rome resident, Sandra (Leaping Without a Net). It is a fabulous way to focus on what it is you want to see and do on your trip. I had the day off yesterday (due to a holiday) and had grandiose plans on writing a few pre trip posts.

Then it happened . . . Blogger's Block! I have read my guidebooks, researched a lot of information on the Internet and I have bookmarked several videos, trip reports and blogs about the Amalfi Coast on my computer. The ideas of what to write are all right there in my head. The problem is I can't seem to move it from my head to the keyboard of my computer and onto a blog post. :)

For me writing does not come easy. More than the ideas itself I have to write from a certain place. And when I'm not in "that" place where ever and whatever that is, I can't do it. Maybe all the logistical planning has given me this block, so now that I am 99% done, I will feel inspired and my Blogger's Block will soon pass.

In fact, after thinking about and writing this post, I'm beginning to enter that place again . . . and just in the nick of time as I am now officially less than a month away from Italy! Whoo hoo!

PhotoHunt: Waiting

2011-10-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

Trekcapri: "Hey Bea, you may want to put your arm down, it might be a while before our train arrives."

Friend: "But I just want to be ready to lift myself up the stairs and find a seat."

Trekcapri: "Hmm, maybe I should get ready too. Btw, have you noticed that people on the other trains keep smiling at us." :)

Friend: "They're very friendly here in Italy."

Trekcapri: "Yes, they are but I kind of think they're smiling at us for another reason."

Trekcapri & Friend: "LOL"

When I saw the theme for this week, I immediately thought about all the experiences I've had waiting at train stations in Europe and so I have lots of train station photos in my collection. They are all pretty interesting and cool, but none is more memorable (in a funny way) than this photo, which I took in 2005 at the train station in the small fishing village of Vernazza in the Cinque Terre (Italy).

While my friend and I waited for our train, we parked our humongous 31" luggage side by side at the edge of the platform so we can quickly lift them up the stairs and onto the train before it takes off on us. As I saw other trains go by I kept seeing people (mainly locals) stare out of their windows at our luggage with great big smiles. And well, let's face it, we all know why.

To this day, my friend and I laugh about our big luggage experiences in Italy. And btw, I sold that infamous luggage at a garage sale a couple of years ago. Ha, ha.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

My PhotoStories: Old World Charm . . .

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

As most of the tourists have left and the sun slowly begins to set . . .

. . . . another glorious day ends in a small fishing village in Italy.

In 2005, I stayed in a small town called Vernazza in the Cinque Terre. While my friend and I were having dinner at a nearby restaurant, we noticed one local after another come out and gather at this bench directly in front of us.

We watched as they exchanged pleasantries and engaged in what appeared to be interesting conversations with each other. This is a scene no doubt repeated nightly by the locals. It was really fun to watch.

Today, we live in a world of new technology and many high tech gadgets. We communicate on Facebook, FaceTime, Texting, Emails, Twitter and yes even Blogging. I am a huge fan of blogging and tweeting so I am no stranger to this high tech world that we live in. It is a great way of communicating and sharing our lives and common interests with lot's of people who we don't live close to.

But every time I remember this scene I have to say there there is something to be said about living life daily the old fashioned way.

I don't currently live in that world and so maybe that is why I try to seek it out whenever I travel so I can have the experience.

In about a month, I'll be traveling to the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy and as it was in 2005 I will be staying in another small seaside town called Priano.

It is a place where there is only one main road running through it . . .

a place with one church down the road . . .

a place with a couple of small markets

a place with only a handful of neighborhood restaurants/bar . . .

And as one fellow Slow Traveler said (mimi), it is a place that has a whole lot of

"Old World Charm"

And some pretty breathtaking views!

I have been a busy bee arranging and confirming logistics, wiring the cash to pay for my apartment stay, booking my hotels, train tickets and car service, browsing the Internet and reading my numerous guidebooks all at the same time. I have been learning quite a bit and I hope to do a few pre-trip posts before I leave.

