Each year throughout Spain, particularly in Catalonia’s Girona Pyrenees, as the sun reaches its zenith, summer begins with a celebratory bang: the Fire Festival of Sant Joan’s Eve, claiming to eliminate evil spirits, cure disease, and cleanse souls. Rhythmic drums beat. Horns blared down the street. From our apartment’s shallow Juliet balcony in old Girona, […]
Tag: PHOTOGRAPHS
The Eiffel Tower: French Icon, Once Disputed, Now Cherished
Daybreak cast a hazy pastel backdrop beyond the trellised silhouette. Once viewed by Parisians as a blemish upon the skyline, this wrought-iron structure now proudly stands as France’s most celebrated icon. Our body clocks, not yet adjusted from Pacific Standard Time, woke us in the early morning darkness on the first day of our first […]
Coffee in Italy: How Tradition Upholds Artistry and High Standards
The dapper barista steamed the milk with precision, poured the creamy froth over the shot of robust espresso in a rhythmic swaying motion, then slid the cappuccino onto the bar with a slight nod. As I sipped the luscious intensity, I tasted Italy. The day officially began. The taste lingered with both me and Aaron […]
How Pizza in Rome Will Entice You to Savor Perfection
He wore a collared SS Lazio shirt, tucked beneath his round belly with a sweatband and three pairs of glasses on his head. This wacky waiter served more than just pizza—he indoctrinated foreigners on proper Italian dining decorum. Our desire to experience the Romans’ Rome began our first night, two blocks from the Tiber River […]
4 Pasta Dishes You Have to Try in Rome
One October day in Ancient Rome, a shepherd wandered with his flock into the hills of the Apennine Mountains carrying three ingredients: pasta, cheese, and pepper. He mixed them over a fire to create a basic dish of velvety sustenance. Two thousand years later, the proud waiter at Felice a Testaccio in the 20th rione […]
Travel Guide: Vatican City
The world’s smallest country is also home to the Pope. However, not only Catholics make their pilgrimage to the Vatican, but people from around the world come in droves. Vatican City is a city-state politically separate from, but geographically surrounded by the city of Rome. The Vatican’s 3 main attractions Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and […]
Travel Tale: From Overload to Awe in Vatican City
Corralled beneath ornate ceilings in halls of maps and tapestries, the crowded gallery corridors felt like an elegant livestock chute extending the length of a dozen football fields. From there, we were shoved into a smaller-than-expected chapel packed with tourists. This should have been a moment that forced my mouth agape as I wrapped my […]
Travel Guide: How Florence Inspires a Higher Standard and ‘Slow Tourism’
Stunning architecture and sculpted masterpieces, natural regional food and wine—Florence is sure to delight your perspective alongside your tastebuds. No wonder it’s such a popular destination. You really can’t help but fall in love with Florence. Italian Pride and Passion Italians take pride in their work. Their enthusiasm is infectious. Italy celebrates artisans and designers, […]
Florence, Italy: Currently Closed. Our Recent Visit Affirmed the Need for Sustainable Tourism.
Today the jewelry and souvenir shops lining the Ponte Vecchio—in medieval stalls once occupied by tanners, farmers, and butchers—are closed until further notice. For several weeks now, response to the Coronavirus global pandemic has shut down many businesses throughout the world deemed non-essential. Tourist destinations have been the most vulnerable to the virus, and Italy […]
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Virtual Travel During Challenges
Virtual trips allow us to experience places that we may not be able to visit just yet, but may like to go someday; or perhaps they ignite memories of previous travels. My intention is to provide hope and inspiration through my stories and photos while transporting you during this challenging time. My thoughts and prayers […]
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