“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”
Category Archives: Europe
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”
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?”
The perk of short-term travel relationships
I curl into the side of my Irish Lad as the Slovenian countryside blurs past me, a gorgeous swirl of emerald-green countryside dotted with villas, against a bright blue sky. He wraps his arm around me, thumb absently rubbing my shoulder and I slink closer to him in our hard bus seats. Irish Lad’s other arm isContinue reading “The perk of short-term travel relationships”
Falling in love with Ljubljana: Part Two
Ljubljana, nestled in Slovenia, is the capital of the small Central European country. Combining Mediterranean beauty with art nouveau and baroque styles, the city is a potpourri of worlds, all meshing together to create a picturesque and gorgeous place. With thousands of cultural events in town, plus no shortage of attractions, along with having theContinue reading “Falling in love with Ljubljana: Part Two”
The Medieval Škofja Loka
It’s hitting that magnificent Golden Hour when we arrive to Škofja Loka (Slovene for Bishop’s Meadow), a medieval city only 25 km from Ljubljana. The day has been a long one, starting with exploring Bled Castle, then on to Vintgar Gorge, exploring Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled to soak up the storybook landscape it offers. I barelyContinue reading “The Medieval Škofja Loka”
Slovenia Tourism: Discover Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj
The aquamarine, clear water sparkles in the morning sun, setting off tiny glints of gold in the ripples of Lake Bled’s water against the looming Julian Alps and Karavanke ranges. From where I stand, high above the lake itself, it is truly one of the most beautiful, most spectacular places I have ever had theContinue reading “Slovenia Tourism: Discover Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj”
D Travels 'Round 