Featured Ohio Winery: Wyandotte Winery

9 June 202422 September 2024

A small vineyard and a beautifully groomed entrance greeted me as I arrived at Wyandotte Winery. Established in 1977, Wyandotte stakes its claim as the first and oldest winery of Central Ohio.

Entering the front door, I was met by a pleasant server at the wine tasting bar. As I reviewed the wine list and the small plate items, I placed my order for the Meat and Ohio Cheese plate as well as seven wine samples, which were $1 per pour. For visitors who buy six bottles of wine, ten free samples are included, while a 10% discount is provided for the purchase of wine by the case.

Carmenere Malbec Blend: lovely combination, not as dry as a Malbec, Pinot Noir or Merlot but had a hint of tartness; beautiful deep red color described with aromas of smoke and vanilla, cherry highlights, and a mild black pepper finish. $14.99 per bottle
Vin De Cacao – semi sweet red wine infused with cocoa; delicious and great for an after dinner drink; soft thick texture with a hint of chocolate described as off dry. $13.99 per bottle
Apple Hill – using apples from an orchard in Mansfield, this wine was crisp with a nice apple taste which was not too overpowering and had a hint of spice. $13.99 per bottle
Grandstand – an Ohio Catawba; sweet white, all about the grape. $13.99 per bottle
Sweet William – Sweet American Table Wine mad of Ohio Foch and Niagara, a red/white blend. A local favorite, this wine is sweet and fruity. $14.99 per bottle
Hope is100% pomegranates making it sweet and tart. Proceeds from this wine benefit cancer and you can purchase it by the glass for $8 or $14.99 per bottle.
Vintage Harbor Reserve Port – luxuriously rich fortified dessert wine available by the glass for $8 or by the bottle for $29.99.

Ask about their Heirloom Chardonnay, the Ice House (Ice wine from Gewurtraminer), Glass House from Vidal Blanc, wine slushies and sangria pitchers.

I enjoyed learning about the history of Wyandotte Winery, first established as Jones Wyandotte Wine Cellar. The home-style winery was designed and built by Floyd Jones, which included a cellar where the wine was produced, and on the first floor, the tasting room, gift shop and living quarters of Mr. Jones and his family. Floyd offered a variety of grape-based wines, while creating specialized wines from rhubarb, beets and dandelions.

In less than 10 years, the Jones family turned the winery into a prosperous business and sold it to Bill and Jane Butler in 1985. Bill successfully continued the wine-making tradition and won many awards for his wine and became well-known for his Raspberry Champagne. Expanding its operations to include the William Graystone Winery and Restaurant, the Butlers opened a second location in German Village in 1990 hosting elegant dinners and special events.

By 2004, Wyandotte Wine Cellar was up for sale and today’s owners, Robin and Valerie Coolidge re-opened Wyandotte Winery in 2007.

From harvesting and bottling, to fermentation and aging, all stages of wine production are conducted onsite.

Harvesting the estate Marquette grapes as well as collaborating with other fruit and grape growers, Robin incorporates Ohio produce as much as possible in creating his wines. Some of the best local varietals include the Niagara, Catawba and Concord grapes while Riesling, Gerwurztraminer and Pinot Noir also thrive in the Ohio climate. French-American hybrids that survive well in the cold temperatures include Baco Noir, Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc and Traminette.

Check out Wyandotte Winery’s wine making operation by signing up for a free wine cellar tour on Saturdays.

Wyandotte Winery offers several events throughout the year which are not only educational, but fun. Valerie Coolidge is the wine and food pairing expert at Wyandotte and teaches guests how to pair food with wine for a more enjoyable experience. There is plenty of space to host an event, celebrate a birthday or enjoy a special occasion. With Wednesday Happy Hour and Friday night music, guests should check Wyandotte Winery’s website for fun events year around.

Valerie is also the genius behind the “Famous Wyandotte Wine Cakes” which are prepared with both wine in the batter as well as in the glaze. The wine cakes are available both at the winery or by ordering them online. Samples are available upon request at the winery.

Relax in the outdoor space at Wyandotte Winery and you may find yourself in the hammock. Buy a bottle or enjoy a glass for $6 (a glass of Port for $8). Wine slushies in cherry, berry or kiwi as well as Sangria are also on the menu. From the words of winemaker, Robin Coolidge, “Drink what you like!”

Have you had the opportunity to visit Wyandotte Winery to sample some of their amazing wines? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my fabulous time at Wyandotte Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels! Cheers!

What to See and What to Do:

Wyandotte Winery
4640 Wyandotte Drive
Columbus, OH 43230
Telephone: 614 476 3624; 877 906 7464

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Saturday from 1 – 7; Friday from 1 – 9

Wyandotte Winery also owns Rockside Winery in Lancaster under the management of their son Ryan, opened in November of 2014.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Columbus at Easton
3900 Chagrin Drive
Columbus, OH 43219
Telephone: 614 414 5000

Where to Eat:

Cap City Fine Diner and Bistro
1301 Stoneridge Drive
Gahanna, OH 43230
Telephone: 614 478 9999

I was in the mood for real diner food, so I ordered the Warm Pretzel with (beer) Cheese to start and the Diner Meatloaf Sandwich as my entree.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

A Rick Steves Tour of London, England

30 January 202423 September 2024

The train arrived on time at the Underground Terminal of Westminster Station. Most everyone departed making their way onto the platform, riding escalators and taking stairs to the busy world above. I had not yet reached the Thames River, but my heart was pounding in anticipation as I exited the tunnel and the view opened up providing me a glimpse of London’s South Bank.

With its spectacular museums, lavish gardens, notorious theaters and exuberant history, London’s cosmopolitan style and attitude attracts over 27 million visitors each year and is home to over 8 million.

Under the suggestion of Rick Steves, I began my exploration of London at Westminster following the Westminster Walk from his Best European City Walks & Museums guide. Next, I will visit a couple of museums, take the bus tour around the city and if I have time, cruise down the river Thames. Earlier that morning, I walked to the Gloucester Road Station to purchase my pass. The front desk attendant suggested that I stop by The Shard for a spectacular view of the city, which I hoped to fit into my schedule later in the day.

I had plenty of British Pounds to purchase a full day pass which allowed me unlimited rides on the Tube for zones 1 & 2. I fed the machine and confirmed that I was heading westbound for the Westminster stop.

The “Underground” was not as busy as I had expected at 6:30 AM. The train approached, opened its sliding doors and reminded passengers to “Mind the Gap” before taking their seats. I found a spot next to a young mother with her little boy in a stroller, who was eating his morning breakfast. It was a busy work day with full compartment of business suits and backpacks. I counted the five stops before hopping off the train and was feeling a sense of excitement to explore London having just read the book, War of the Roses.

The exit led me up to a set of stairs where I found the statue of Boadicea to my right. She was queen of the Iceni tribe who led an uprising against the Roman Empire in the first century AD. An unobstructed view of the Parliament buildings as well as Elizabeth Tower stood to the north. Soaking in my surroundings from the Westminster Bridge, I admired the London Eye, the Thames River and the London Bridge in the distance.

