Is a golf cart tour of Rome worth it?
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin So, you’re coming to Rome, and you have a lot of ground to cover. Maybe you’re looking for an activity to fill the gap between your early arrival and your 3pm check-in. Perhaps you’re traveling with elderly family members, or really little…
The ultimate authentic Italy bucket list
Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by admin If there’s one thing I miss more than anything about life before I had a baby, it’s the ease with which my husband and I could travel. Last minute train tickets, a backpack with a few changes of clothes, and a general…
Is the Roma Pass worth it?
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin Is the Roma Pass worth it? If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing while you’re visiting the Eternal City, you might want to consider getting a Roma Pass. What exactly is the Roma Pass? And is it worth it? Let’s…
The best brunch in Rome
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin I should start this post by saying that brunch isn’t a typical part of an Italian’s food day – eggs benedict and mimosas are most definitely imports. If you’re strict on authenticity, skip it and go for breakfast, lunch and dinner. >>>…
How to make coffee in an Italian Moka pot
Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by admin The Italian coffee maker, known as a Moka pot, may just be the number one household staple in Italy. In the nearly 15 years that I’ve lived here, I’ve never been to a home that didn’t have one (or more than one,…
A guide to regional Italian coffee
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin It’s relatively common knowledge that Italian food is highly regional. That’s why you won’t always find carbonara outside of Rome or pesto outside of Liguria. As with all other things food related in Italy, there are regional Italian coffee drinks, too. Some…
Rome with a baby
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin Rome with a baby I’m excited to launch a new topic on the blog: Rome with a baby! Now that I have one, I’m seeing the city in an entirely different light. In this first post, I’ll share what I’ve learned so…
The most beautiful gardens in Rome
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin Spring and summer in the Eternal City mean fruit and flowers, blooms and blossoms, and picnics in parks. What better way to enjoy the warm weather than from one of Rome’s most beautiful gardens? The gardens on this list offer both a…
The best parks in Rome
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin It may not seem like it in certain areas, but 24% of the city of Rome is classified as green space. That’s right – the Eternal City is home to 63 public parks, with many of them containing ruins and other sights…
How to get to Rome from Ciampino airport
Last Updated on April 25, 2025 by admin Flying into Rome? Wondering how to get from Ciampino airport to the city center? Let’s take a look at all your options, from least to most expensive. How to get to Rome from Ciampino airport Ciampino, or Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport,…
Where to eat in the Testaccio neighborhood of Rome
Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by admin In a recent post about where to stay in Rome, I named Testaccio the best area for foodie travelers to the Eternal City. I don’t believe that there’s any other neighborhood that has a higher concentration of excellent places to eat. I…
Where to stay in Rome for every type of traveler
Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by admin High on every visitor’s list is the question of where to stay in Rome. Lots of people struggle to decide between two neighborhoods: Trastevere and Monti. Don’t get me wrong – they’re both great for different reasons – but there is so…
Christmas in Rome
Last Updated on November 26, 2024 by admin Coming to Rome for Christmas and wondering what the vibes will be like? This guide is for you! I’ve outlined everything there is to do and see at Christmas in Rome! Christmas in Rome In all my years of living here, I’ve…
Everything you need to know about taking taxis in Rome
Last Updated on October 29, 2024 by admin In a “Rome travel” Facebook group that I steal blog post ideas from am a member of, I see lots and lots and LOTS of people posting about one thing: taking taxis in Rome. Most often, these posts are about two things:…
Rome for first-timers: a primer on the Eternal City
Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by admin Rome for first-timers: a primer on the Eternal City If you’re coming to Rome for the first time, I’m so excited for you. This city has been a part of my heart for more than 20 years, and I’ve been lucky enough…
A day trip from Rome to Pompeii
Last Updated on August 4, 2024 by admin Many visitors to the Eternal City want to take a day trip from Rome to Pompeii, and rightly so. The remarkably well-preserved ancient city, which was buried by clouds of ash and pumice spouting from the mouth of Mount Vesuvius during an…
How to get from Fiumicino airport to the city center of Rome
Last Updated on April 25, 2025 by admin Wondering how to get to the city center of Rome from Fiumicino airport? In this post, I’ve laid out all the options according to price, time and convenience. Let’s jump right in! How to get to Rome from Fiumicino (FCO) Named after…
When’s the best time of year to visit Rome? A month-by-month guide to the Eternal City
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by admin Wondering what the best time of the year is to visit Rome? You’re not alone! This is a really common question for people planning a trip to the Italian capital. There are a few things to keep in mind as you consider…
What’s the best way to get around Rome?
