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Mille Grazie,
Frani
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Cruise RunAway
Wow, Baltimore has been a great hit here in Charm City with cruises sailing from our port . The Caribbean being the most popular by far - but the New England cruises are also becoming very popular. My friends just returned from the Royal Caribbean's New England Cruise and enjoyed the ship, the food, the service and visiting the NE. It has been a big hit with families & couples.
There are so many wonderful discounts / deals on Alaskan Cruises. It is very common to travel the inside passage and stay in a suite for $3500 per couple with today's discounts. Not sure how long they will last, but the discounts are worthy.
While researching, I came across a great article in travel & Leisure Magazine about cruising. Generally when considering cruise popularity you will find that it is determined by a number of things, which can include how convenient it is to reach the cruise liner from your home, whether you have a young family, your age, whether it your first time or if you are single or married. This is so true.
It is therefore wise to ask yourself what you expect from a cruise before making a decision. Are you looking for black tie glamour, informal luxury, to travel only with people your own age, plenty of entertainment, beautiful surroundings and nature, a good deal or activity and are you traveling on a shoestring?
The best time to cruise the Caribbean is in January and February as the weather is perfect most days, but there is often threat of hurricanes from Mid June to the beginning of December.
The best time to cruise to Alaska is in the warmest months of June to August, as daylight is longer for sightseeing and taking photographs. It's a special place to cruise by glaciers and snow caped jagged peaks on your way to numerous photogenic ports.
The warmest months and the best time for sun seekers to visit the Mediterrannean is from May to September. It should be noted that many of the ports are often very busy during the summer, but there are certainly a large amount of destinations worth visiting, including the Greek Islands, Costa del Sol, Liguria Coast and the French Riviera.
November to April is the best time to cruise to Mexico, as they are cooler, dryer and less humid than the summer months. This is not the destination for those looking to relax, as Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and the other ports of call on the Mexican Riviera are full of life and music.
The Hawaiian Islands are a tropical paradise everyday of the year with its green clad volcanic cliffs and awe-inspiring tropical fauna and flora. Visit the magical Dolphin Cove, the fascinating Sealife Park and of course the Polynesian Cultural Centre.
For you cruisers out there, this is the perfect time for getting a bang for your buck!
There are so many wonderful discounts / deals on Alaskan Cruises. It is very common to travel the inside passage and stay in a suite for $3500 per couple with today's discounts. Not sure how long they will last, but the discounts are worthy.
While researching, I came across a great article in travel & Leisure Magazine about cruising. Generally when considering cruise popularity you will find that it is determined by a number of things, which can include how convenient it is to reach the cruise liner from your home, whether you have a young family, your age, whether it your first time or if you are single or married. This is so true.
It is therefore wise to ask yourself what you expect from a cruise before making a decision. Are you looking for black tie glamour, informal luxury, to travel only with people your own age, plenty of entertainment, beautiful surroundings and nature, a good deal or activity and are you traveling on a shoestring?
The best time to cruise the Caribbean is in January and February as the weather is perfect most days, but there is often threat of hurricanes from Mid June to the beginning of December.
The best time to cruise to Alaska is in the warmest months of June to August, as daylight is longer for sightseeing and taking photographs. It's a special place to cruise by glaciers and snow caped jagged peaks on your way to numerous photogenic ports.
The warmest months and the best time for sun seekers to visit the Mediterrannean is from May to September. It should be noted that many of the ports are often very busy during the summer, but there are certainly a large amount of destinations worth visiting, including the Greek Islands, Costa del Sol, Liguria Coast and the French Riviera.
November to April is the best time to cruise to Mexico, as they are cooler, dryer and less humid than the summer months. This is not the destination for those looking to relax, as Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and the other ports of call on the Mexican Riviera are full of life and music.
The Hawaiian Islands are a tropical paradise everyday of the year with its green clad volcanic cliffs and awe-inspiring tropical fauna and flora. Visit the magical Dolphin Cove, the fascinating Sealife Park and of course the Polynesian Cultural Centre.
For you cruisers out there, this is the perfect time for getting a bang for your buck!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Pitango Gelato
One of my favorite gelato places in Florence is Grom. So you can imagine when Nikki said she had a surprise for me and took us to Pitango Gelato in our own Fells Point!
Pitango uses all organic products and is in a popular tourist/local area of Fells Point. I thought we were in another city with all the tourists in town. We were in line with a couple from Amsterdam and they loved their Margarita flavor. I really enjoy when we find places that improves a lost art and this is one of those places. We have a real Gelato place in Charm City! I had Pistachio, which was a wonderful soft flavor & Nikki had Hazelnut which she enjoyed. This was really divine and finish it off with an espresso, close your eyes and you will think you are in Florence again.
Clink on the title to link to Pitango!
Visit Link for Grom: http://www.grom.it/eng/pages/dove_firenze.htm
Pitango uses all organic products and is in a popular tourist/local area of Fells Point. I thought we were in another city with all the tourists in town. We were in line with a couple from Amsterdam and they loved their Margarita flavor. I really enjoy when we find places that improves a lost art and this is one of those places. We have a real Gelato place in Charm City! I had Pistachio, which was a wonderful soft flavor & Nikki had Hazelnut which she enjoyed. This was really divine and finish it off with an espresso, close your eyes and you will think you are in Florence again.
Clink on the title to link to Pitango!
Visit Link for Grom: http://www.grom.it/eng/pages/dove_firenze.htm
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Ciao
I am sorry that I haven't posted for a few weeks. Sometimes family care-taking takes priority. :-) But hopefully it will be calm for awhile. I would like to imagine that we were sitting in Piazza Navonna, watching the tourista's, just sipping Prosecco. Be back soon!
Frani
Frani
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Palermo
Just a few more notes about our Sicilian adventure................First of all, I am so surprised that everyone who I send to Sicily only wants to stay in Palermo for one night. It is usually where one begins or ends their journey in Sicilia. We spent a few nights there during our last trip and I was pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed eating & shopping in town as well as the sightseeing! We really enjoyed our daytrip to Monreale. There is a beach on the outskirts of Palermo (Mediterranean side, of course). The scenery was very enjoyable. Next we visited Corleone. Here you can visit the Duomo and the prehistoric Museum. After our visit, it was hard to believe that this town was home to many terrible Mafia bosses, such as Totò Riina, who is now serving a multiple life-term prison sentence. It is a part of the "Godfather tour" that I spoke about earlier. There are many things to do even though its known as an industrial town.
In Palermo, we found the some wonderful pastry shops. We had a hard time resisting cannoli and pistachio gelato--both are sought after in this part of Italy. You may find it easier to stay in 4 star hotels unless a 3 star or B&B is recommended to you.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Online Italian Classes
I had to share this web site with you! Alan B turned Nikki and I on to this and I really try to find time at night to do a few classes.
At www.Livemocha.com, you will find this web site has classes for many languages but of course, we are using the Italian language. I started at the beginners class and couldn't believe how much I forgot. If I was better at the English language , I could move along faster! :-) Check it out by hitting on the title and the link should take you there.
A Presto,
Frani
Live Mocha
At www.Livemocha.com, you will find this web site has classes for many languages but of course, we are using the Italian language. I started at the beginners class and couldn't believe how much I forgot. If I was better at the English language , I could move along faster! :-) Check it out by hitting on the title and the link should take you there.
A Presto,
Frani
Live Mocha
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