NORTHERN ITALY IS JUST AS ROMANTIC AS SOUTHERN ITALY. ROME IS NOT. TODAY WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME VERY COOL PLACES TO STAY. SO, I HOPE ALL VAGABONDS GET MOTIVATED TO GO TO THIS AMAZING COUNTRY IF YOU'VE NEVER BEEN. AND, IF YOU HAVE, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!
After a nine-hour flight from Tampa to Milan, needless to say we were a tad tired. Flying overseas takes an open mind and the ability to nap without ceasing. LOL! We used the internet for all of our reservations, and we read every Rick Steves book on Italy and listened to an Italian language CD without ceasing. Rick Steves advised his readers to store their luggage in the lockers at the Cadorna train station in Milan. Problem - the lockers were closed for repairs! Then we got lost until we found a very nice cabbie who took us directly to the Museum Cenacolo Vinciano / Museum of The Last Supper to see one of the most famous paintings in the world - Leonardo DaVinci's' Last Supper, with our luggage in tow. As we entered the room with about fifteen other people, the painting was not just beautiful - it was utterly mesmerizing. This painting was painted between 1495 - 1498. It was completely restored over a twenty year period that was completed in 1999.
TRAIN TRAVEL IS SIMPLY THE BEST IN ITALY
With a view of the Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church we had a nice lunch of pizza and coke - I am an American after all! After lunch we boarded the train for Varenna on Lake Como. As the train rounded a long curve we saw Lake Como in the distance - I took my favorite Vagabond's hand and said we are really here! We checked into a very small boutique hotel, the Eremo Gaudio, with views of the lake over the rooftops and a large terrace overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. The first night we had dinner on the terrace and went straight to bed. Even in one of the most ancient countries on earth change happens. Unfortunately, the Eremo Gaudio has permanently closed. However, I found another place, with all 10/10 reviews, that is reasonably priced at $251 per night - Relais Vill Vittoria. Beautiful place right on the lake.
CINQUE TERRE - THEN A LEANING TOWER
After a few days on Lake Como, we took the train to the Cinque Terre National Park and checked into the Villa Steno, a cool intimate hotel located in the heart of Monterosso, one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. It's a quick Uber ride from the train station. If you are a serious walker, you can hike the five villages in about five hours, then relax on the terrace on comfortable lounge chairs and enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean while sipping a nice local glass of vino. A double starts at $140 a night. Great place - great price.
Since we loved staying in this very cool place,
we decided to change our plans and stay a couple more nights. I walked to the train station to change our tickets and saw a big sign - Train Strike Tomorrow! So, we packed up and got ready to board the train. As we were sitting on the bench, I heard some older teenage girls talking in American English. I walked up to them and asked where they were from. They said - Tallahassee, Florida, we're students at FSU and we're touring Italy for a month. We talked for several minutes about where they were going. And I said - It is indeed a small world - have fun. Then we boarded the train for Pisa. The trip took an hour for $7.00. Upon arrival we found the rental car at the airport and drove to and parked to see one of the most famous monuments in Italy - The Leaning Tower of Pisa. This famous monument took 199 years to complete! To read the story of how and why it leans just click on the link.
After seeing the Leaning Tower, we headed for Florence. We didn't stay in Pisa. IMHO - the only thing to see or do in Pisa is the tower.
Next Week - The Nomad Architect ventures to the capital of Italy - Florence.
TODAY - THE WORLD WE NOW LIVE IN HAS GONE COMPLETELY INSANE. NEW HOMES COST A FORTUNE, ALL INSURANCE IS INCREASING DAILY, EVERYTHING COSTS A LOT MORE THAN IT SHOULD, INCLUDING TRAVEL.
