Nice, France and the Lovely Promenade
The elegance of Nice, France. People strolled through the streets while walking the dog and appeared to be part of an artist’s canvas. I found this shop which captivated me with special sugars for crepes, flavored salts, dried potpourri and many lovely items I just couldn’t live without. How I wish there was a Girofle...
Wine Tasting in Wonderful Tuscany
The weather was perfect for wine tasting in Tuscany in the foothills of Pisa, Italy. On the way there in the motor coach, our tour guide explained the minerals and sea breezes make for some very good wines in this region. This was my opportunity to taste Sangiovese wine since I usually drink California Cab...
Tasty Tuscan Tomatoes and Wine
A new awakening about tomatoes in Tuscany, Italy. Many people know of San Marzano tomatoes from Sicily and these beauties from Mediterranea Belfiore are delicious in their own way. Papa Donato began his farming in the 50’s and mamma Renza and the three daughters now oversee the farm. The Perfect Peel tomatoes are harvested for...
Port of Rome and Salami
After leaving Naples, the rain storm across Europe became worse. We docked outside of Rome and due to rough seas and high wind, spent an extra day in the port of Civitavecchia. I braved the winds and found the market in town joining the locals shopping for cheese, bread, meats and pomegranates. The focaccia bread...
Naples-Espresso and Neapolitan Pizza
Salvatore, our tour guide in Naples, drove us to Gambrinus coffee house in central Naples, near the Royal Palace. The Italian style building is a famous meeting place for International officials and Pope Francis made a visit here. It’s full of activity inside and I watched the never ending production of making espressos. The espresso...
Taormina-Cannoli and Arancini Abounds
Oh cannoli in Taormina, Sicily. As we docked in the port I snapped this picture of the setting moon and the Mt Etna volcano. Then I was on the search for cannoli. I happened into a shop selling cannoli with cream and pistachio. Pablo graciously had his picture taken with me as I held the...
Malta is Marvelous
Malta is a most interesting UNESCO world heritage site and surrounded by centuries of walled fortresses. Our cruise ship docked in Valletta and we hired Karlito’s Way private tour company to delve into this tiny island. The long history about being conquered by the Romans, Moors, French and the British is seen throughout the country....
Day visit in Crete, food, honey and shoes
While walking through the village of Chania, Crete, I talked to George who was sipping coffee and eating a sesame roll. He seemed like the unofficial diplomat of the area and was proudly born on this island. Soon he introduced me to the people working at Melini Cafe and suggested I buy a cheese breakfast...
Ancient site and tastes in Athens
Lunch at the Plaka, Athens Greece. Streets are lined with Tavernas with people enjoying sitting outside, talking, smoking and listening to music. And the food, simple and satisfying, like a Greek salad filled with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and feta cheese. The meal was surprisingly reasonable and never goes out of style. Even seen at a...
Wickenburg, AZ has Surprising Sweet Treats
Wickenburg, Arizona home of the world’s team roping competition! But we were here to visit our niece and her family. We loaded the kids in the car and headed to Chaparral Homemade Ice Cream store where ice cream and bakery goods are made on premises. The kids loved the mint chocolate chip, cherry vanilla and...
