The southeasternmost point the Italian Stiletto, Otranto has been a target for invaders and crusaders both. Otranto is a great day trip from anywhere in the Puglia region with charming shops, fascinating history and (very important!) many reasonable restaurant choices facing the crystal, azure waters of the Adriatic just south of Brindisi. Otranto is as wonderfully appreciated by its amazing cathedral with its medieval mosaic floor as by its azure …
“A good story cannot be devised, it has to be distilled” Raymond Chandler Ireland: Republic of and Northern Distilled in great photos with brief commentary. Five grand adventures beginning with Dublin and a circumnavigation of the Republic of Ireland, with a pause for positive Covid test adding eleven days to the journey. A chance to visit Northern Ireland. Dublin’s jewels: Jameson’s, St. Patrick’s ( built 1220) novelist Oscar Wilde, Irish …
Paper cones filled with roasted steaming chestnuts, the air perfumed by cauldrons of hot, mulled cider, cinnamon and cloves. Sacher torte with peppermint-laced cream. Blown glass ornaments delicate as soap bubbles, hand-painted eggshells, their holiday scenes painted with a feather brush. St. Nicholas, Pere Noel, Weihnachtsmann, Father Christmas… The Christmas season offers an intimate portrait of a country’s customs and its people. But… Christmas Market Travel is a big business. …
Remember when you had to actually GO shopping to shop? Not any more. Any of these wonderfully giftable items are guaranteed to generate tidings of great joy from your favorite traveler. I recommend each of these after lots of research and personal usage but would love to hear from you if you have a better recommendation! Here are my top picks in no particular order: ~The Secrid Twin Wallet Double …
You will never forget your shopping experiences in Morocco. There are the open bazaars and medieval markets, back-alley souks in labyrinths of the medinas. From Fes to Marrakech, the neon colors and bold patterns deliver a sensual assault. In a good way! It is overwhelming at first. Every shopkeeper is a carnival barker, circus performer, negotiator, host and many are relentless beyond American tolerance. I loved every negotiation. Every conversation. …
First, do not try to navigate this medina without a guide. Or two. Or even three. We are a group of 20 seasoned, fit, veteran travelers. Multi-lingual, mature. This isn’t anyone’s first rodeo. On Saturday here at the Medina, we criss-crossed the Mellah, (the Jewish quarter and visited 13th century synagogue, still active), Andalusian and Kairaouine quarters for most of eight hours, stopping only for lunch. We had an additional …