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Everything I Know About Travel I Learned the Hard Way

I’ve not traveled as much as I would have liked, but I have flown to Europe three times now, most recently Italy for Slow Food’s Terra Madre conference. Four months earlier a friend invited me to Hawaii. My  return trip to Italy resulted… Continue Reading

25

Italy’s Happy Memories Lessen Travel Angst

I’m home from Italy now. For a few frustrating days I wondered whether I’d be spending Christmas in Europe. On my attempt to get home I missed four flights in 96 hours. The first missed flight was due to Hurricane Sandy, the initial… Continue Reading

13

Sounds of Italy

TURIN, ITALY –  Italy is sensory. It’s a feast for the eyes to take in the ancient architecture in proximity to modern Vespas (Italian motorcycles) buzzing around as a variety of people eat and stroll and talk and eat. It’s… Continue Reading

12

Turino, Day 1 – Terra Madre/Salone del Gusto

TURIN, ITALY – I lucked out when I struck up a conversation with an Italian photographer my first day of the Terra Madre/Salone del Gusto conference. I couldn’t help but admire his impressive camera lens. He didn’t give me his name, but he… Continue Reading

20

Day 2 in Venice: Yes, Gondolas!

I’m one of those incredibly fortunate people who’ve visted Venice before. The first time was the fall of 1996, on my honeymoon with a guy who didn’t want to ride in a gondola because it was 1. too touristy and 2. too expensive.… Continue Reading

15

California to Italy – First Stop, Venice

Goodbye, California! Hello, Italy. I’m officially on my way toward Slow Food International’s Terra Madre conference in Turin, Italy. But first I detoured via Venice to meet up with son, Joe, and daughter-in-law Marie, Czech Republic residents who are now card-carrying Slow… Continue Reading