Elizabeth Tower (lovingly named after the current Queen of England) stood shining in the morning sunlight and I waited in anticipation to hear Big Ben toll at the hour. The structure stands 320 feet high and is connected to the Parliament Buildings, the central meeting places for the British Government. For years, since the 11^th century, when King Canute built a palace here, the Royal Family lived at Parliament until they relocated to Buckingham Palace.

Along the banks of the Thames is the London Eye, built in 2000 and standing 443 feet tall. There are 32 capsules which hold 26 visitors in each car. On a clear day, the views from this attraction can reach as far as 26 miles. The ride from start to finish takes approximately thirty minutes.

I felt a bitter cold wind off of the Thames gently pushing me towards Parliament Square, located across the street from Westminster Abbey. This quiet park, without a bird to be seen, was lined with statues of both famous Brits like Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George as well as notable world leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. I followed the stone corridor of this lovely park where I found the gorgeous rosette stained glass window of the infamous Westminster Abbey ahead of me.

One of London’s most precious jewels, not only because of its spectacular architecture but its glorious history, is Westminster Abbey. Edward the Confessor founded the abbey and it is London’s oldest and most important church. For over ten centuries, the cathedral has been the location for a host of coronations, royal weddings and funerals. In 1997, Princess Diana’s funeral was held at Westminster Abbey where it was estimated over 3 million were in attendance for the funeral procession, while Will and Kate were married here on April 29^th 2011.

Following my map to find Whitehall Street, I realized I had come full circle when I noticed the Westminster public subway stop. My current route led me to many of London’s government buildings such as the Royal Navy Headquarters and the Ministry of Finance. Colorful pubs occupied corner spaces along the route and the crowds were starting to grow.

In the distance, I noticed a collection of three monuments, one positioned in the middle of Whitehall. On the towering white memorial made of marble, is a cenotaph honoring the brave men and women who died during the two Great Wars. Each year, in November, the Royal Family attends the Remembrance Day service which takes place around this “Glorious Dead” monument.

The large, white, Greek-style structure that occupies a block along Whitehall was once a part of the palatial estate of Henry VIII and the location of King Charles’ execution. Henry VIII moved out of his Palace of Westminster residence (Parliament) and built this grandiose building which, at one time, extended from Trafalgar Square to Elizabeth’s Tower. The 1698 fire destroyed most of Henry’s opulent structure, but what remained is the Banqueting House of Whitehall Palace.

Continuing my walk towards Trafalgar Square, I noticed that the Horse Guard station was empty, and within minutes I stood in front of the 170 foot column supporting the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson. Credited for his leadership during World War II and the defeat at Waterloo, he died a heroic death in battle.

The square was alive with tourists and commuters passing through to reach their destination. A line formed at the entrance of the National Museum which had not yet opened. Attempting to climb one of the four bronze lions, a group of teenagers disregarded the warning signs and placards, capturing photos with their cellular devices. A light mist of spray clings to my coat and kisses my face as I pass a fountain eager to find the ticket office for the Hop On/Hop Off bus. A perfect mode of transportation for the day, the double-decker is a quick option for touring of London. Bringing me back to Trafalgar Square, I will have time to indulge in more attractions, sites and pubs which are waiting to be explored.

Have you had the opportunity to visit London? Which guidebooks and resources did you reference? Let me know about your visit by providing a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my walking tour of Westminster in London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Ambassadors Hotel
16 Collingham Road
Kensington, SW5 0LX
London, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7373 1075
Photo Credit: Ambassadors Hotel London

Where to Eat:

Earl’s Court Tavern
Taylor Walker
187 Earl’s Court Road
London, SW5 9RL
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7370 2760

Walking Tour Resources:

Best European City Walks & Museums guide, by Rick Steves

London Telephone Booth

Exploring World Civilizations at the British Museum

23 January 202423 September 2024

I was overwhelmed with excitement as I entered each of the rooms at the British Museum. I have never before seen so much history represented in one place. Unprepared for the amazing relics and archaeological objects spanning thousands of years, I was excited for the opportunity to glimpse into the lives and cultures of so many ancient civilizations. Established in 1753, the British Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and in my opinion, one of the most fascinating.

Credited as the first “archeologist”, Roman Queen Helena’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in the 4^th century AD was focused on preserving the sites and relics relating to biblical accounts of the life of Jesus Christ. It was her desire to protect the Christian items and locations so that others could visit them in the future.

Today, museums such as the British Museum, house spectacular finds through archaeological digs and private collections that span thousands, even millions of years. Covering the rise and fall of some of the most powerful civilizations such as Egypt, Assyria, Greece and Rome, these insights explain their religious, political and societal beliefs. From artwork to architecture and skeletons to sarcophagus, visitors have the ability to understand how these societies evolved over many generations.

Ancient Egypt:

The mummies are one of the most popular exhibits among visitors and are located in rooms 61 – 66 upstairs. On display are some of the various instruments used by embalmers to preserve the bodies before they were entombed. This floor also houses Coptic art, fancy jewelry and one of my favorite statues, the bronze cat with the gold nose ring.

Entering through the main entrance and arriving into the Grand Court, the Egyptian Exhibit is located to the left of the Reading Room in Room 3. Displays of large, colossal statues and Egyptian sculptures dominate the space dating from 3000 BC. One of the most historically significant finds in all of ancient history is the Rosetta Stone.

One of the most visited objects in the British Museum, along with the mummies, is the Rosetta Stone. Unearthed in the Egyptian desert in 1799, the Stone was used by Francois Champollion, a French scholar, to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics. This black slab of rock included three inscriptions in three different languages (Classical Greek and the two forms of ancient Egyptian) which assisted in the decoding of the Egyptian pictographs. Their biggest breakthrough was when it was discovered that the name of ruler Ptolemy V appeared on the sixth line of the stone. The Rosetta Stone dates back to 196 BC, made in honor of the coronation of Ptolemy. Large stones, such as this one, would have been displayed in temples all across Egypt and there are another seventeen quite similar that have since been discovered.

Not far from the Rosetta Stone (about 20 steps), is the Limestone False Door and Architrave of Ptahshepses dating back to 2400 BC. The door as well as the lintel are inscribed with hieroglyphics which tell the life story of a man named Ptahshepses. False doors were similar to our grave markings today, yet they were used as a ceremonial entrance into the room in which the mummified deceased was buried with his belongings. The purpose of the door was to allow the soul to come and go as it pleased but also used to keep out grave robbers from removing the earthly possessions of the dead.

Towering over the Ancient Egypt complex on the main floor, I easily spotted the Colossal Statue of Ramesses II in the distance. Ramesses took the throne in 1279 BC and reigned for 66 years. Known for his building accomplishments erecting temples, tombs, palaces and a large number of statues of himself, it is debated that he may have been the King of Egypt during the Exodus of Moses.

Weighing in at twenty tons, the full size sculpture stood 8 – 9 feet high. It was the largest Egyptian sculptures the British had ever seen and only the upper half of Ramesses statue is displayed at the British Museum. The statue dates back to approximately 1250 BC and was found in the Ramesseum, the pharaoh’s mortuary temple in Thebes. This memorial complex was built so that Ramesses could be worshiped as a god for many years after his death.

