One of my favourite things to do in any destination is to let myself wander with abandon. And especially an old city, bursting with history and charisma that I just know is holding secrets and hidden gems. Get lost with me in Siena Italy and let’s see what we can discover. Piazza del Campo I …
My interest in these ancient people has been aflame since I began exploring their underground tombs in Montepulciano. Reading about them, not a whole lot is known. Fortunately, I find myself in the exact place to learn a great deal more. MAEC & the amazing Etruscan history in Cortona is full of treasures I want …
I am spending a relatively short amount of time in these Tuscan cities so it may feel like I am hopping from location to location. For a total of three months, I live in this region of Italy, wondering why it took me so long to visit. Each city is quite different, and this I …
It has been quite a feat to get here without a vehicle. Cars, trains, buses and bag drags, missing a stop and other small anxiety inducing issues have arisen. Alas, I made it, to my new home for the next little while. Here are my first impressions of Montepulciano Italy. Old There are two parts …
A market fiend, I will find at least one in every destination I travel to. Most are humble affairs but always alluring. Fresh produce, local goods, wonderful cultural experiences. None however, have been quite so grandiose as this one. Shopping at the best antique market in Lucca Italy is an experience of beauty and nostalgia. …
An advantage of staying in Lucca is the proximity to other places near the coast in Tuscany. One such holds an iconic tourist attraction that I never believed I would visit in my lifetime. I have seen photos of it in the encyclopedias I studied as a child and now I get to witness the …
As soon as I stumbled onto the knowledge that there were ancient ruins buried under a church, I was hooked. Having no idea what to expect, I entered the largest church in the city, paid my €10 to see all four sites and was met with awe. The archaeological complex of the Lucca Cathedral is …
One thing that makes Lucca such a unique and special place to visit are the old walls that surround the historical centre. There are actually three layers, some now almost invisible, and others perfectly intact. The enchanting ancient walls of Lucca Tuscany are a feature of importance and beauty. Brief History The historical city of …
Its that time, the end of my visit to this extraordinary city in Tuscany. What a magical place. I have barely scratched the surface and know I will return over and over, there is that much to experience. Here are 5 free things to do in Florence Italy that I hope you will find as …
Something I enjoy doing in each destination that has an historical core, is wander aimlessly. To have no time constraints or specific goal in mind, simply to explore and discover. Get lost with me in Florence Italy and let’s see what we can uncover. Duomo The place to begin this adventure for me is the …
The autumn is generally not the time of year for flowers, but that doesn’t mean visits to the gardens in any destination should be skipped. I have three specifically that I wish to pass along, for they are each divine in their own special way. How lucky, I found these beautiful gardens in Florence. Boboli …
The largest museum in Florence is the historical home of the Medici family. It actually contains seven separate museums and over 500 pieces of Renaissance art in one of them alone. I aim to provide some insight as to the contents of each place, so you can plan your visit accordingly. What to see in …
Always on the hunt for the more unusual things to see or do at a new destination, I found an absolute gem. I was not prepared for the sheer volume of displays nor their quality. What I saw, will stay with me for years, incredibly interesting and fascinating beyond belief. Inside the stunning La Specola …
I was not prepared to see quite as much variety as I have in this European capital city. Each day I leave my abode, it seems I am discovering a new style. Perhaps arriving from Podgorica, where one is inundated with sameness, the difference seems starker. The fascinating architecture of Skopje Macedonia is both intriguing …
One of my favourite ways to discover a new destination, is to let myself wander with abandon. Doing this, with no preconceived agenda, allows me the presence of mind, to really explore a space. Get lost with me in the Old Bazaar in Skopje Macedonia, lets discover magic. Brief History The Old Bazaar is located …
Having travelled to a few Balkan countries now, I feel I have an idea of what to expect. Each one is different of course, but many of them have a similar and familiar recent history that unites them. Here are my first impressions of Skopje Macedonia. Beggars Right from the get go, on that initial …
When I first moved to the island in the early 90’s, I was taken to this abandoned trestle and couldn’t believe my eyes. At that time, it still had the metal railway lines and daring visitors could walk out onto the old structure, no railings, no safeguards at all. Today, it has been lovingly restored …
Never one to turn down a visit to a beach, this is a particularly amazing area of the City of Victoria. My favorite in fact, I think it’s the best part, and an absolute treasure. Not only are there various parks and recreational areas, the views and coastal vibes are unique and authentic. Dallas Road …
In keeping with my plan to revisit all the places that brought me joy while I lived here, this was a frequented one. Delving into this sun dappled rain forest was a way to escape the ugly parts of the city and make my brain happier. Come see the Trans Canada Trail at Cowichan near …
On this short trip back to my home country, the plan is to visit the places that brought me the most joy while I lived here. I’ll be doing all of these with at least one of my adult children, my favourite people in the whole world. Today we explore a coastal area, that of …