Festivals, Symphonies, and Food: Northern Italy in the Summertime

The Redentore Festival I had never been to Venice during the Festa del Redentore.  It is quite a spectacle. Historically, the festival is a celebration...

The Secret Life of Bees

I paid a visit to Rick and Nancy’s farm, Bear Meadow Apiary, in Ashfield, MA the other day.  They keep chickens, grow vegetables, and also...

Passaporti e dei Carabinieri

So it happened to me at last. After 40+ uneventful years and fairly casual security on my part, my two passports were stolen in Italy....

Lunch at the Shard

Of all of the days to get invited to the Shard for lunch, I chose the rainy day.  Of course, this is London and chances...

The Gems of Mallorca

Today’s highlight was the antique wooden train that rides on a narrow gauge track and has been rolling along since 1912 across the 27 kilometers...

Mallorca’s Enchantment

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, sitting just off the coast of Spain, equidistant between Valencia and Barcelona, and has been a holiday...

Soccer Reflections

I am a soccer addict.  I have been one for my whole life.  I have lived through World Cup wins and more often defeats, Champions...

Things You Might Not Know About Italian Spa Culture

I will always remember the time I went to Montecatini, a spa town outside of Florence. I pulled up to this beautiful gate and saw...

Paris and the Palace of Versailles in One Day

My flight from Madrid to Paris would deliver me to Orly Airport, south of the city. What a delight to fly into. It is not...

New Adventures in Vieux Lyon

My confession is that I had never been to Lyon. Well, at least never inside the city proper. I had passed it in my rental...