Exiting the Egyptian Room through the door facing the back of the Ramesses statue, there is a set of stairs that leads up to the mummies, coffins and one of the most fascinating displays I had ever seen, the human remains of the Gebelein Man (nicknamed Ginger due to a tuft of reddish hair) a naturally preserved body.

The body was discovered in 1856 in the desert of Egypt in a grave covered by stones. A combination of elements contributed to the preservation of the human tissue to include the hot sand naturally dehydrating and protecting the body and the additional layer of grave stones may have kept animals away. Scientists estimate Ginger to have died 5400 years ago, long before the pyramids were erected. He was found buried with bowls, beads and a flint blade next to his arm.

New technology has brought additional information to light about the death of Ginger. With digital imagery, it was determined that Ginger was “certainly murdered” and “his injuries suggest he was the victim of a deliberate, violent killing….consistent with a stab wound”. Additional information states that he was between the ages of 18 and 21 and was “stabbed by a blade of copper or flint at least five inches long.”

Ancient Assyria

Assyria, known today as modern-day Iraq, was a power-house civilization of the Middle East. Making their way as conquerors and traders, this Semitic culture expanded their dominion in a fierce ruthless manner terrorizing their neighbors from 900 – 600 BC. Some of the most beautiful artwork comes from the Assyrians on display at the British Museum.

Backtracking back to the Rosetta Stone in the Egyptian Gallery in Room 6, there are Two Winged Lions with Human Heads dating back to 870 BC. Found guarding the Assyrian palace of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud was called the Lamassu, the god of protection which defended the king from evil spirits. What makes this statue interesting is that it has 5 legs. The small marks between the loins of the Lamassu is cuneiform writing.

Passing through the Two Winged Lion entrance, turn right into Room 7, a narrow red hallway leading into a room with brown stoned panels. The beautifully detailed reliefs would have been painted and varnished, displayed in the throne room of Ashurnasirpal II’s palace. These intricately carved panels tell the story of Ashurnasirpal’s victories and hail him as the greatest king of the world.

Known to be ruthless in battle, the Assyrians carried their brutality into their leisurely activities as depicted in a set of reliefs in Room 10 labeled the Royal Lion Hunt. The impressive artwork depicts the horses and dogs preparing for the hunt while lions await unknowingly until the lions are killed by arrows. Lion hunts were the sport of kings and when wild lions were not available, staged hunts were arranged with animals bred for the fight. One of the reliefs shows King Ashurbanipal riding in a chariot participating in the hunt. Soon after the king’s death, the civilization of Assyria is overthrown by the Babylonians in 613 BC.

In Room 55, an extraordinary artifact is on display. Dating between 1500 – 500 BC it is identified as the “Flood Tablet”, which was found in King Ashurbanipal’s library. While many people are familiar with the story of Noah and the Great Flood, according to this writing, a similar story to the biblical account is referred to as the “Epic of Gilgamesh”. The gods planned to destroy the world with a flood, so Ut-napshti built a large boat to save his family and every type of animal. Of course the finding of this documentation in the late 1800’s caused quite a scandal due to the similarity between the Gilgamesh and Noah accounts.

Ancient Greece:

Visiting Greece last summer, a trip to the Acropolis was one of the highlights of my travels. I remember standing at the bottom stair leading up towards the Propylaea. This Panathenaic Way led to the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and victory. Inside, there once stood a colossal statue of her likeness made of gold and ivory, while the exterior was just as extravagant, with columns and colorful relief carvings.

Today, the ninety-two reliefs, known as the Elgin Marbles, are on display at the British Museum. These metopes, carved out of stone, depict war and battle scenes in elaborate detail. Some of them represent mythological conflict, while others portray actual battles. While many visitors stroll the exhibit to view the fifth century artwork, many are also intrigued by the political controversy that surrounds the display…should these ancient artifacts stay in London or should they be returned to Greece?

Ancient Rome:

The Romans embraced many gods from various cultures and celebrated an assortment of beliefs. From Persia, they adopted the worship of Mithras, or Mithraism which involved a number of initiations and rituals. The Mysteries of Mithras lasted in Rome between the first and fourth centuries so there is limited knowledge about the religion. It was so secretive that there were underground temples. What remains of this faith are several marble sculptures portraying the god Mithras, including the Statue of Mithras on display at the British Museum.

Dating somewhere around the 2^nd century, the beautifully carved stone shows Mithras performing the ritual slaughtering of a bull. Wearing a Phyrgian cap and trousers, his attire depicts the fashion of the east. The bull’s blood was said to have had cleansing properties, which would explain the dog and snake licking the blood, while the scorpion is shown attacking the bull’s testicles.

The detail of this sculpture, the flowing skirt and cape, and the folds in the shirt are exquisite. The sculptor is unknown, but it is one of the most fascinating pieces of Roman art in the museum.

The British Museum collection includes additional artifacts from other cultures around the world. For example, the North American Otter Pipe, found in Ohio dates back to 200 BC – AD 100 or the Shang bronzes from 15=00 BC. There are modern plaques from Africa, Mayan statues, and the Lewis Chessman found on an Isle in Scotland. Even the Great Court and Reading Room are both impressive and historical.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the British Museum? What was your most fascinating memory of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Want to know where to go, eat and stay in London? Check out more of my recommendations below for a magical experience in London! Many thanks for exploring the British Museum through my post and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The British Museum
Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7323 8000

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting the British Museum
Hours: Open daily from 10AM to 5:30PM and open until 8:30PM on Fridays
Amenities: scheduled tours, audio guides are provided in 10 languages, special exhibitions, restaurant, cafes, shops
Scenic View: Photograph the glass ceiling of the round reading room designed by Sidney Smirke
Length of Visit: At least 2 – 3 hours to see the highlights
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, pick up a map of the venue for planning your visit.

Where to Stay:

The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7637 1001

Where to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at The Montague on the Gardens
15 Montague Street
London WC1B 5BJ, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7612 8416

On my first visit, I happened upon the Safari Themed afternoon tea which included an African-themed menu. I enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches of African-spiced chicken and apricot, scones baked fresh with Devonshire clotted creme, a giraffe macaron with toasted coconut mouse, banana meringue and a wide variety of teas to include traditional, flavored, aromatic, fruit and green teas. I couldn’t pass up the Leopard Cocktail made with Amarula cream liquor, decorated with leopard spots and a paw print.

On Sunday, I returned for the Free Flowing Champagne garnished with fresh strawberries. From 2 to 6, I could enjoy as much champagne as my heart desired along with a wonderful selection of scones, pastries, sandwiches and cakes.