This part of Italy will be different for me and I think it will be a lot of fun both living amongst the locals and also doing some sightseeing. On the Travel speed scale this trip will consist of fast, medium, slow and snails pace. :) I have a couple of interesting day trips to see busy Naples, enchanting Capri and a few great archaeological finds in Paestum. Weeee! More to come . . .

I had a dream last night

that I was flying for the first time.

And in the dream,

I could pilot my flight

with the thoughts in my mind. ~ Prince

PhotoHunt: Covered

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

While visiting Bruges (Belgium) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) last November I enjoyed seeing hundreds of bicycles everywhere. Some of them were pretty unique looking such as this one I found in Bruges, which has a big covered work bucket in the front.

I especially love the pretty lace lining under the rain cover. :)

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

PhotoHunt: Yellow

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Smile and say cheese . . .

I took this photo at a cheese making farm near Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was part of a tour that I took while visiting there last November. Lots of yellow here . . . :)

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

In search of La dolce vita . . .

2011-09-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

La dolce vita is Italian for "the sweet life" or "the good life".

Mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises

Churches, Mosaics and Archeological treasures

Prosecco and Pizza

Winding roads and narrow pebbled streets

Lemon Groves and impressive landscapes

Friendly locals and a place of Old World charm

Rugged Cliffs and the Tyrrhenian Sea

Cozy Piazzas, inviting Cafes

and a Path of the Gods . . . .

Legend has it that the town of Amalfi comes from a nymph, whom the Greek hero Hercules loved. When she died, Hercules buried her in the most beautiful place in the world and then named it for her.

I'm really looking forward to my quest in search of La Dolce Vita this November. I know that I'll find it somewhere, maybe everywhere on the Amalfi Coast!

PhotoHunt: Wooden

2011-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

This guitar is made from a wooden White Horse Whisky box and it belonged to a Scottish folk musician/actor named Billy Connolly. I saw it while visiting the People's Palace Museum in Glasgow, Scotland.

I was very tempted to stroke the strings with my fingers to hear how it plays, but it was hanging too high up on the wall. I'm sure for a good reason. :)

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

Rome: Laura, Lara and his Purpleness . . .

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I had a dream . . .

After a 4 year absence, I find myself in Rome.

I secure my 5th return trip to Italy,
throwing my traditional coin into the Trevi Fountain

I then weave my way to the Spanish Steps.

They are beautiful
radiating in a deep purple glow.

Down walks Laura Pausini.

Lara Fabian follows shortly behind.

Their voices fill the night

with a beautiful performance of La Salitudine.

A guitar solo begins

A figure appears at the top of the steps.
Down walks his Purpleness (Prince).

The Cool One continues to play

as the two popular artists

conclude their performance.

The crowd erupts.

It would be

an Italian Purple filled night in Rome

to remember!

It's wishful dreaming I know, but I read on Prince.org that Prince is apparently still in Europe recording.

So I can Dream . . . :)

Trekcapri's 2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures: The Dream lives on . . .

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't been back to Italy since 2007 when I visited Venice for two whole weeks. It's been great traveling to places I've never been to like Spain, Czech Republic, Belgium and Scotland and also re-discovering new and familiar places in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. But as the old saying goes, "absence makes the heart grow fonder".

For my 4th trip to Italy, I plan to try something a little new with something a little familiar. New will be to see the small and charming towns along the beautiful Amalfi Coast and familiar will be to revisit the island of Capri.

It took me a while to decide on actually going on this trip because I was not only waiting for a good airfare, but I was also waiting for my asthma to improve. Like clockwork I've been taking my daily meds but my recovery has been slow and I'm still not 100% fully recovered. But how could I not travel this year?  I have been drawing great inspiration from fellow Slow Traveler and blogging friend, Sandra (A Journey of a Thousand Miles begins with too much Luggage) who is about to fulfill her dream of moving to Rome to carve (and write) out an exciting new chapter in her life. I'm very excited for Sandra and I'm looking forward to reading about her awesome journey. It looks like I might even be lucky enough to meet her in Rome, which will be really cool.

