Villa d’Este

Villa d’Este

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

Castel Nuovo

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

Santa Chiara

Courtyard

Nestled just off Naples’ bustling Spaccanapoli, Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara unfolds as a testament to Gothic resilience and Franciscan simplicity. Instantly I find this place both overwhelming and 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.… Read the rest

Napoli

Sweeping views of Naples

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

Sweeping views of Messina

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

Chania

Venetian Harbor, Chania

We’re in Crete!  We have brought the boys with us to Chania for the day and I have, as usual, a full itinerary to get through.  It’s perhaps a little ambitious but, with a promise of ice cream a the end, let’s see how we go.… Read the rest

Athens

Parthenon

The sun beats down on Athens and the temperature rises although I’m too preoccupied to notice.  Still high from the delights of Mykonos and keen to start exploring an entirely new city, I haven’t given much thought to the realities of today. … Read the rest

Mykonos

Mykonos – Kato Mili from Rapshodia Bar

The day is crystal clear as we approach Mykonos old town on our hired moped.  We find a park and walk into the vehicle free Old Port area from the North along Polykandrioti (a street named after Thanasis Polykandriotis, a Greek musician). … Read the rest

The Windmills of Kato Mili

Windmills of Kato Mili

I’m in Mykonos exploring the main town, old port of Chora and of course, the Windmills of Kato Mili. I have been walking for a while discovering the cobbled streets and sparkling town with its overflow of shops, churches, charm and style.… Read the rest