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Dining With Darrell
A Global Experience
Italy Sept 2024
My most recent journey was a two-week escapade to Italy, marking my third visit in 15 months. Italy possesses an enchanting allure that continually beckons me back as my travel budget allows. The country's rich history and stunning beauty are captivating. The warmth and friendliness of the Italian people can make anyone feel like part of the family. And of course, the culinary delights and exquisite wines are among the finest I've savored on my travels.
Day 1 - Verona
Verona, a city that captured my heart from the moment I arrived, is truly a gem. My brief stay was filled with enchanting sights, from the charming Juliet’s House to the awe-inspiring Verona Arena, a testament to the city's rich history. Climbing up to Castel San Pietro rewarded me with a breathtaking panoramic view that left me with a feeling of euphoria. Though parting was bittersweet, the thought of returning to this beautiful city fills me with sweet anticipation
—‘Ci vediamo presto amore mio!’
Day 2 - Venice
Welcome to my enchanting journey through Venice! From the moment I arrived, this captivating city stole my heart with its irresistible beauty and charm. Navigating the picturesque bridges and cobblestone streets felt like a delightful adventure rather than a chore. With stunning architecture, romantic gondolas, and the allure of iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square.Venice, the 'Queen of the Adriatic', truly is a mesmerizing destination that leaves a lasting impression.
Day 3 - Venice, Murano, Burano
During our visit to Venice, we took an enchanting tour to the island of Murano, where we witnessed the mesmerizing art of glass making. With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Murano is renowned for its vibrant and colorful glass creations, crafted by highly skilled artisans. One particular piece—a stunning glass horse—caught my eye, perfectly blending my Kentucky roots with my admiration for this beautiful island.
Next, we enjoyed a delightful lunch and a leisurely stroll on the island of Burano, famous for its brightly colored houses and exquisite handmade lace. You might be surprised to find that Pisa isn't the only Italian city with a leaning tower! The laid-back atmosphere and delicious food made Burano a charming stop that should not be missed when exploring Venice.
During our stay in Venice, one of the standout experiences was a delightful cooking class. We took a water taxi across the Grand Canal and arrived 30 minutes early, so I sent a text our host, Mama Rosa, to let her know. To our surprise, her daughter Angela welcomed us in and brewed a lovely coffee while we waited. Mama Rosa and Angela treated us like family, teaching us the art of pasta making and sharing her vibrant recipe for "Rosa’s Rainbow," a delicious medley of roasted fruits and vegetables. For dessert, we even crafted our own Tiramisu, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Day 4 Venice
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Day 5 - Florence
Florence, or Firenze as the locals call it, is a city that captivates with its rich and stunning beauty. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it boasts remarkable art and architecture, making it one of the most walkable cities in the world. Don't miss the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the charming Ponte Vecchio, and the renowned Uffizi Gallery. And of course, a visit wouldn't be complete without seeing Michelangelo’s David, a breathtaking masterpiece housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia.
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Day 6 - Cinque Terre
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Cinque Terre region, where our day began with a scenic drive to the charming coastal town of Riomaggiore. This picturesque village, like many in Italy, is perched on rocky ledges, offering stunning views and vibrant architecture. After a short train ride to Manarola, we enjoyed the unique charm of colorful buildings and delightful shops. Our adventure continued with a boat ride to Vernazza, one of the five enchanting villages that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we marveled at the stunning coastal scenery before heading to Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower. This quaint little town with its marble tower is one of the most recognized in the world. Standing at 56 meters high it is the bell tower of the Romanesque. A striped-marble cathedral in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having a cappuccino at Café Pasticceria I Miracoli while gazing at the timeless tower was magical.
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Day 7 - San Gimignano and Wineries
When you think of Tuscany, Florence might be the first city that comes to mind, but don’t overlook enchanting town of San Gimignano. Known as the Medieval Manhattan, this charming town boasts stunning 13th-century walls and a captivating skyline of medieval towers. As you stroll through its streets, one can't help but be captivated by the beautiful doors. A delightful gelato from Gelateria Dondoli will surely leave a lasting impression.
