The birthplace of Lambrusco. Of Ferrari. Of Pavarotti. Of balsamic vinegar. Of magical sunsets dipping down behind ancient walls. This is Emilia Romagna, a stunning region in Italy where charm, history and modern-day life all merge together to create a place that is eponymous with what they imagine the country to offer.
Category Archives: Italy
Life in the Ferrari Fast Lane
I climb into the cherry road cockpit of the Ferrari, nervous. “I haven’t been behind the wheel of a car in months,” I explain to my instructor, clad in a jumpsuit the same bright red color as the car, the Ferrari emblem on his chest. He smiles and then leans over the car, showing meContinue reading “Life in the Ferrari Fast Lane”
21 photos from Italy’s Cinque Terre region
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.
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”
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”
Photos of Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy is quite a photographers dream. With the sparkling lagoons, tiny car-free lanes, buildings in a state of beautiful erosion, colors, lights, the historic landmarks and buildings … it is hard not to simply see Venice through the lens of a camera versus simply experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage site. Of course, during myContinue reading “Photos of Venice, Italy”
Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour
The thick doors of St. Mark’s Basilica close behind us, shutting us off to the whir and clamor of the throngs of people in Venice and we step into the entryway of the historical and iconic St. Mark’s. Located in Piazzo San Marco and connected to the Doge’s Palace, in the most recognizable city in the worldContinue reading “Things to do in Venice: Alone in St. Marks Basilica Tour”
Are tourists ruining Venice?
In front of me, a sea of people spans in all directions, even as the gray clouds above us threaten to burst. Deep in the heart of San Marco Square, and what I deem the heart of the touristic center of the main island which makes up the step-back-in-time Venice, the tourists are unavoidable. InContinue reading “Are tourists ruining Venice?”
Mourning and the Adriatic
One of the last memories I have of the Adriatic Sea is standing on its rocky shore in Trogir, Croatia, bending down and picking up a smooth stone to take back to America with me. To place on my grandmother’s freshly dug grave. It was a beautiful day in September. Blue sky. Bluer water. And,Continue reading “Mourning and the Adriatic”
Returning to the world of solo travel
I step into my salmon pink room at Affittacamere alls Stazione where the smell of stale smoke lingers and am brought back to another time along the shore of the Adriatic Sea. Apparently, the only person in this little guest house tucked into the third floor 150 meters from the train station, I am thankfulContinue reading “Returning to the world of solo travel”
D Travels 'Round 