With the buses, trains, and subways finally behind me, I emerged from the station onto Via Ottaviano, a wide pedestrian artery that funnels tourists straight toward St. Peter’s Square. My friend Geoffrey had introduced me to Mateo through WhatsApp, and I’d arranged a six‑night stay at his family’s B&B, the Vatican Eagle, conveniently tucked beside … Continue reading 3 Agosto 2026 Roman Holiday
Category: My Italian Heritage Journey
27 Luglio 2026 A Florence Renaissance
Walking from the train station to my hotel upon my arrival to Florence, while hot was not too bad. By now I am used to navigating Italian cities and this walk was as straight forward as they come. Crossing the bridge over the Arno river and seeing the center of Florence in the distance was exhilarating. … Continue reading 27 Luglio 2026 A Florence Renaissance
22 Luglio 2026 Marina de Cienia, Under a Tuscan Sun
Pulling into Cecina station was a sweet end to a long, drawn‑out travel day, but the Italian travel gods were not done with me yet. Checking Google Maps, my walk to the hotel was 12 minutes, no problem, but updating several minutes into the walk revealed 20 minutes remaining. While it was a straight shot, … Continue reading 22 Luglio 2026 Marina de Cienia, Under a Tuscan Sun
16 Luglio 2026 In the Style of Milan
Arriving in Milan, Rogoredo train station for what I was informed by AI would be an easy twenty- minute walk to my next flat was disproved by Google Maps upon my arrival. A subway ride was now in play and I arrived in my new neighborhood within minutes. The neighborhood of Porta Nuova is about … Continue reading 16 Luglio 2026 In the Style of Milan
12 Luglio 2026 Verona, Old World Style
Verona wasn’t a last‑minute addition to my itinerary, but it was chosen later in the planning and after visiting, I’m glad I made the choice. Italy, and Europe as a whole, overflow with history, yet Verona carries its own distinct character. The town somewhat revolves around the Verona Arena, one of the best‑preserved amphitheaters of … Continue reading 12 Luglio 2026 Verona, Old World Style
7 Luglio 2026 Venice & Lido. Adding a Little Spice
Having gotten my bearings on Lido the day I arrived, I woke up around 7 a.m. and headed out to walk the beach before the heat set in. Only a few others had the same idea, and we shared the shoreline with tractor crews smoothing the sand before the beach clubs set up their chairs … Continue reading 7 Luglio 2026 Venice & Lido. Adding a Little Spice
30 Giugno 2026 Pescara, A Bustling City by the Beach
Pulling out of Vieste early in the morning began my day of following the winding coastal highway through the hills toward Foggia, where I’d drop off my rental car before catching a train to Pescara. I figured refilling the tank just blocks from the Hertz office would be the easiest option. As usual, Italy had … Continue reading 30 Giugno 2026 Pescara, A Bustling City by the Beach
29 Giugno 2026 Otorno. An Extra Ingredient in the Recipe.
Ortona turned out to be one of those places that keeps shifting as you move through it. The train in followed the coastline so that was promising, and photos showed a waterfront town, but you wouldn’t have known it when the train pulled into the station. The rail stop consisted of four tracks and lay … Continue reading 29 Giugno 2026 Otorno. An Extra Ingredient in the Recipe.
28 Giugno 2026 Rounding Out My Vieste Stay
My days in Vieste held little adventure. With the small town vibe, not counting all the hidden treasures scattered in the alley ways and road sides I pretty much hit a rhythm of morning coffee, sorry I mean “cafe”and a sweet. I especially enjoyed the bakery that filled the doughnut with the filling of your … Continue reading 28 Giugno 2026 Rounding Out My Vieste Stay
26 Giugno 2026 — A Pinch of Salt: Arriving in Vieste
Italy never ceases to amaze me. I rolled into Vieste expecting a laid‑back little beach town , something like an Italian Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island from back home in Charleston. At first glance, it even looked the part. But I was mistaken. My drive in had followed the winding mountain coastal highway, a white‑knuckle … Continue reading 26 Giugno 2026 — A Pinch of Salt: Arriving in Vieste
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