What to Eat:

Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Bangers and Mash at Mother Mash in Soho
Beef Welington at Simpsons on the Strand
Cockles, a type of clam, are best tried at Borough Market
Crumpets, similar to English Muffins should be ordered at Ask for Janice in Farringdon
Eton Mess is an amazing British dessert made of crushed meringue, cream ans strawberries at the National Cafe at the National Gallery
Fish & Chips at Poppies Camden in London
Full English Breakfast, which also includes blood pudding (a blood sausage) at The Ivy
Pie and Mash at the Windmill Mayfair
Pimm’s Cup, a gin-based drink made with ginger ale or lemon lime soda, fruit and mint is the official drink of Wimbledon and is best ordered at Lido Cafe Bar in Hyde Park
Scones at Gail’s Bakery
Scotch Egg is a dish that includes a hard boiled egg wrpeed in sausage meet, breaded and then fried; Try this at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon in Piccadilly
Shepard’s Pie is on the menu at The Ivy Restaurant
Sticky Toffee Pudding at the Queens Arms in Kensington
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding in Nottinghill at The Windsor Castle
Toad in the Hole, a pastry filled with sausage at Bistro Union
Victoria Sponge is a vanilla sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream at the Wallace Collection Museum

What to Read:

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes
Act Like It by Lucy Parker
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
London: The Novel by Edward Rutherford
My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Kroomson
Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

Photo Guide to London:

The Lobby of the British Museum
Covent Garden Market
St. Paul Cathedral from the Restaurant Madison at One New Change, Millenium Bridge or Paternoster Square
Summerset House, especially during the Christmas holiday
The houses of Notting Hill
The architecture of Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Saturday market at Portobello
For amazing views, photos from the Coppa Club, close to Tower Bridge
The lovely pink cafe in London, Peggy Porschen
Panorama of London from Sky Garden Rooftop
Street art in Shoreditch
Leadenhall Market looks like Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley
South Bank for photos of the Thames
Panoramic Views of London from the London Eye
Saint Aymes Cafe for lovely feminine photos

Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

5 September 202323 September 2024

Athens was once the center of civilization….the pulse of the world and believed to be the center of the universe. Today it is a living museum, full of archaeological sites and artifacts. A city steeped in history and a love for philosophy and science. In Athens, you can walk in the footsteps of countrymen who have made an impact on the world in areas such as medicine, architecture and mathematics. Over the years, Athens was a city to conquer and has suffered a few setbacks, but this ancient civilization, even today, has always managed to forge ahead.

Our first stop on our tour of Athens was Mars Hill. Traveling by bus from the airport, we passed a few sites which our guide pointed out, starting with Syntagma Square. Located northeast of the Plaka, a popular city neighborhood, the square stands in front of the neoclassical Parliament building.

Also referred to as Plateia Syntagmatos, this beautiful courtyard was once a part of the Royal Palace of Greece’s first king, King Otto I. Organized demonstrations took place here leading to the country’s historic constitution of 1843 in which they gained independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Today, the Evzone Guards, an elite unit of the Greek military perform the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The uniforms of the guards have historical significance. The pompoms on the shoes go back to the ancient Mycenaeans. The 400 pleats in the winter skirts resemble the number years that the Greeks were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

At five minutes before each hour, the guard changes, providing a presentation of the crossing of the guard. On Sundays at 11AM, visitors can witness a full crossing of the guard ceremony complete with marching band.

Taking a right from the Parliament building we came upon the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion), measuring 360 feet by 145 feet when it was completed, towered 56 feet high. Construction began during the rule of Peisistratos and was completed by Hadrian, the Roman Emperor in 131 AD, taking over 700 years to complete.

Only 15 of the original 104 Corinthian columns remain. The structure once displayed colossal statues of both Zeus and Hadrian.

Close to the area of Lysicratu is Hadrian’s Arch which was once a dazzling white structure topped with Corinthian columns. The arch was built in 131 AD by the Roman Emperor, Hadrian who is also credited for completing the temple. On the arch side facing the traffic (west) is an inscription, “This is Athens, ancient city of Theseus” and on the east, “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus”. The east side was a gateway to Roman structures which included the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also completed by Hadrian. It represents the division between Classical Greece and the Roman Province.

The Church of Agios Eleftherios was once a meeting place for the archbishops of Athens when the Ottomans prohibited them from meeting in the church within the Parthenon. Known as the “old cathedral”, this place of worship has been around since the 13^th century.

In the district of Pangratti is the Panathanaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro, “beautiful marble”), the “stadium of the first modern Olympic games”. It has since been refurbished through funding by Evangelis Zappas and George Averof.

There is a statue of George in the square near the stadium.

Known as the Areopagus, Ares’s Hill as well as Mars Hill, this amazing climb provides impressive views of historic Athens as well as a remarkable vantage point to photograph the Acropolis. This location is most popularly known as the place where the apostle Paul shared his Christian faith with local Greek intellectuals.

A panoramic View from Mars Hill, from left to right, are structures such as Ancient Agora and Thissio Park. The Plaka would be located towards the center and the Acropolis to the right. Tickets to the Acropolis are also valid for visiting the Greek and Roman Agoras, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysos and the Kerameikos Cemetery.

From Mars Hill, the Temple of Hephaestos, is the most intact Doric temple in Greece. It is dedicated to the god of iron workers, blacksmiths, those that worked with fire who created items such as tools, statues, jewelry and armor. It was transformed into a Christian church, the Chapel of St. George (of the dragon) which may have helped in keeping the temple in its current state.

From Mars Hill, we were now ready to explore oneof the most magnificent temples of Greek architecture, The Acropolis.

Have you visited the spectacular city of Athens? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my day in Athens and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Syntagma Square
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Hadrian’s Arch
Athens 105, 57, Greece

Church of Agios Eleftherios
Acharnon 384, Athina 111 43, Greece

Panathanaic Stadium
Vasileos Konstantinou Anevue (opposite the statue of Myron Discobolus)
Athens, 116 35, Greece

Areopagus
Theorias 21, Athina 105 55, Greece

Ancient Agora
Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55, Greece

Thissio Park
Apostolou Pavlou, Athina 105 55, Greece

Hadrian’s Library
?, Areos 3, Athina 105 55, Greece

Theatre of Dionysos
The Acropolis
Mitseon 25, Athina 117 42, Greece

Kerameikos Cemetery
Ermou 148, Athina 105 53, Greece

Temple of Hephaestos
Athens 105 55, Greece

Chapel of St. George
Thrasillou 18, Athina 105 58, Greece

Acropolis
Athens 105 58, Greece

Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 55, Greece

Where to Stay:

AVA Hotel and Suites
9-11 Lyssikratous Street, Plaka,
Athens, Attiki, 105 51 Greece
Telephone: +30 21 00325 9000

Where to Eat:

2Mazi Restaurant
48 Nikis Street, Plaka
Athens, Attiki, 105 51 Greece

What to Eat:

- Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
- Greek Salad
- Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
- Gyros
- Lamb
- Local Olives
- Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
- Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
- Pomegranates
- Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
- Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
- Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
- Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
- Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

The Odyssey, by Homer
The King Must Die, by Mary Renault
Little Infamies, by Panos Karnezis
My Family and Other Animals, by Gerald Durrell
Uncle Petros and Goldbach’s Conjecture, by Apostolos Doxiadis
Freedem and Death, by Nikos Kazantzakis
The Dark Labyrinth, by Lawrence Durrell
The Names, by Don DeLillo
Atticus the Storyteller’s 100 Greek Myths by Lucy Coats and Anthony Lewis

Photo Guide for Athens, Greece:

Acropolis
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Ancient Agora
Dromeas “Running Man” Sculpture
Changing of the Guard (Evzones)
Panatheniac Stadium
Anafiotika Neighborhood
Mount Lycabettus
Lake Vouliagmeni
Pentelikion Waterfall

The Baths of Miletus

22 July 202323 September 2024

Approaching the archaeological site of Miletus, it is obvious that there is a large influence of Roman architecture and tradition that once made an impact on this city. One of the more important customs was that of public bathing.