The "Experts" tell us current inflation is "holding steady" at 3.4%. Obviously, those experts never buy groceries or try to purchase a new home! The Nomad Architect is here to help all Wanderers travel for prices that will not drain your bank account. Today's post includes some places to reserve that cost less than the typical $500 - $1500 a night that I see everywhere - even in Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and the UK. And the good old USA, the greatest country on earth, is the most expensive place to travel. Hopefully, this post will help all Vagabonds find some cool places to lay your heads at prices that won't make your head hurt.
This Week - All Italia
Italy is the most romantic country we have ever traveled in. It is a place that will actually change your perception of the world. It has it all - great buildings, history, incredible food, and amazing people. The culture of the Cradle of Western Civilization is all-encompassing.
Places Smart Nomads Can Stay
Castello di Tornano- This utterly unique small former fort in Chianti, the heart of Tuscany, is about thirty minutes from the capital city of Italy, Florence/Firenze. With three-foot thick stone walls, showers large enough for a small army, friendly and helpful owners, and amazing food served on-site. You can wander in nature or take a swim in their swimming pool. The views from all the rooms are beautiful. We arrived at this "castle" mid-afternoon on a Sunday. I asked the concierge if we could get something to eat since we had not had lunch. He sat us at a table on a beautiful terrace with views of vineyards as far as the eye could see. Then the food appeared - Prosciutto, freshly baked bread, cheese, olives, fruit, and a nice bottle of local wine. We enjoyed our mid-afternoon meal in one of the most romantic places we have ever experienced. And the price today? $150 - $175 depending on when you go.
If you want to stay in an elegant, restored family-owned palace in a beautiful Italian Hill Town this
is place. In the center of Montepulciano, with a history that goes back to 1080, this beautiful small hotel shows the best Italy has to offer for sleeping, relaxing, eating and being a real Nomad in the culture of small-town Italy for $130 - $140 per night.
VENICE
If you go to Italy, you must go to
Venice and enjoy the most romantic village in all of Italy. The "floating city" is one of those places that you never want to leave. It's beauty and its elegantly detailed architectural power is something to experience. We saw a grand opera while there and, it's true - It ain't over 'till the fat lady sings. Quite elegant I might add. The central Palazzo offers all Vagabonds great places to eat, shop and enjoy people, locals and visitors alike. After enjoying a morning on the Palazzo, hop on a boat and make a quick trip to the Island of Murano where you can see some of the most eloquently designed glass work, sculpture and other items of intense design. The buildings of Murano are painted every color under the sun - something to see!
Our hotel in this romantic paradise of design was small, friendly and well designed with an intimate courtyard for a morning breakfast before walking everywhere in this beautiful place. Unfortunately, Hotel Flora has raised its price since we were there to $400 a night. However, it must be said that Venice is a very expensive place to visit. So, save your dough to stay at this amazing intimate hotel.
Just to prove The Nomad Architect is committed to Vagabonds who desire high quality at lower prices I found another elegant property for a mere $139 a night with 9/10 reviews - Bloom & Settimo Cielo. For thrifty vagabonds, the photo above shows this less expensive high-end place to sleep after a day of wandering in this town that dates back to 421! It looks like a high-end place with reasonable prices. It will leave more money to spend on great food and wine! LOL!
"You may have the universe if I may have Italy." - Giuseppe Verdi
This week's video is perfect for all Italians and people who are conversant in Italiano, which I am not. One fan offered a simple observance listening to this very cool jazz tune - "Don't know what they're saying, l'm here for the clarinet! Sounds like a true music lover to me! Enjoy this happy tune - Tu Vui' Fa' L'Americano - Hetty & the Jazzato Band.
For all Wanderers, Vagabonds and Nomads who may be interested - Here is a quick history of this very cool tune. In English the title is - You Want to be an American. It was recorded by Italian singer Renoto Carasone and written with Nicola Nisa Sereno in 1956. It has been recorded by many singers as well as featured in several films, including The Talented Mr. Ripley.
So, for wandering souls that are not fluent in Italiano - Ecco Qui!!!!
