Vineyard in Languedoc, France

House Sitting in the Languedoc

“What on Earth have you gotten us into?” he said – looking half skeptical yet half ready to take on the adventure. “Dog sitting in French wine country – what’s not to love? We even get to walk them in a vineyard – how cool is that?” I replied. “We don’t even know these people,” he …

Paris in Black and White

We took a late November/early December trip to Paris & Venice with my husband and his parents for their birthdays. Any time in Paris is worth photographing, but because of the grey weather in the temperate zone I was not sure what to do with the photos. I had been to Paris several times and …

A Tale of Two Portofinos

One is an Italian fishing village established by the Romans, the other, a meticulous recreation opened at Universal Orlando in 1999. Though they are separated by an ocean and a millennium, the intentional similarities are striking. Portofino, Italy The Italian version is a bonafide member of the Italian Riviera. Large yachts dot the picturesque harbor and celebrities are …

Exploring Cinque Terre

The Cinque Terre are five seaside towns set amidst the rocky coast of western Italy. Located in the region of Liguria, they are part of the Italian Riviera. Though they have become popular, they still have an undiscovered feel. Tourists here are low key, looking for a beach or a hiking trail to enjoy the view. The yacht …

Driving Tuscany: The Two Best Wine Country Routes

Tuscany is the famous region of Italy once inhabited by the Etruscans. It is Italian food & wine country, located south of Florence, extending westward out to the Mediterranean. The region’s wines are known worldwide, the most famous of which is Chianti. We recommend staying centrally in the region in Siena, a medieval walled city …

European Christmas Markets

Most people travel to Europe in the summer months, for the warmth and sunshine. Some study in Europe and return home before the holidays. Others travel specifically to experience the Christmas Markets, located all over Europe in late November and early December. I like to visit a city at different times of year because the …

The Châteaux of the Loire Valley

A short train ride south from Paris will take you out to the Loire Valley, the valley of Kings. This is where much of the royalty and nobility of France spent their time, with spectacular châteaux like Chambord being referred to as mere “hunting lodges.” This trip, along with Versailles, is one of the best …