In the city of Miletus there were three bathing areas: the Capito Thermae, Humei Tope Thermae (in the north) and the Faustina Thermae operating in the south. During the First Century BC, Cnaeus Vergilius Capito donated the resources for a large building complex which would contain an exercise area and baths. An inscription located on the northern section of the Ionic Stoa, confirms his donation. Because baths were more of a social activity among the Romans, this compound was perfectly situated between the Delphinion and the Hellenistic Gymnasium. In the Palaestra, the exercise area, was a swimming pool. There were three sections to the baths (Thermae) which were the dressing rooms, the warm bath and the hot bath.

The Delphinion was built near the Harbour of Lions as a sanctuary of Apollo Delphinios who was the patron saint of sailors and ships. It was first constructed in the 6^th century BC, and went through several updates before it was destroyed in the 5^th century AD. The ruins clearly show the remains of a circular temple which was once protected by a roof and sheltered the altar where the residents brought their offerings. There were inscriptions found on the inner walls of the stoa and on the stelae indicating that this location was also once the city’s archive.

Many of the ancient ruins were not without a Nymphaem, which was one of the most important features of the city. This fountain was considered to be one of the most impressive of all of the Ionian cities. A three story structure with a façade that displayed Corinthian columns, it is said to have looked much like the façade of the Library of Celsius in Ephesus. You can find the Nymphaem on the western part of the city between the northern Capito Thermae and the southern North Agora and the Gymnasium of Eudemus. The structure also contained niches and pedestals on which statues would be displayed. The statues represented gods and demi-gods and it was estimated that there was a total of 27 throughout the building.

The South Gymnasium also known as the Gymnasium of Eudemis, was built on a north to south axis on the southern part of the city. On the esatern side of the Sacred way leading to the sanctuary of Didymia is an Ionic Stoa. It was quite long with seven steps leading up to the 36 columns supporting a beautifully decorated frieze. The original structure was built during the Flavian dynasty and further alterations were completed during the time of the Emperor Trajan.

Within close proximity to the theater were the Faustina Baths, which were built in the second century AD under the direction of Marcus Aurelius’ wife. These were the dressing rooms for the baths. At its height, the baths were an extensive complex with large fountains in various shapes such as the river god Meander, a small lion and other statues of the gods.

The building was a single story structure which included hot and cold baths, an area for physical exercizes and exquisite sculpture decoration. There were 13 rooms on each side which acted as changing rooms for the visitors. There were also beds provided in these rooms for the visitors in the event that they would want to rest.

While visiting Miletus, it is a bit difficult to imagine that this city was once a port town, situated on a peninsula, with three harbors on the west and one on the east. The harbors have since silted up to the point that the site now sits 5 miles inland. Today it is a popular shore excursion from the cruise lines that port in Kusadasi and is well worth the visit if you have an interest in ancient ruins, history and religion.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Miletus? What aspects of the ancient city did you find fascinating? I would love to hear about your travel experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for escaping away with me to Miletus and I hope you have many Happy Travels in your near future!

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
The Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Theater of Miletus

Akrotiri, the Uncovering of an Ancient Civilization on Santorini

20 March 202323 September 2024

I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the ancient Minoan civilization on Santorini when researching the various attractions to visit on the island. I decided to book an excursion from the ship that included a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri, along with stops in Fira and Oia for the extraordinary sunset.

According to historians, the residents of Santorini had anticipated the eruption of the volcano, vacating their homes in the 17^th century BC. Although the catastrophic event destroyed the island, ash and lava created a protective layer over the land until it was accidentally discovered in 1967. Excavations of the ancient town of Akrotiri are bringing to light the lives of an ancient fishing village which was once a successful and prosperous port.

The discovery of Akrotiri came about when pozzolana miners arrived to remove stone to build the Suez Canal. These findings led Spyros Marinatos to begin excavating the area, which has undoubtedly uncovered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The “Home of the Fisherman” is one of the most spectacular findings among the ruins with beautiful frescoes and tiled floors.

The site has been dated back to the 1620s BC and the excavation of the site continues to this day. According to archeologists, the pots that were found at the Akrotiri site dated back to the Neolithic times around the 5^th century BC.

It is believed that the site of Akrotiri was where the more wealthy Minoans lived due to the items that have been uncovered. Intricate details of the frescoed walls and the few belongings that were found were indicative to those possessions found among the elite.

Other towns sprung up around the main metropolis of Akrotiri, the city center of the surrounding settlement. Akrotiri is the main focus of the archaeological dig of southern Santorini.

We were provided some time to explore the site on our own before descending down a stairway leading to the ancient streets of Akrotiri. Among the finds were evidence that the economy was based on Maritime shipping and trade, as the landscape would not have been conducive for agriculture and farming. It was an opportunity of a lifetime to go back in time to the 5^th century BC and witness life as it had once been in this little village of Santorini.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the island of Santorini? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my port day on this beautiful Greek island and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Akrotiri Archaeological Site
Thera 84700 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 081939

Admission Fee: 12 Euros for full ticket price and 6 Euros for reduced ticket price; The special ticket price of 14 Euros for full ticket or 7 Euros for reduced ticket is good for 4 days and allows admission to the archaeological sites and museum in Thera, Ancient Thera, Akrotiri and the archaeological museum, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Collection of Icons and Ecclesiastical Artifacts at Pyrgos. Children and students 18 years of age and under are free of charge.
Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 3 PM Tuesday to Sunday in the months of November 1 to March 31; open from 8 AM to 8 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Thursdays from 8 AM to 3 PM in the months from April 4 – October 31. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Amenities: Historic tours, Exhibits, Group Tours, Special Exhibits
Scenic View: Amazing archaeological artifacts
Length of Visit: 4 hours

Gavalas Winery
Megalochori, Santorini, Cyclades
Telephone: +30 22 8608 2552

Call or email the winery directly for hours of operation. Email: info@gavalaswines.gr

Harbour of Ammoudi
Sunset Ammoudi Taverna
Unnamed Road
Oia, Santorini, 847 09 Greece
Telephone: +30 2286 071614

Santorini Donkey

Santorini Cable Car

Where to Stay:

Laskarina’s Old Bakery Cave House
Oia Santorini Thira
Oia, Egeo , 84702 Greece

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Iris
Imeroviglion, Kiklahedes
Santorini, Greece 84700
Telephone: +30 2286 032692

What to Eat:

Baklava is layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, spices and sweetened with honey
Greek Salad
Greek Wine from Santorini is unique as the grapes are grown in volcanic ash
Gyros
Lamb
Local Olives
Mashed Fava Beans (Fava me Koukia)
Moussaka is an eggplant or potato based pie with meat and cheese
Pomegranates
Saganaki is a phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese and covered in honey
Souvlaki are meat kabobs made from lamb, beef or chicken
Spanikopita is a phyllo pastry filled with spinach, cheese, and sometimes onion
Tomato Fritters made with tomatoes and onion, they are spiced either with oregano and peppermint then deep-fried
Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce with bits of garlic, onion, cucumbers, olive oil and lemon. Pita bread is usually served with this dish for dipping.