Shoes with a coat of arms can be worn Na cuppulella cu 'a visor aizata Passa scampanianno pe' Tuledo Like a guappo, to make you look
You want to be an American 'Mericano, 'mericano Who does it do? You want to live fashionably But if you drink "whiskey and soda" Po' te siente 'e disturba'
Tu abball' o' rock'n'roll You play baseball But Camel is deaf Who gives them to you Mom's handbag
You want to be an American 'Mericano, mericano But yes he was born in Italy Sient' a mme, nun ce sta niente 'a fa'
Ok, napulitan You want to be an American You want to be an American
Comme te po' capi' chi te vo' bene If you speak to her, my American? Quanno se fa l'ammore sotto 'a luna How do you come to the end and say "I love you"?
You want to be an American 'Mericano, mericano Who does you do? You want to live fashionably But if you drink "whiskey and soda" Po' te siente 'e disturba'
Tu abball' o' rock'n'roll You play baseball But Camel is deaf Who gives them to you Mommy's Handbag
You want to be an American 'Mericano, mericano But yes he was born in Italy Sient' a mme, nun ce sta niente 'a fa' Ok, napulitan You want to be an American You want to be an American
You want to be an American 'Mericano, 'mericano But yes he was born in Italy Sient' a mme, nun ce sta niente 'a fa' Ok, napulitan You want to be an American You want to be an American
Whiskey and soda and rock'n'roll Whiskey and soda and rock'n'roll Whiskey and soda and rock'n'roll
I have never heard of a recipe like this - Shrimp, andouille sausage, chicken, and collard greens all tossed in a creamy alfredo sauce served over fettuccine. Well, this place serves this delicious creative culinary delight.
Now, to be truthful, I did not have We Belong Together. That's for the next time I eat at this cool, friendly, creative, high-quality restaurant with great service.
From Jo Ellen's Web Site - All True!
"If ever a mother loved a son and a son loved a mother, then JoEllen's is it. Joe is the son and Ellen was the mother. Ellen poured all that she was into each of her six children, but she held a special place for Joe. Unfortunately, Ellen passed away in 2014 when we first began this journey of entrepreneurship. So that love and those memories now reside in JoEllen’s. . .a special place with great food, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and southern comfort that feels a lot like a warm hug a loving mother gives to her son. This is the foundation of JoEllen’s and this is what guides all aspects of who we are and the service we provide."
I can attest to every word. For Brunch, I had a make-your-own omelet with grits, toast, and coffee. Others at the table had Shrimp and Grits, Meatloaf, and other culinary delights. And our server was friendly and professional.
This place really gets it! It is one of the most creative food places I have ever had the pleasure of eating at. It's right downtown in part of Klemen Plaza with easy parking in the parking garage. For further proof that this restaurant can tickle your itch for innovative cuisine just click here for the MENU.
So, head downtown and have a creative dining experience. Trust me, you will need to plan a nap after brunch, lunch, or dinner! LOL!
USA - The Official Place of Refuge for Nomads With Dreams
The Grand Experiment is Still Grand!!
As we awake to another celebration of our founding this morning, I ponder the onslaught of attempts by powers, great and small, to destroy our great country, as well as our own self-inflicted wounds on the very freedoms that we have held up to the world for generations. When you view Lady Libertyor read of the sacrifices of men and women who have willingly fostered our freedoms, you must remind yourself that this country, this USA, came to be because men, rebels all, said ENOUGH!! In a single act of incomparable bravery and genius, this nation was birthed to give refuge to the "Nomads" who wanted a better life in the new world, who wanted to worship their God in peace and determine their own destiny without government intervention.