As usual, I always draw travel inspiration from my fellow Slow Travelers. I am inspired by Sandra and her plans to move to Rome, by Kaydee who wrote a great trip report about her stay in Ravello with her family and by Mimi, who wrote a wonderful trip report about her experiences with friends basing in Priano and exploring around the Amalfi Coast. And it goes without saying that I am always inspired by Slow Travel Founder, Pauline Kenny, the Slow Travel Community and by all my blogging friends.

They say that great poets, song writers, novelists and even film makers are drawn to this part of Southern Italy in the Campania Region so why shouldn’t it also draw dreamers like myself as well. I've decided to base in the small town of Priano (Wikipedia) for the entire three weeks. This is the longest I have stayed in one place and I'm really excited to try it for the first time.

I read an apartment review by fellow Slow Traveler, Mimi, describing this part of Southern Italy south of Sorrento as "old world." I love that description. Unlike my recent trip to the very vibrant cities of Amsterdam, and Berlin, there are no fancy modern museums, no art galleries, no super tall towers with precision elevators to lift us up for a spectacular view of the coast. No, not here. What I'm going to find and hopefully discover is an "Old World" charm that Mimi spoke of.

There's a paper mill museum, a miniature village display (YouTube Video) on the side of a winding road between Priano and Positano and there are hundreds of steps to climb up in order to earn my view. Inspired by fellow Slow Traveler and blogging friend AnnieNC (Churches in Venice) I'm looking forward to visiting several of the beautiful small churches in the Amalfi Coast like the Church of San Luca Evangelico which features paintings by Giovanni Bernardo Lama (Wikipedia). For my dining pleasure there are small but charming places like nearby Vivaro Wine Bar (Official Website).

I plan on keeping my itinerary loose, simple and very slow. On my "must see" sightseeing list: Capri, Positano, Ravello, Paestum and as many of the small towns like Atrani, Scala, Minori as I can see. I will use public transportation (hoping not to get motion sickness on those Sita buses).

Although the apartment has a spectacular view, it does not have WiFi.  Several months ago I invested in a Novatel 2352 MiFi (Official Website) device and I plan to purchase a TIM SIM card in Rome so I can hopefully have a hot spot to connect to the web. If that doesn't work, I learned that there is a little bar nearby that has WiFi service for 20 Euros a week. Let's see, pizza, prosecco and WiFi. I know that WiFi isn't very "old world" of me, but I love writing live blogs on my trips and then reliving every special moment when I return home. :)

So there you have it. I finally purchased my plane tickets, I've started working on my itinerary and I've dusted off my Italian Phrase book. Trekcapri's 2011 Amalfi Coast Adventures has officially begun.

And the Dream lives on . . .

PhotoHunt: Greasy

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

I kind of like the slicked down greasy look . . .

I took this photo in beautiful Venice, Italy. I started out trying to capture the huddled group of Italian police standing in the middle of the magnificent San Marco Square, because the image looked interesting to me.

But as you can see here, we all know what my "focus" ended up being. :)

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

PhotoHunt: Wrong

2011-09-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'd say that this dutch bike is parked on the wrong side of the railing.

I'm thinking that either the owner was a little tipsy when he parked it or this is one creative way of deterring a bicycle thief from stealing his bike . . . He, he!

This photo was taken near "my beautiful canal" :) in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

PhotoHunt: Symbolic

2011-08-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

What can be more symbolic for the notion of keeping peace than delivering the message using the word itself.

This is a photo of my very special souvenir Pace (Italian word for "Peace") and Peace flags from my 2005 Grand European Adventures trip. The symbolic message of peace delivered in a very charming, non threatening, colorful, uplifting, positive and Italian way.