What to Read:

The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks
One Summer in Santorini by Sandy Barker
Secrets of Santorini by Patricia Wilson

Photo Guide for Santorini:

Akrotiri Lighthouse
Amoudi Beach for the private beach and lovely restaurants (see octopus hung up for drying)
The town of Caldera for panoramic views of the sunset and center of the caldera
Fira for the sunsets from restaurants and bars
Fira for the scenic views of whitewashed buildings
Oia
Skaros Rock
Windmills in Oia and Fira

For more information about the beautiful country of Greece, visit my following links!

Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed and Wild
The Island of Delos: A Lesson in Greek Mythology
Corfu: An Old Town, Palace and Monastery
Corinth, A Biblical and Historical Perspective
The Site of Olympia and its Role in the Olympic Games
The Archaeological Museum at Olympia
Athens, Greece: A Living Museum

Rome: From Piazza del Popolo to the Spanish Steps

21 November 202223 September 2024

Touring the Palatine Hill in the morning, I was hungry for lunch by the time I had reached the Piazza del Popolo. I had jotted down a few restaurants that my friend Al recommended for my stay in Rome, so I decided on the cafe, Canova over its historic rival, Bar Risoti.

Within seconds, a young handsome waiter, Giorgio, handed me a menu and took my drink order. I couldn’t wait to try the Canova risotto with provola cheese, champagne and truffles and had a few moments to review my map of the square. When Giorgio arrived with my glass of Prosecco, I was pleasantly surprised by the baguettes and dipping oil that he brought me as well.

While waiting for my meal, Giorgio asked where I would be going after lunch. I shared my plans to stroll the Piazza del Popolo and climb the stairs up Pincio Hill before shopping along the Via dei Condotti.

I selected the perfect table for looking out onto the Piazza del Popolo where I could see the Porta Flamina, the northernmost entrance of Rome. Built as a part of the Aurelian Wall, the door was renovated during the 17th century in preparation of the visit of Queen Christina of Sweden.

Four lions guard the 75-foot Egyptian Obelisk where vendors sold roses and a young man played the violin. A sprawling location for thriving artists, the piazza is both entertaining and displays some of the world’s most historical art.

Giorgio placed the risotto on the white linen table cloth and my mouth began to water with the smell of truffles and cheese. The risotto was creamy with a texture smooth as silk, it practically melted in my mouth. The perfect portion size, I decided I had enough room for dessert and placed my order for one of their signature dishes.

While enjoying each bite of my meal, I read over my tour book and learned that the Piazza del Popolo was the segway for many pilgrims arriving from Europe. Leading to the Forum and Capitoline Hill is the Via del Corso that runs north and south between the Santa Maria in Montesanto on the left and the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli. The Via del Babuino leads to two of the largest pilgrimage churches of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano.

The most important of the three pilgrimage roads was the Via di Ripetta, leading to the Vatican. The Via del Corso, the Via del Babuino and the Via di Ripetta create the tridente.

Giorgio took my plate and replaced it with Napolitanos. Pastries filled with a spectacular light lemon and ricotta filling was the perfect finish to my extraordinary meal.

The Fountain of the Goddess of Rome is located east of the square and at the base of the stairway leading towards the Pincio Gardens. I took the stairs to the top where I was met with spectacular views of St. Peter’s Basilica and the northern part of the city, reaching all of the way to the Janiculum. Families enjoyed their day with packed picnic baskets as their children played among the beautifully terraced Pincio Gardens.

I made one last pass through the Piazza del Popolo where I was left standing at the crossroads of the tridente. I selected the Via del Corso leading towards the Spanish Steps and the infamous shopping street of Via Condotti. Before reaching the Steps, I passed the “hairy” man statue covered in moss, Il Babuino (Baboon) and the tall column, Colonna dell’Immacolata, commemorating the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. Eventually, I reached the courtyard-sized Piazza di Spagna crowded with shopping tourists and fashionable women dressed elegantly with high heels and large Jackie Onassis sunglasses.

A crowd of children had gathered around the fountain that looked like a boat, the Bernini-designed Fontana della Barcaccia. The weather had warmed up in the late afternoon and the water from the fountain was a welcome coolness.

The Piazza di Spagna’s most famous attraction are the Spanish Steps which lead up towards the Scalinata di Trinita dei Monte, a Renaissance Catholic Church. Climbing the 138 steps, I am welcomed with a spectacular view of the Via Condotti from the Piazza della Trinita dei Monti. The church was closed for renovation, so I admired the Egyptian Obelisk and began my descent towards Rome’s famous shopping area.

Strolling along the pedestrian street of Via Condotti, I leisurely window shopped at boutique designer stores of Dior, Gucci, Valentino, Armani and La Perla. I stood outside of Dolce & Gabbana, gathered the courage to enter and decided that the only item I could afford was the $125 t-shirt. The shop attendant was working with a beautifully dressed millennial that easily wore a size 2, so I slipped out the front door, promising myself that I would purchase that t-shirt on a return visit and instead, walked to Caffe Greco for a coffee I could afford.

Rome is a phenomenal city, full of history, culture, fashion and life. I find it to be one of my favorite places to visit and if I take the advice of my Italian waiter, I am sure to continue my exploration of this magical city, one piazza at a time.

What is your opinion of Rome? Do you have a method of visiting the city? I would love to hear about your trip and hear your recommendations for where to visit and where to eat. Many thanks for reading about my tour through the northern neighborhood of Rome and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Book a ticket on the Hop On/Hop Off Bus for a tour of Rome

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Rome Central Park
Via Giuseppe Mosacti 7
Rome 01168 Italy
Telephone: +39 06 355741

Where to Eat:

Canova
Piazza del Popolo, 16-17-00187, Roma
Telephone: +39 06 361 2231

This restaurant is ranked as one of the best restaurants for people watching in the Piazza del Popolo. I ordered the Canova risotto with provola cheese, champagne and truffles and Napolitanos for dessert.

Dal Bolognese
Piazza del Popolo, 1-00187, Roma
Telephone: +39 06 322 2799

This is an upscale restaurant which is perfect to visit for lunch when prices are usually lower. I ordered the Caprese con Mozzarella di Bufala, Pomodore e Basilico for 14 Euros. It was absolutely delicious and I enjoyed the beautiful outdoor seating.

What to Eat:

Artichokes: steamed or fried
Cacio e Pepe: Cacio is a type of cheese from Rome’s countryside made from sheep’s milk. The dish is served over pasta and seasoned by black pepper.
Carbonara: creamy white pasta served with pancetta and noodles
Gelato: You have not had gelato until you have had it in Rome!
Maritozzi is a popular breakfast pastry with chocolate chips served with espresso. Some maritozzi are filled with cream as well.
Pecorino Romano cheese
Pizza al Taglio is Rome’s answer to pizza with red sauce, meats, vegetables and cheeses. I also love the Italian margarita pizza with red sauce, mozzarella cheese and topped with basil.
Porcetta: Pork wrapped around herbs and roasted on a spit
Saltimbocca is a dish made with veal and sage wrapped in prosciutto, cooked in white wine and butter.
Suppli is considered an Italian snack made of rice and meat with tomato sauce and filled with mozzarella cheese and then deep-fried. It reminds me of arancini in the US.

