Heading into Month 9 of the Big Wait, I thought I would indulge my travel fantasies by responding to a question people often ask me that I never really know how to answer:
“What’s your favorite country?”
Italy
One More Reason To Travel with Kids
For kids of all ages, travel provides an education in history, other cultures, other ways of thinking and moving in the world. I knew Bella and Avery would learn a lot on our journey in Europe — but I didn’t realize how much traveling with them might be an education for me.
The Vatican: More Than Just Holy
Part of the mosaic wall near the top of St.Peter’s dome.
A trip to Italy would not be complete without a visit to the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican’s amazing museums exhibiting art and artifacts from around the globe. Avery, Bella and I spent our last day together in this home of the Catholic Church and the smallest country in the world. Continue reading
Three Towns in Tuscany
The Ponte Vecchio in Florence
Tuscany is something out of a dream — rolling hillsides of olive trees and sheep and vineyards surrounding ancient farmhouses, castle towns and Florence, the center of Tuscan culture and history. No bill boards, no strip malls, no fast food. Continue reading
Ciao Bella and Avery — Two Days in Rome
We arrived in Rome after a second insanely bureaucratic, chaotic and expensive flight on RyanAir. But we arrived in Rome! The City of Eternal Love, historic, highly caloric — where Everything is Big. Our apartment is in the charming neighborhood called Monti, within walking distance of everything we want to see, and full of cafes, churches and shops. Continue reading
Ten Incredible Places to Learn World History While Having Fun
Martin Luther King said “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” I’m not sure about the first half of this quote coming from history-maker Martin Luther King, but I am good with the second half. And for me travel is one of the best ways to learn about what we are made of. Some places are especially good for understanding a little bit about world history, and feeling the past and how it has influenced our world today.
The Angels in the Details
Sculpture in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
I love taking photographs when I travel, but I am selective about it because cameras can make you an outsider, an observer instead of a participant. One thing I like about having a camera is that, even if I don’t use it, I pay a little more attention to the details.
Art and Heart in Northern Italy
Five days in Milan, Venice and Florence is not enough but it was enough for a wonderful detour on my way home from Greece. These three Northern Italian cities were once rich and powerful city-states and remain important cultural centers with strong local economies. Well, duh, it’s Italy! Continue reading
Camino Milagro 