Travel, life, loves and laughs.
If there’s one thing Italy does well (after gelato), it’s Villas. Villa d’Este was a fantastic example of this, Villa Borghese is another. Whilst the Palazzos and Castellos are interesting and impressive, the villa gives way from the regal, political and military to a more laid back take on Italian lifestyle, architecture and the outdoors, namely a garden. … Read the rest
There is a lot of gelato in Italy. In fact, there is a lot of gelato in this part of the world. But my knees go weak for Venchi. We have been travelling around the Mediterranean and it’s summer. … Read the rest
The alarm rouses me from sleep for a day at Villa d’Este and the first thing I feel is my aching feet, sore from a couple of weeks of walking. Not that I don’t like walking, I do, I like it a lot, especially when exploring new and wonderful places.… Read the rest
Castel Nuovo is an impressive building. From its perch on the entrance to Naploli, it stands guard over the Gulf of Naples almost as impressive as Mount Vesuvius on the other side of the city. Certainly as proud, almost as formidable. … Read the rest
The Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara is incredible. Like a little walled world of its own, it must have been even more so, a haven from the outside world, during periods of Napoli’s unsettled past.
It’s another stunning day of our summer holidays and we’re exploring Naples. … Read the rest
It still astounds me to wake up in a new city! To step out and behold Napoli at my feet! It has been a long time but I still remember the taste of the pizza, the chill of the cobbled streets under the weight of the grey sky and drizzling rain, not to mention the noise from the morning markets in the piazza below from my last visit. … Read the rest
Messina. Another glorious day, another glorious port. After feeling that I missed out in Valetta yesterday, I am well equipped for today and have a trail planned out. This pivots around being in the city’s main square at midday to see the clock chime 12pm and the mechanical performance that enshews.… Read the rest
Benvenuto Bracciano! It’s been a bit of a long day so far. We have been up since 2am and didn’t get much sleep before that with last minute packing, not to mention the excitement. Somewhere en route mid air over Diyarbakir, heading towards Ankara, I have a major pinch-me moment. … Read the rest
The incredible Renaissance castle, Castello Odescalchi, sits in the heart of Bracciano and has borne witness to centuries of change. As we arrive in Bracciano on the first leg of our Summer Holidays, it greets us, presiding over the piazza as we unload our bags, the boys too tired to notice, me bewitched and speechless at the sight. … Read the rest