Where to Drink:

Il Goccetto (for wine)
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
00186, Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 9944 8583

Terrazza Borromini
Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30A
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6821 5459

While the drinks are pricey, it will be worth the cost for the fabulous views.

What to Read:

Imperium, by Robert Harris
Roma, by Steven Saylor
SPQR, by Mary Beard
The Twelve Caesars, by Robert Grave

Photo Guide for Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori for photos of the market
The Colosseum
Monti for upscale boutiques, restaurants and vintage stores
The Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo in northern Rome
The top of St. Peter’s Basilica
Trastevere neighborhood for scenic alleyways, artisan workshops, the piazza at sunset, and tiny boutiques. Find the corner of Vicolo delle Torro off of Via della Lungaretta for photo-worthy pics.
Trevi Fountain

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

The Flaminio Fountain Lions

The View from the Spanish Steps

Another spectacular view from the Spanish Steps

A Walking Tour of the Victoria and Albert Harbor

4 August 202222 September 2024

Filled with adrenaline from having swam with the Great Whites at Gansbaai, I was excited to explore the scenic coast of Cape Town before hopping a plane for Johannesburg. With a couple of days ahead of me, I planned to explore the coast, sample the local wines and study the fascinating life of Nelson Mandela.

Grabbing my backpack, I exited the Protea Hotel in Sea Point and began my forty-five minute trek towards the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Known as the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, this lively neighborhood is where I will be catching the jetty over to Robben Island in the afternoon.

Navigating through one of the most affluent suburbs of Cape Town, I quickly reached the coast. I had arrived in August, the start of South Africa’s winter, greeted with mild temperatures and overcast skies. The colorful high rises were a welcome site against the gray backdrop and foggy start of my day.

Mounds of seaweed covered the manicured beaches as small whitecaps made their way towards the water’s edge. The sun was rising and casting a glow on the concrete landscape where locals slowly filled the promenade. The briny smell of the sea continued to grow stronger as warmer temperatures began to rise. My walk continued northeast away from Sea Point towards indigenous gardens, passing the Green Point Lighthouse with a glimpse of the Cape Town Stadium.

Gazing toward the barren mountains in the distance, the palm tree-lined avenue brought me closer to the V&A Waterfront. Posted signs served as a reminder of Cape Town’s water shortage which was at its peak during my visit.

Within minutes, the landscape grew more beautiful with gardens of purple salvia and elegantly laid brick stretching for miles. Tall, clusters of palm trees rose from the rocky cliffs sloping down towards the bay. The V&A Waterfront, a part of Cape Town’s Big 6, includes the Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstensbosch Gardens, Robben Island, Cape Point and Constantia Vineyards.

In the midst of the spectacular countryside was built a beautiful tribute to Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, known by locals as the V&A Waterfront. The venue has become one of South Africa’s most visited historical and cultural destinations.

From the second story of the waterfront’s shopping plaza I noticed the boats moored in South Africa’s oldest working harbor, over 450 shops and restaurants lining the streets and a Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Signal Hill. I had purchased a ticket to visit Robben Island and would return to the dock after lunch to board the Robben Island jetty.

Too early for lunch, I strolled the harbor where boats were tied up alongside the dock bringing in the catch of the day and taking out passengers for tours of the coast. Many of the stores and restaurants would soon open, so I strolled the quiet site and found The Harbor House where I decided to dine for lunch.

Starting out with a local Chenin Blanc from Beaumont Wines, I scanned over the menu in hopes of finding a local seafood dish or a platter of sushi for lunch. The wine was crisp with the flavors of tart apples and melon, chilled perfectly. Sitting on the second level of the restaurant, the sun was struggling to push its way past the cloudy sky, but its warmth was pressing in.

With each sip, I weighed my options and finally decided on the Tuna Rainbow Roll and Ultimate Rainbow Roll. Decadent and full of flavor, I slowly enjoyed each bite as I finished my glass of wine. The weight staff were exceptional and the restaurant views, spectacular.

As I strolled the waterfront with its colorful monuments and museums, I heard the bark of a Cape Fur Seal. Following the sound, I came upon this beautiful mammal tucked in a concrete corner finding a place to rest near the first stop on my self-guided tour, Cape Town’s Clock Tower.

Built in 1882, the Victorian-Gothic Clock Tower was once the office of the Port Captain, who managed the schedule of ships coming in and out of the docks. The clock tower, originally painted yellow, is the oldest building along the waterfront. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the red-and-gray tower was refurbished in 1997 and is the home to several Cape Fur Seals.

Located at the base of the Swing Bridge, the African Trading Port is a shop focused on selling local African Art to include sculptures, ceramics, pottery and artifacts. Drawing works from all over the country, this workshop first opened in Zimbabwe in 1978 with additional shops such as the one in Cape Town, opening in 2001.

Looking out across the port, the location where I am standing is Alfred Basin, where the original docks were built at the port of Cape Town. In the distance are the picturesque Signal Hill and Table Mountain.

One of my favorite experiences was finding the beautifully painted rhinos placed along the waterfront, part of a program to bring awareness to these endangered species. Poachers have been hunting the rhinoceros for their tusks, bringing about their near extinction since the 1950s. TRAC, which stands for “The Rhinos are Coming” is raising money to stop this practice throughout Africa. From February 1^st to March 31^st of 2017, one hundred decorated rhinos were strategically placed throughout Cape Town as an outdoor art exhibit, which remained on display.

The V&A Market is now home to the former Pumphouse. A vibrant marketplace with over forty vendors offering fresh food and produce as well as gourmet meals and local beer and wine. I couldn’t resist stopping by The Knysna Oyster Company for a half a dozen oysters on the half shell.

A few steps from the market is Nobel Square, another impressive artistic installation, which opened in December of 2005. The four statues represent Albert Lutuli, Desmond Tutu, F. W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, four of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize winners.

Checking my watch, I realized the ferry would soon be leaving for Robben Island. Eager to explore the history of this island prison, I was also curious to learn more about Nelson Mandela’s experience here as a political prisoner.

Have you visited the Victoria and Albert’s Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa? What was your favorite part of your visit? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cape Town and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Where to Stay;

Where to Eat:

What to Eat:

What to Read:

Photo Guide to Capetown:

Gold Mining in Columbia, California

22 April 202222 September 2024

Planning to travel from San Francisco to Yosemite, I was excited to add Columbia State Historic Park to my itinerary. Imagining what it would have been like to live during the Gold Rush of the 1800s, I was looking forward to strolling the streets and exploring its old restored buildings.

Located off of Highway 49 near the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Columbia was once a vibrant town that drew a population of gold seekers in hopes of living the American dream. As I entered this beautifully restored historic district, I found the parking lot off of Broadway Street in close proximity to the park. The first building on my tour was the Fallon Hotel where I picked up Washington Street, a pedestrian only walkway. Following the map, I identified more than 30 buildings that existed during the California Gold Rush remaining on this site today. According to the park’s website, this is the “largest single collection of existing gold rush-era structures in the state”.

