Laurels for Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava
The really cool thing about attending a travel bloggers conference–I cannot tell a lie–is the chance to be shown around the area by the local tourism boards. For free. We’ve … Read more
Europe
Palace of the Popes, Avignon, France
There was a time when the popes did not live in Rome, but instead at Avignon, in Southern France.
Soaking up the Yeats Experience in Sligo
More than 35 years after our first visit, we returned to Sligo, the town and the county of Ireland made famous by the poetry of W.B. Yeats. We wanted to … Read more
A Short Visit to Tossa de Mar, Catalunya
As part of the travel blogging convention we recently attended in Lloret de Mar in the Costa Brava region of Spain, bloggers were treated to their choice of day trips … Read more
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
The Sagrada Familia, the fantastic basilica of Antoní Gaudí, it the one can’t miss attraction of Barcelona.
Modern Architecture in Rome: Rebuilding the City
I don’t mind saying that travel has a way of reminding me how little I know. In Rome a few weeks ago (December 2014), we signed up to take our … Read more
Watchtowers, Golden Bay, Malta
In the 16th Century, the Knights of Malta ringed the island of Malta with watchtowers just like this. Each was manned by four soldiers, and they looked out over the … Read more
Florence Italy Revisited: The Church Circuit
Note: This story was originally posted together with a summary of Florence’s museums. But the post became unwieldy: that’s how many significant churches and museums are recommended in Florence. Churches, … Read more
The Bayeux Tapestry, Normandy, France
The Bayeux Tapestry was the medieval equivalent of a newspaper, or at least a speech by a politician. It tells the story in pictures and words of the rationale and the history behind the Norman Conquest of England. In fact, William the Conquerer, the Norman duke who defeated the English King Harold at the Battle of Hastings and assumed the throne of England, had the thing done only a couple of years later so he could explain to everyone his side of what happened and how a French guy ended up as King of England.
Food and Shelter in Florence
Our Eurail Pass traveling was winding down when we hit Florence. Instead of pressing on, we stayed for two weeks, including Christmas. It was a good chance to refresh our memories of Florence, to discover new neighborhoods, and revisit some favorite works of art. Oh, so many recommendations we have for you!
