Category: Travel
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Paris Farmer’s Markets
Learning to navigate the farmer’s markets in Paris begins as overwhelm when you don’t speak the language, but it’s worth the effort even if you never learn how to ask for things beyond the smile and mime. Here’s a peek into what it’s like.
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Chilly Hands and Fried Clams
Fried prawns on Christmas Eve are a family tradition. And some years, when we’re lucky, there’s a clam dig. Then we have fried, fresh razor clams too. There were two days of clam digging this year. The first you’ll see here where Bob, Keith, Cindie, and Zach easily dug their limit for a total of…
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Mid Pleasures and Palaces…
…though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. (John Howard Payne, 1823) First, thank you. To our family, to new friends and old, thank you. You made this trip so much more than we’d hoped; your presence and comments strengthened and encouraged us. Last night, we slept in our own…
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Bonus Post – Zandvoort, The Netherlands
We arrive in Amsterdam 10 minutes after our connecting flight departs. But not before we see the Alps and Mont Blanc. Thick fog delayed our take off from Rome and had us circling in the ‘holding area’ over Amsterdam until we were dizzy. In the airport, we take a number. Four hours later we learn that we’ll…
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On Rome, The Vatican, and Home
Rome is Italy exaggerated. It wields the power to thrill and annoy, delight and disgust, exhilarate and exhaust (like a 9-week vacation). In the last few days here, we explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican. This astonishing city compels us to ponder its allure and 2500 year history. We admire the Colosseum’s beautiful ruin, consider the brutality it brandished,…
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Castel Sant’Angelo
No, this isn’t from Castel Sant’Angelo. It’s the curious embellishment on the tomb of Cardinal Cinzio Passeri Aldobrandini in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, St. Peter in Chains. But, it’s Halloween, so, Happy Halloween. We cross the Tiber river on Ponte Sant’Angelo, a bridge with views to amaze. Ahead is the Castel Sant’Angelo, a huge, cylindrical structure:…
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Titian, Bassano, Caravaggio, Bernini – The Borghese Gallery
Silvia, the owner of our apartment, was told Monday that no appointments were available to see the Borghese Gallery during our stay. She persistently called back over two days and, success, secured two slots at 1pm on Thursday. (thank you Silvia!) The gallery allows 360 visitors during five, two-hour time slots per day. We arrive at the gallery…
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Lace Up Your Walking Shoes
Here’s our route: The Spanish Steps, to Piazza Di Montecitorio (and Parliament), to the Trevi Fountain, to the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. You may find a patient journalist, a heated interview with some Italian politician, a great place to get a gelato, and a couple taking a mid-walk rest on a bench. View Larger Map
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Giochi di Strada – Street Games!
Ropes and cones block all 6-lanes of the Via dei Fori Imperiali from the Colosseum to Il Vittoriano. Instead of cars, buses, and Vespas – bubble blowers, tug-of-war teams, stilt walking students, and block builders fill traffic lanes. Giochi di Strada, Street Games! The fellow making the giant bubbles entertained kids – of all ages (ahem).
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Hideaway in Monti
We’re told it’s a challenge to find a room in Rome without mind numbing noise. But our hideaway apartment in Monti (NYT article about Monti) is silent. Silent. It’s a 10 minute walk to the Colosseum. Good restaurants, specialty food, and wine shops are just down the street. It’s a gem. We’re staying in one…