Now this is not a political blog, but one cannot discuss this amazing country without some discussion of the one subject that is not supposed to be discussed in polite company. And when you watch the news or read a blog or do something really quaint like read a newspaper, you realize that we simply do not have any current-day Washingtons, Jeffersons, Franklins, Adams, or Hamiltons. No, we Americans shake our heads in flummoxed disbelief at the current crop of empty suits now running the place. I have a friend who believes the demise of this great country is imminent. It's not if but when. To that, I say - Balderdash!! If you have any knowledge of the history of this great country, you can rest assured that its greatness comes from its people, and their willingness to "throw the bums out" when righting the ship becomes necessary. With that greatest of documents to guide us, The US Constitution, we WILL defeat attacks of any kind on the virtues and ideas that came from the most unique concept of freedom ever envisioned by man. I am convinced we will, indeed, right this ship for generations to come.
And What About Our Generations?
Boomers, X'ers, Millenials/Y'ers, Z'ers, and Alphas?
As we Boomers lament the latest crop of children who are now beginning to run the place, we discuss all the faults of the forty-somethings we have raised. And I must admit - it is somewhat disconcerting when one of those young Gen X'ers was asked, a few years back, by talk show host Jay Leno - Where is the Gaza Strip? They answered West Hollywood! Really? But we Boomers conveniently forget that we invented the basest of human traits - narcissism. You do remember Stephen Stills' mantra to self-indulgence - If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with - don't you? That one line and its impact on our culture is worth at least three credit hours of directed study on human behavior gone awry. As the most privileged, upwardly mobile generation, we grew up with TV, hot cars, and a vision of America that fit us like a glove. So, spare me the judgment of the "kids" that are working through their lives day by day in a world very different than the post-war world of optimism we seventy-somethings enjoyed. Numerous studies point out that this new generation is optimistic, hard-working, and more open to change than any generation before it.
I recently had a long discussion about this with my forty-something kids. I am utterly convinced that this country, with all its challenges, is in good hands. These guys get it and will keep the dream alive. They may use their iPhones and iPads more than we wish, but they will pursue true happiness in their own way. It will just be - different! And on that note, I will share a text message from my son some twelve years ago which reads as follows:
"Just landed in Denver - staying at The Curtis Hotel...be back Monday - Happy 4th - God Bless America!"
So, if you're a proud Boomer, you are more than likely blessed with the talking to, the loving of, and the caring for every age from old Boomer to young Alpha. And, guess what - Every generation will figure out the truth and ensure that everything remains copacetic! It's a new day! Whether it's on parchment or a smartphone, the love of this country means the same thing and it's ever-new.
So - as you head out to Grandma's house or some other favorite place to celebrate this uniquely American day, I implore you to read our Declaration of Independence, written by one of history's greatest minds, Thomas Jefferson, at the ripe old age of thirty-three. A Gen Y'er we can all believe in.
Quote of The Week - "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Thomas Jefferson
Video Artist of The Week - I watched and listened to many amazing performances of our National Anthem and selected the one that brought tears of pride as I watched and listened to our nation's Joint Armed Forces Color Guard present the colors of the United States at the 2023 College Football National Championship followed by a powerful performance of The Star Spangled Banner by the Grammy Award Winning vocal groupPENTATONIX.
First - a little personal travel history is in order. As a kid growing up in the fifties, with a stern, hard-working entrepreneurial father and a classic mother whom I adored, our family vacations were, well, not very exotic. Every summer, and I do mean every summer, Dad, Mom, my brother, and I would pack the car and head south to Daytona Beach for two weeks in early summer. Daytona Beach was THE place to go in the fifties and sixties before it became a tourist afterthought. Not that I don't have great memories of "The World's Most Famous Beach". I learned to swim there and saw my first real car race there. Even today, my brother is a rabid NASCAR fan. I learned what Nuttie Buddies were and I ate the best hotdogs on earth and washed them down with 6-ounce Cokes. But - the coolest thing of all? You could actually drive on the beach for free!! What more could a kid want?.
FAST FORWARD 60+ YEARS!
Like they say - Things change. Nothing truer has ever been said about The World's Most Famous Beach. What once were hotels here there and everywhere are now condos here there and everywhere. And, you now must pay $20 to drive on the beach! The prices to rent a decent condo today will force you to take out a loan from your bank unless you have a high credit limit on your favorite credit card.