The flag commonly has seven rainbow-colored stripes with the word "Peace" in the center. It has been explained as follows: "In the account of the Great Flood, God set the rainbow to a seal the alliance with man and nature, promising that there will never be another Flood. The rainbow thus became a symbol of Peace across the earth and the sky, and, by extension, among all men." ~ Wikipedia

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

PhotoHunt: Drink

2011-08-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

One of the most unique drink I've ever had was not so much memorable for it's flavor (although it was very delicious), but for the atmosphere in which I drank it in . . .

Here is a photo of my 2nd Smirnoff Vodka cocktail. The first one slipped out of my hands, because the shot glass itself was made of ice and it was a tad slippery. He, he . . .

The big polar bear entrance to the bar . . . .

The cool interior . . . .

And here is the freezing cold ice bar where I enjoyed two more yummy smirnoff vodka cocktails on bar stools that were made of ice.

The fur seat covers made it possible to sit on the ice cold bar stools while enjoying your drinks. And so we don't feel like Popsicles in a freezer, we are all given these jackets and mittens to wear to keep warm. They even had this 3-D mini movie for us to watch with accompanying cool effects like wind blowing and little snow flakes falling on us during certain scenes.

If you're looking for something fun and a little different to do while in Amsterdam, why not go check out the Xtracold Icebar for a very cool experience.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

PhotoHunt: One

2011-08-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Question: What is the "one" thing that all these travel destinations have in common?

Montreal (Canada), Paris (France), Gdynia (Poland), Paddock Wood (UK), Ghent (Belgium), Rotterdam/Amsterdam (Netherlands), Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg), Perugia (Italy), Helsinki (Finland), Cologne (Germany), Dublin (Ireland), Oslo (Norway), Copenhagen (Denmark), Budapest (Hungary), Guthenburg (Sweden), Zurich (Switzerland), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

Answer: Prince!

This is a repost photo, but I just couldn't help myself. This past spring I was able to attend 8 of the cool one's Welcome to America 21 Stand concerts at the Forum in Los Angeles and it was so awesome. I even wrote several posts to commemorate my Purple Funky Town experiences which you can find HERE.

In one of my posts I jokingly said that I wish I could win the Lotto here in California so I could follow his Welcome to Europe 2011 Tour. Truth be told, if I had the time off and the money, I would've (in a quick heartbeat) taken a leave of absence from work to travel around to each and every town, city and country that Prince performed at this summer.

But with limited play funds and no chance of taking such a long leave of absence from work, the next best thing for this passionate and enthusiastic fan to do is to follow along on the Cool One's Welcome to Europe 2011 Tour using the internet where concert goers have been posting reviews (including setlists), photo and videos of his concerts. *sigh*

You can find a complete list of the Cool One's Welcome to Europe 2011 Tour schedule on Prince.org.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

My PhotoStories: Life's journey . . . .

2011-08-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

I took this photo while hiking with some friends at the Temescal Canyon Road National Park in the Santa Monica Mountains in Southern California. This is an interesting image for me.

This week I suffered an acute Asthma attack coupled with an ongoing Bronchitis condition. I guess after years of built up allergies my lungs reached a boiling point and I found myself struggling to take a breath. I was literally in tears because of what I was going through and also because it brought back a flood of unhappy memories. I don't think I've written in great detail about how I lost my mother, but many years ago I watched my mom take her last breath after suffering from lung cancer. Having not smoked a day in her life, it was a mystery to all of how she got it. While going through her radiation and chemo (knowing that the Doctors had already told her and us that it was an inoperable condition and she only had a few months to live) she never once complained and never once blamed god or anything. She was truly (and still is) an amazing person. I don't know how she did it. My condition was not thankfully fatal, but the experience of not being able to take a breath was so scary and it pains me to no end to remember what she went through and how much she suffered.

And for the record, I'm feeling better today after they gave me some treatments and some medications and I think I am over the worst part and heading toward full recovery.

