Matera was the best surprise of our trip to Puglia and Southern Italy with Go Ahead Tours. How had two such amazingly well-informed (and stunningly attractive) travelers as ourselves never heard of this place? We still don’t know the answer to that but want you to know about it because it’s interesting on several levels (in retrospect you will see that that is a pun). Matera’s … [Read more...]
The confusion and surprises of eating around the world
When we decide on a trip we generally have food and wine expectations and those expectations have even been the reason we've selected one country over another. Hence we may now never see the pyramids in Egypt. We were trying to decide between Egypt and South Africa. We chose South Africa because they produce wonderful wines. We know that, as a rule, primarily Muslim countries … [Read more...]
Places We’ve Loved: Genoa
When Blonde and Brunette planned our trip to the Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera we scheduled a stopover in Genoa. We expected Genoa to be exactly that - a stopover, not a destination. As is our habit we bumbled into town in a small car strewn about with our possessions hoping we would be able to find the Hotel Bristol Palace where we had reservations. As we were arriving … [Read more...]
Getting the boot in Sicily
[slideshow]On our first bold automotive foray into Sicily B&B drove from Catania to Taormina. We didn't drive straight there; that's for amateurs and we are experienced travelers. Instead, we left the car rental lot, executed a complex multi-lane U-turn and launched ourselves onto a highway leading in the exact opposite direction of Taormina. As is our custom, it took a … [Read more...]
If you plan to use the restrooms in Tuscany, first learn to milk a goat’s teat
[slideshow]On Blonde and Brunette's first foray to Tuscany we anticipated rolling hills, taste bud titillating food, ancient walled cities, abundant fine wines and way too many cathedrals and churches. However, B&B did not anticipate the many challenges that would be presented in successfully maneuvering bathrooms. Two women who giggle constantly, drink a lot of water and … [Read more...]
Weekly Photo Challenge: Wrong
A Blonde, A Brunette and Burano
[slideshow]After 10 days in beautiful Croatia having our usual gigglefest, we took a ferry from Rovinj to Venice. Blonde had been to Venice for a day in the 1800's and Brunette had never been so we were really looking forward to it. (Blonde is passionately anti-pigeon and wanted to try to kick them in St. Mark's Square. However, and don't tell the Catholic Church or Tea Party … [Read more...]
Fabio? Butter would have been better.
On the first day of a trip to Sicily Blonde and Brunette were favoring the Sheraton Catania with their SPG points and presence. B&B had gotten a jet lagged late start to the day so had modest sightseeing goals. So modest that they consisted solely of having a tour of Catania via a convertible driven by a local guide. When learning that the tour guide's name was Fabio, the … [Read more...]
Enjoying the “cwurves” in Tuscany
This week Blonde had an interview for an interesting job (something she'd come to regard as an oxymoron) and she failed to adhere to any behavior recommended for interviews. Her failings included getting hopelessly lost and being late. She had Google Maps, she had Siri, she's lived in the area for 16 years, it's a 12 mile drive on major roads and yet she had a complete … [Read more...]
How do you like your chicken chest? Striped?
One day B&B stopped in Lucca for lunch, found a lovely restaurant with an outdoor patio, sat down and were given this menu. We, particularly Blonde, started to laugh until we were crying when we read the menu. Remember: The waiter was not amused. He was even less amused to have the menu be photographed . Can't please everyone! Remember: This is not an etiquette or … [Read more...]