If you have a large crowd
that needs 3-4 beds to sleep in, the best place to stay is not Daytona. As I shared last week - go North my fellow Vagabond - Ormand Beach! There are still some very nice hotels beachside on The World's Most Famous Beach, but, they are few and far between. Several years ago we stayed in a nice small place on the beach - Lotus Boutique Inn and Suites. There were some bad reviews after we stayed there, but, based on current reviews, they have revived their quality and service. And the prices are very reasonable. Another nice hotel is the Delta Hotels Daytona Beach Oceanfront by Marriot. Comfortable, well-designed rooms with a large oceanfront balcony at reasonable prices will provide you and yours a pleasurable time at the beach.
School Was Just Around The Corner
Then as the dog days became
longer and school was looming, we packed the car and headed north to the Smoky Mountains for two weeks of camping in the great outdoors. Sleeping in a tent, the bears, the streams, the woods, and even the simple food - I loved every minute. As a result of those times with my family in The Great Smoky Mountains, I have always been a lover of the outdoors and will forever
be drawn to the hinterland.
On our late summer trips north, because my father was a lover of music, he would tune the radio to the John R. Radio Show which played mostly rhythm and blues. Listening to that music on AM from WLAC Nashville and the legendary voice of John R. while riding in the back seat of the big car was always a treat to my ears. Of course, things have changed in the busiest National Park in the United States with 15.7 million visitors a year! You can pick and choose dozens of things to do as you travel The Blue Ridge Parkway. If you want to camp, there are dozens of campgrounds to choose from - just click Where to Camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
One question that must be asked if you go to the Smokies - Is Gatlinburg Tacky? Here's one local's opinion - "Yes, it can be. But here’s the important thing: There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Gatlinburg is like the Walt Whitman quote, it contains multitudes. It can be upscale, bordering on classy. Also, it can be fun, rambunctious, and energetic. Certainly, it can be educational, thrilling, and beautiful. But it can also be tacky. Tacky is, of course, subjective. Most places that attract tourists can be pretty tacky." So, if you feel the need - visit Gatlinburg and buy something you probably don't need! LOL!
If you are in need of enjoying America without traveling a long way - load up and go to the Smokies.
THE BEACH - THE PLACE - THE KIDS - THE FOOD - THE LAUGHS - ALL GOOD
Nothing makes you appreciate what shows up in your path as you wander down the road of life like kids and family. I must brag on my family - I have two amazing 40-something kids who make their parents proud every single day. They are both hard-working, successful people who have grown up to impress. I have the opportunity to see this quite often. However, as all Vagabonds know, travel with anyone, particularly kids, has ups and downs. The comic Jim Gaffigan captures the essence of the downside with some funny takes on traveling with his five kids.
I cannot agree with Mr. Gaffigan. It's all about attitude. There are several aspects of kids on vacation - they are usually loud, demanding, and intensely interested in a world they have yet to experience. So, you must have an attitude that enjoys loudness and kids always in motion. Watching my seven-year-old read all day fills his grandmother, known as Ya Ya, with immense pride. She is an obsessive reader with a book always close by 24-7. I read too, but, I'm not ridiculous! Then, of course, the latest addition to our family, our fifteen-month-old grandson had a blast. The beach, the laughter, and the love all around ensured that the boy completely enjoyed himself on his first trip to Ormond Beach. And yes, he was loud and involved.
For a "crew" with Grandma and Grandpa, their kids, and their kids' kids, you're going to need a nice three-bedroom for sleeping, eating, and having lots of fun on the beach. And a nice oceanfront balcony doesn't hurt. Ihighly recommend Ormond Beach to ensure your posse enjoys the beach, the sun, and the water. It's more exclusive, without the crazy stuff that happens on Daytona Beach to the South. My daughter-in-law, a very smart Nomad, found the perfect place - The Ormondy Condominium - with three bedrooms, three baths, and a large oceanfront balcony. She found it through VRBO . Traveling requires some creativity to get it right! The place had just been completely renovated with comfortable beds, large bathrooms/showers, and nice furniture in well-designed spaces.