No trip to Tuscany is complete without indulging in local wines, and we had the pleasure of visiting two family-owned wineries, savoring exquisite varieties like Chianti, Super Tuscan, and Vernaccia as well as a refreshing Rose! Bringing a taste of Ulignano and San Gimignano back home to Kentucky was a must!
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Day 8 & 9 - Milan
Milan, the global capital of fashion and design, is a city that captivates with its rich history and stunning architecture. Don't miss the iconic Gothic Duomo di Milano, Italy's largest cathedral, and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home to da Vinci’s masterpiece, ‘The Last Supper.’ Milan is also home to the most famous opera theater in the world. La Scala.
Be sure to stop by the unique Starbucks on P.za Cordusio. Set in a historic post office building., you can indulge in espresso martini flights, making for an unforgettable experience that perfectly blends tradition and modernity!
Day 2 was a leisurely day of shopping and relaxing.
Day 10 - Praiano
Today's journey began with an early taxi ride to Milano Malpensa airport, where I bid 'arrivederci' to my friends who were heading home after our adventure in Venice, Florence, and Milan. I then boarded a plane to Salerno, and after a stunning taxi ride to my hotel in Praiano, I was finally ready to unwind and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast!
Perched high above the cliffside, my room offered stunning vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea, making me feel like I was in paradise. Just a few kilometers to the right, the picturesque village of Positano lights up at night, while to the left, the charming town of Amalfi beckons.
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Day 11 - Praiano, Pompeii
The day started early for a tour to Pompeii. My hotel was thoughtful enough to prepare a to-go breakfast for me since I had to leave before the restaurant opened. Just another example of Italian hospitality. I was told by several people that Pompeii was amazing and a must see! I was not disappointed! It was much bigger than I anticipated. The excavated area was the size of 9 football fields, with an even larger area still buried beneath the ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
After a long day of riding in the tour van and walking around Pompeii, it was nice to get back to the hotel for a relaxing dinner at the hotel restaurant. There is no bad food in Italy in my experience, but I think my best two meals of the whole trip were at this restaurant. The food was amazing and Antonio, father of the owner, was a delight. Serving the customers and entertaining everyone with his charismatic personality!
Day 12 - Positano
After a leisurely morning with no hurry to get the day started, the front desk calls my room to remind me that breakfast would be finished in 30 minutes and to come down before it ends. Now that’s hospitality!
After breakfast I hopped the bus to Positano. The bus stop was just outside the hotel, so very convenient and only 2 euros. I spent the day exploring this beautiful, busy little town. Had an amazing lunch with a breathtaking view. I spent a few hours climbing up and down countless steps, then I headed back to catch the bus to the hotel. Unfortunately, dozens of other tourists had the same ideal! Lol! I ended up sharing a group taxi with a few others that took us back to Praiano for 10 euros each. Well worth the extra money!
Day 13 - Capri
No trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without a visit to the stunning 'Isola di Capri'! After enjoying a delightful Italian breakfast. I hopped on a bus to Positano where I took the ferry to Capri for just 30 euros roundtrip—an affordable way to get to the island. Once on Capri, I wandered through the quaint little shops before heading to Anacapri. Once there I took a lift to the island's pinnacle. The breathtaking views were unforgettable, making it a perfect spot to soak in the beauty of this magical place. As my last full day came to an end, I returned to the hotel for another wonderful dinner that was filled with laughter and entertainment from Antonio, all while cherishing every moment before having to pack for the journey home.
Day 14 - Home
An early morning taxi ride to the Naples airport that normally takes an hour took 2. The airport was quite busy, but everything went smooth. The flight home was long, but uneventful.
Having several hours to reflect on the past two weeks made me long to start planning my next visit. It was definitely a trip I will never forget.
Paris on a Whim
Two days before the opening ceremonies of the Paris Olympics, I decided to book a trip to experience what is probably the biggest sporting event in the world! Even though I didn't have tickets to any of the events, just being there was special! The atmosphere was electrifying and the excitement and energy of the fans from across the globe throughout the city was unlike anything I have experienced before. Fans from different countries walking down the street chanting and singing their native anthems. People from multiple countries joining together in camaraderie as if they were old friends. It was a beautiful event that touched my soul!
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