What I love about this place is that the structures are used to house various businesses acting as a working town. Unfortunately, I had arrived during the middle of the week in the fall and many of the stores had already closed for the afternoon. There were, however, some of the attractions open such as the blacksmith, an ice cream store, a saloon and a location for panning gold.

I learned from the young girl at the ice cream shop that during the summer this is an extremely busy place where people wear period costumes to re-enact how life would have been like during the Gold Rush. There are horse drawn stage coach rides and the stores and restaurants are open for business.

As I walked along the quiet streets, I came across the Columbia Museum. Unfortunately it was closed as I would have loved to have learned more about the history of this town. In addition to the museum, free tours are provided during season and on Gold Rush Days held on the second Saturday of each month year around.

Saloons were a very important part of the gold mining culture. Usually depicted in western movies as gambling joints and full of promiscuous women, the halls were a place for locals to hang out throughout the day when they took some time away from panning gold.

In 1961, the town of Columbia was declared a National Historic Landmark. Beautifully preserved and well-maintained, this location provides an in-depth look into the lives of gold miners and the hardships that they endured. What is so great about this park is that it is free. and even the guided tours are provided at no charge, so what a great reason to visit. Not to mention the opportunity to pan for gold.

Do you have a favorite historical site in the US? I would love to hear about it if you would kindly leave a comment in the section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Columbia State Historic Park
11255 Jackson Street
Columbia, CA 95310
Telephone: 209 588 9128

Admission Fee: There is no fee for visiting Columbia State Historic Park.
Hours: Open daily 24 hours but most businesses are open from 10AM to 5PM
Amenities: visitor center, restaurants, shopping, gold mining, hiking, guided tours, historical site, picnic areas, interpretive exhibits, museums, family programs, lodging
Scenic View: This scenic old town offers several great photographic opportunity
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Each month the town hosts “Gold Rush Days” on the second Saturday from 1 – 4PM.

Where to Stay:

Columbia City Hotel
Columbia State Historic Park
22768 Main Street
Columbia, CA 95310
Telephone: 209 588 9128

Where to Eat:

The Nugget Cafe
22758 Parrotts Ferry Road
Columbia, CA 95310

This restaurant is only open for breakfast. I ordered my typical breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and side of hashbrowns. Great portion sizes and tasty meal.

Old Time Fire Engine, Columbia, California

Gold Mine in Columbia, California

Eagle Cotage at Columbia Historical Site

Columbia Gazette, California

City Hotel, Columbia, California

Bali, Indonesia: Amazing Culture, Phenomenal Nature

8 January 202222 September 2024

Rice Fields Heading to Northern Bali

Bali had been on my bucket list for years, so taking advantage of the Christmas holiday season, I decided it was time to make the trip. I wasn’t sure when I would have the opportunity again, so I booked my travel to stay for two weeks starting on New Year’s Eve. I was taking a chance on the weather because the rainy season is between December and January and trying to find a hotel over New Year’s was proving to be a challenge.

Balinese Fishing Boats

At the last minute, all of my travel plans were confirmed and the day of my flight had finally arrived. What an adventure!

It’s New Year’s Eve and the plane was beginning its approach for landing. The view from my window was a picturesque setting, typical of island life. The fishing vessels, shrimp boats and scenic cruises scattered along the shoreline and the weather was a balmy 80 degrees.

A sample of the Indonesian Visa, Immigration

As I exited the plane, I followed the crowd of passengers into the open air terminal. Indonesia requires Americans to purchase a 30-day visa which is available on arrival at the airport. Although the lines were long, the process was quick. Once I passed through customs, I waited at an outside café to meet up with my cruise ship friend, Wayan Sunarsa and his family.

My Waitress at the Snack Bar

Trying to reach Wayan by phone, the lines were busy and the traffic was packed. I later learned that the drive from Singaraja (located in northern Bali) took twice the amount of time to reach the airport because of the New Year’s holiday. While waiting, at the snack bar, I ordered a fruity cocktail to start the celebration and enjoyed some downtime watching the crowded terminal.

The Entrance to the Ngurah Rai Airport of Bali

Located in the Bali’s capital of Denpasar, the Ngurah Rai Airport is adorned with statues representing the island’s Hindu religion. It is conveniently located in the southern part of Bali within minutes of the more popular tourist destinations such as Kuta, Ubud and Jimbaran. The grounds of the airport were well-manicured with beautiful tropical flowers and palm trees and I could not help taking in my paradisal surroundings.

An Indonesian sacrifice at one of the many alters on the island of Bali

The stories I had heard about Bali were legendary. Laid-back and friendly, this extraordinary, Indonesian island offers spectacular scenery, phenomenal food and a fascinating culture. Indonesia is predominantly Muslim except for the island of Bali which is Hindu. Bali is a magnificent paradise where temples suspend from scenic mountainsides and sacrifices line the streets giving thanks to their Hindu gods.

The Sunarsa Family

Most people are familiar with the Bali that is depicted in movies like Eat, Pray, Love. Of course the scenery is breathtaking, but the people of Bali have an exuberant passion for life. In addition to the sites of the island, I wanted to explore their Hindu way of life through religious celebrations, monuments and everyday traditions. I was excited to meet up with the Sunarsas who were happy to show me around South Bali during the New Year’s celebration.

Garuda Statue

We finished dinner, watched the fireworks and enjoyed the festivities along the beach. Although it was late, Wayan and his family wanted to show me Wisnu Park in the nearby town of Ulu Watu. Known for its enormous statue of the Hindu god Garuda, the park is open each day and provides year around entertainment.

We would need to start driving north towards Lovina early in the morning, so we found the Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta and checked in. It was a long day of travel for me and I was exhausted. I fell asleep quickly but not before thinking about the fact that I had just spent New Year’s Eve in Bali! I was so happy to be starting the new year in such a beautiful place. Happy New Year! Or as they say in Bali, Tahun Baru!

Have you visited Bali? I would love to hear about where you stayed, what you ate and which attractions you visited if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my blog post about Bali! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Jalan Raya Uluwatu
Ungasan, Kuta, Selatan, Badung, Bali, Indonesia 80364
Telephone: +62 361 700 808

Admission Fee: Varies depending on entertainment and events
Hours: Daily from 8:00AM to 10:00PM
Amenities: Entertainment venue, shopping, restaurants with spectacular views (Beranda and Jendela Bali, gardens and plaza for entertaining, street theater, Segway rental, cultural performances, wedding venue, photo studio.
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of Bali from the park; dine at one of two restaurants for additional views.
Length of the Tour: Minimum of 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Visit the park’s website for upcoming events and performances.

Where to Stay:

Hard Rock Hotel Bali
Jalan Pantai
Banjar Pande Mas
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361 761 869

Where to Eat:

Seafood House Restaurant
Jalan Kartika Plaza
Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Telephone: +62 361 763900

I tried to eat as much seafood as I possibly could while I was in Bali. The fresh food and spices are unlike any other that I have tried. I ordered the fried red snapper and the bakso soup for a filling lunch.

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce