Category Archives: Uncategorized

“How can anyone govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?”                  Charles de Gaulle   The travails of intra-European mood-busting air travel are behind us. Our Easyjet flight … Continue reading →

The Austro-Hungarian Empire was one of the world’s great powers from 1861-1918, the second largest country in Europe. Today, Vienna and Budapest remain as bookends to the Habsburg legacy. Arriving from the Danube’s tranquil banks in Durnstein, imposing Vienna evokes a formality … Continue reading →

I love Austrian food. There, I said it! Not just sophisticated saddle of lamb, or pan-seared fresh trout. I am talking about wurst mit sauerkraut, fried and breaded chicken with potato and cucumber salad, and wienersnitchel or chicken “cordon blue” … Continue reading →

Ah… how fickle we travelers can be, always making oaths as to the prettiest, most beautiful, most entrancing destination that captures our spirit. Only a fool would commend such an impression to others, acquired in the momentary embrace of some … Continue reading →

“This is a crazie family” Davide, our hard working host, jokes as his tiny poodle runs amok barking like a windup toy on steroids. Agriturismo Savernano is our comfortable base for day-tripping throughout Tuscany. We have returned again to this highly-praised working … Continue reading →

We call him Tartufo, an Italian word with a whimsical and nonsensical tone and, as our host Bruno at Agriturismo Preggio pointed out, his nose is black and shaped like the wild and elusive fungi that populate the Umbrian forests. … Continue reading →

OK! We had our Downton Abbazia momento, returning after five years to the captivating Agriturismo La Ghirlanda (“the Garland”). Umbria, slowly stirring from a wet, cold winter, was put in sharp relief by the welcome greeting of house manager, Claudia. … Continue reading →

“Walking is also an ambulation of mind”  – Gretel Ehrlich Italy, on one hand, is cradle of the Renaissance; muse to countless artists and artisans; house to the authority and magnificence of the Holy See. It also retains a shadow … Continue reading →

Driving in New Zealand is quite civilized, once you get past the annoying reflex of entering traffic lanes from the right side (American vs. UK). A couple of oncoming tractor-trailers seemed to hasten my learning curve. Our rental ride is … Continue reading →

“I see my light come shining, from the West unto the East,                                                         … Continue reading →