Oh, Cinque Terre. With its emerald green tree-topped hills, brightly colored homes crawling up to the sky, steep drops of gray cliffs and a pounding (at times) blue Ligurian Sea, this gorgeous slice of Italian seaside is one of the most renowned — and recognized — places in the world.
Author Archives: dtravelsround
History and charm: Riomaggiore’s Alla Marina
We stand outside the cafe, a gorgeous stone terrace with little tables, overlooking the tranquil blue water of the Ligurian Sea (a far cry from the tumultuous experience the day before when attempting to take Cinque Terre’s water ferry). Mom and I stand waiting, our suitcases at our sides, when the owner of Alla MarinaContinue reading “History and charm: Riomaggiore’s Alla Marina”
10 signs you are a local in Chiang Mai
After living in Thailand for more than two years, I like to consider myself a local. Although, let’s face it: as a westerner in Thailand, I will never be a real local. Certainly, I can adapt. I can learn. But, I am not Thai and never will be. However, I am decidedly more “Thai” than IContinue reading “10 signs you are a local in Chiang Mai”
Rivers of relaxation – the magic and majesty of our European waterways
We’ve all been there. That agonizing decision. Where to book the next holiday? Nowadays as the working day spills evermore into our precious leisure time, it’s more critical than ever to make sure that we choose the right getaway. A break which will give us maximum relaxation time and a welcome change from the anonymousContinue reading “Rivers of relaxation – the magic and majesty of our European waterways”
The British panto experience
“He’s right behind you,” my friend writes via message. “No,” I type back furiously. “Don’t tell me anything else. I need to be surprised.” And, thus begins my first British panto experience. If you asked me a month ago about this holiday cultural phenomenon, I would have stared blankly at you and then imagined thatContinue reading “The British panto experience”
Re-entry into the western world
At night, I’ve taken to closing my eyes and imaging my teak bedroom. Waking up and wiping the sleep from my eyes, moving my legs slowly so Lucky and Penny don’t get kicked from their spots on the bed, unfolding myself from the Tesco blanket I’ve had since I moved into my house, walking andContinue reading “Re-entry into the western world”
Questions to ask about volunteer vacations
Editor’s Note: I recently contributed to a book about volunteer vacations and how to be responsible when choosing one. Details are at the end of this post. I remember when I first booked my volunteer “vacation” to Thailand. My friends thought I was nuts. “Who takes time off of work to go and work inContinue reading “Questions to ask about volunteer vacations”
Cinque Terre by water ferry
The older woman with silver cropped hair’s shoes click-clack on the concrete pier as she heads from the water towards the innards of Vernazza. She looks regal, clad in slacks and a blazer. Then, her shoulders lurch forward. Her hand comes up to her mouth as her cheeks puff out. The tanned skin of herContinue reading “Cinque Terre by water ferry”
Getting a tattoo in Thailand
I stand nervously in my friend, Jodi’s, jungle hut placed perfectly in the heart of Elephant Nature Park. It’s a chilly morning and the sun has just crested the lush triangle mountains surrounding us. Around me, roosters crow, dogs bark and elephants begin their walk from their shelters to the vast sanctuary where they live.
Hiking in Cinque Terre
Perhaps the one thing Cinque Terre is most known for — other than the pesto, glorious wines and tiny towns — are the paths tying the five Italian villages together. Varying in difficulty and length, visitors come from the world over, clad in their best gear to experience these world-renowned trails and relish the spectacularContinue reading “Hiking in Cinque Terre”
D Travels 'Round 