I remembered this photo I took and some thoughts I had when seeing it for the first time and so after this recent health experience, I now felt compelled to finally write this story.

As one walks their own path in life, we do encounter many things. As this one person said in a show I saw once in Vegas (yes Vegas), life is like a delicate string. There are moments during your journey where parts in your string will break, but in the end and with our faith these breaks somehow finds its way to mend and can become whole again.

When I look at this photo, I can see the beautiful blue sky, but the trees and branches are blocking my view. But persevering and pushing through on the trail, we found daylight and an unobstructed view of the clear blue sky. My mother found her blue sky too ....

I wanted to thank Annie (Churches in Venice) for the idea to create a meme based upon the last entry I did about how I thought some photos are worth a thousand words. I thought it was a very cool idea. I have my Photo of the Month, My Travel Thoughts and my Music blog themes and I think My Photo Stories will be a beautiful blog addition. I had to change the name because the title was frankly someone else's quote and it was a tad too long for my theme logo. he, he. It is not a weekly meme for now like the PhotoHunt weekly meme I currently love participating in which was created by TnChick, but it might become one in the future. :) I just love the creativeness of blogs and the ability to share.

Pictures that are worth a thousand words: Relaxing . . .

2011-08-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start a new blog project called "Pictures that are worth 1,000 words". I'm a pretty visual person and sometimes when I see certain images, they conjure up so many interesting stories in my head. Stories of romance, adventure, humor, history or just something interesting, cool and spontaneous. I think this will be a fun and creative outlet for me.

And this is my first entry for this series.

I absolutely love this photo of a young motorist relaxing by the beach near the Castel dell'Ovo in the city of Naples, Italy.

This image conjures up a story of this guy riding along on his bike. He has things to do, errands to run, people to see and yet he is enticed by the beautiful weather and an overpowering feeling to take some time out to relax. He pulls over, takes off his helmet, finds a spot and just lays down to enjoy the warmth of the sun. I love his pink shoelaces and the fact that he just looks so relaxed, shutting out all the worries of the world for that one brief moment. Awesome image!

So remember to give yourself the same kind of TLC. Take a moment to shut out all of your worries and find the time to just relax and enjoy life.

PhotoHunt: Painted

2011-08-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

Last November while visiting Amsterdam, I took a tour to the nearby town of Delft to visit the Delft Pottery factory.

This is a photo of one of the work stations in the factory and it is my featured photo for this week's theme. Each piece is actually hand painted individually by skilled artists.

On the tour, we learned how the pottery is made. They showed us the kiln . . . .

. . . and where the pottery is stored before they are decorated.

There were two artists working on a couple of pieces, while we were there.

Here are the beautiful results.

And I just couldn't resist buying a small vase from this beautiful collection as a souvenir. :)

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

Music: Journey, where are they now?

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

You see things and say, 'Why?",
but I dream things and say, 'Why not?
~ George Bernard Shaw

I once wrote that Arnel Pineda was a bona fide "Diamond in the rough". Arnel was discovered by members of the band Journey from a YouTube Video posted of him singing a Journey song with his then band members, the Zoo. The discovery lead to an interview, a signing and the rest is storybook history.

I am so glad to hear that he continues to record and tour with the band Journey.

I hope to continue with making my own 2011 dreams come true too! Well, as soon as I can find a decent airfare that is.

PhotoHunt: Together

2011-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Band members playing and marching together in front of Buckingham Palace in London, Enlgand.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

PhotoHunt: Patch

2011-07-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

This military guard in the Czech Republic is standing guard in front of the very beautiful Prague Castle with a cool patch of their country's Coat of Arms on his uniform.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!

PhotoHunt: Backwards

2011-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Rowing backwards can be for sport, recreation and . . . . Love!

This young couple is enjoying a gorgeous day in Parque del Buen Retiro (Wikipedia) or Park of the Pleasant Retreat in Madrid, Spain.

To see more PhotoHunters, you can visit Tnchick's website HERE!