In all honesty - everybody in my family LOOOVES the beach! I do not. The inactivity of lying on the beach on a hot day is just something I have never enjoyed. My primary job on this trip was the never-ending trips to Publix about a half mile from the condo. It worked to perfection - they all went down to the beach to enjoy the nice breeze while I was always coming and going to get various groceries as needed. There was one trip with my daughter-in-law. That was a unique experience - Oat Milk and many other "special" food items to ensure her kids don't end up in the emergency room! LOL!! When I wasn't in transit, I simply enjoyed a nice glass of Pinot Gris on the balcony.
So, the clan loved every minute of our trip to Ormond Beach. Never a dull moment and minimal crying. LOL!
There's only one group to put on the record player when you're discussing Beach Music - The Beach Boys! I concur with a great quote by the actress and musician Zooey Deschanel - "I remember having this friend in school who said she didn't like the Beach Boys. And in that moment I knew we couldn't be friends anymore."
I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this innovative group in the early seventies at Tully Gym at Florida State University with my girlfriend, now wife. Back then you could bring your own bottle of wine! My My - things have indeed changed! In honor of all Vagabonds who love the beach - The Beach Boys perform on The Ed Sullivan Show - 1964 - I GET AROUND!
One of the interesting things about travel in Europe is the size and diversity of the countries. The United Kingdom is 40 times smaller than the United States. Italy is about the size of New Mexico. Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe - about the size of Texas. Greece is smaller than Louisiana. France is 18 times smaller than the US. And Portugal, one of the smallest countries in Europe, is about the size of Maine. So, what do all these comparisons mean? Traveling in all of these countries is easy and immensely pleasurable. You spend far less time traveling and far more time exploring all of the ancient and modern places in European countries.
Today's post is about a special place for romantics who love to relax and enjoy being with and exploring with their significant other in one of the most interesting parts of the world. If you want glitz and glamour don't go to this place. If you desire unique beauty and pleasure - sign up and go. The Areias do Sexio is not cheap. However, IMHO, it is worth every penny. Even though I stress Value and Excellence in this travel blog, sometimes all Vagabonds have to go above and beyond, especially for a special occasion with the one you love. We went in early May six years ago and the prices were respectable. Mid-fall, when the weather is still pleasurable, is another good time to go for lower prices.
So - What To Do?
Just look out the floor-to-ceiling glass from your Love Room, your Tree Room, or your Land Room and you will see one of the most compelling ocean views ever created by nature. If you like walking in nature, put on your walking shoes and enjoy. You can rent a bike and ride through an enchanting habitat. I'm not a surfer, but, if you are so inclined, you can rent a surfboard and hang ten! You might want to reserve a spot with The Body & Mind Studio for Yoga, Pilates, Massage, and other activities for a holistic approach to physical and mental balance. They have a very cool restaurant, Noah Surf House, which serves up delicious choices of interesting cuisine. And, at the end of the day, head to the Rooftop for some flavors from the sea and a nice wine to enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic and watch the stars come out. It's Romantic to the nth power!
As an architect and an obsessive traveler, I look for places with great design, comfort, interesting food, and things to do. The Areias Do Seixo Hotel has everything you may desire to ensure your time there is distinctive and pleasurable. The hotel, the seashore, the natural environment and the people serving you will ensure your visit to this interesting country will be memorable.
“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.” Paula Bendfeldt
This week's tune was written by the great Bob Dylan in 1997 and is performed by the great Garth Brooks. It is one of the most romantic songs ever written and it has been recorded by many great artists. This arrangement by Garth, accompanying himself with only an acoustic guitar, is one of the best versions I have ever heard. I hope you enjoy it - TO MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE.