Last Updated on June 29, 2024 by admin Having recently joined a few Facebook groups about Rome travel to fish for blog post ideas, I have noticed that A LOT of people come to Rome and take taxis everywhere. I discourage taxi-taking in Rome for a few reasons. The first…
How to get the best of Rome on a budget
Last Updated on May 31, 2024 by admin How to get the best of Rome on a budget With beds in hostel dorms going for up to €70 a night, plates of carbonara regularly coming in at €14 and up, and a slew of new luxury hotels opening up in…
A seven-day itinerary for São Miguel island in Portugal’s Azores
Last Updated on May 24, 2024 by admin A seven-day itinerary for São Miguel island in Portugal’s Azores I recently got back from a heavenly week in São Miguel. Thanks to a friend who has been to the island before and came through with some excellent suggestions, I crafted a…
Eating at Ponto Final in Almada, Portugal
Last Updated on April 30, 2024 by admin As a geriatric millennial and occasional crank about the state of travel, I’m not one for going to places that are huge on social media. I recently made an exception for Ponto Final in Almada, Portugal, which is located on the southern…
Everything you need to know about the Venice Pass, Venice’s entry ticket for day trippers
Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by admin After talking about it for years, the city administration of La Serenissima has finally kicked off the sale of the city’s Venice Pass – an entry ticket for day trippers. Here’s everything you need to know about the Venice Pass Why is…
Where to eat on São Miguel island in Portugal’s Azores
Last Updated on May 24, 2024 by admin We ate at a lot of excellent restaurants on our recent trip to São Miguel island in Portugal. The food on this trip meant a lot to me, because my Azorean grandmother prepared Portuguese and Azorean foods that I great up eating,…
Everything you need to know about getting tickets to the Vatican Museums
Last Updated on May 24, 2024 by admin The Vatican Museums are generally very high on the “must-see” list of anyone visiting Rome, and for good reason. Not only do they house pieces by Raphael, Bernini, da Vinci, and Caravaggio, just to name a few, they lead to one of…
The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea)
Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by admin The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea) If you’re looking for an under-the-radar museum to visit in Rome, check out the city’s National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, located just outside of…
Where to eat in the San Giovanni neighborhood of Rome
Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by admin When you think of foodie neighborhoods in Rome, what comes to mind? Testaccio? Trastevere? What about San Giovanni? Don’t get me wrong, Testaccio and Trastevere are full of great places to eat, but don’t sleep on San Giovanni either. This neighborhood, named…
A thorough guide to public transportation in Rome
Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by admin A thorough guide to public transportation in Rome Public transportation in Rome can be tricky to navigate. The city’s buses, metro lines, trams and trains operate at different hours, have different routes, and can be subject to closures, strikes and detours. Sometimes…
The ultimate guide to planning a wedding in Italy
Last Updated on January 12, 2024 by admin The ultimate guide to planning a wedding in Italy I’ve been wanting to write this guide to planning a wedding in Italy since, well, I was planning my own wedding in Italy, but I was, errr, a little busy…planning my wedding. As…
How to get a SIM card in Italy
Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by admin How to get a SIM card in Italy Coming to Italy and staying awhile? I’ve written this guide on how to get a SIM card in Italy just for you! As always, feel free to reach out with questions and I’ll do…
Babù co-working cafe in Rome
Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by admin PERMANENTLY CLOSED 🙁 If you’re a digital nomad, you work from home, or you just want a cool place to hang out, check out Babù co-working cafe near the Furio Camillo metro stop in Rome! Babù co-working cafe in Rome, Italy After…
The best free viewpoints in Rome
Last Updated on July 17, 2023 by admin The best FREE viewpoints in Rome After writing my recent post on all of the rooftop bars and restaurants in Rome, I got to thinking about how the vast majority of them, especially those with the best views of the city’s monuments,…
The complete guide to rooftop bars and restaurants in Rome
Last Updated on September 20, 2025 by admin Rooftop bars and restaurants in Rome scream summertime – icy drinks and all kinds of food are served with a side of sunset over the Eternal City. And being up so high usually means there’s a breeze, allowing you to escape the…
Bar Bozza natural wine bar in Rome
Last Updated on July 8, 2025 by admin NOTE: BAR BOZZA HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED 🙁 One of the things I love about my neighborhood in Rome is the number of disused spaces that have been converted into bars and restaurants. What’s more Roman, after all, than layering new over…
Top ten Italian sayings about food
Last Updated on July 7, 2022 by admin If you’ve visited Italy, have Italian friends, grew up in an Italian family, or if you’re just an Italophile, then you know how important food is in Italian culture. It’s no surprise that the country’s cuisine has crept into its language –…
How to get from Rome to Sicily
Last Updated on May 29, 2022 by admin How to get from Rome to Sicily Craving some sun and sand after exploring the brick and marble of the Eternal City? Why not head down to Sicily? There are multiple options for reaching the island, so I wrote this post for…
El Jalapeño Taqueria in Rome
Last Updated on June 2, 2022 by admin If you’re looking for Mexican food in Rome, hop on the Metro A and get off at Cornelia for some of the Eternal City’s best at El Jalapeño taqueria! EL JALAPEÑO TAQUERIA in Rome Last Wednesday, the thought of having tacos floated…
New sights to see in Rome in 2021
Last Updated on November 16, 2021 by admin Over the last few weeks, I’ve started to see crowds of tourists around Rome again. It started with a line at the Bocca della Verità one afternoon. Then I noticed a group of people waiting to peek through the keyhole on the…
The Nibol app: Wifi Cafés and Co-working Spaces in Rome
Last Updated on June 25, 2021 by admin Do you work remotely? Are you in need of a wifi café or a co-working space in Rome? Look no further than the Nibol app! The Nibol app: wifi cafés and co-working spaces in Rome Remote workers and digital nomads who have…
Where to go on a dinner date in Rome
Last Updated on February 4, 2022 by admin Last spring, after the lockdown restrictions were lifted, my sweetheart and I decided that we’d go on one dinner date in Rome per week. Each date started with an aperitivo, an evening ritual that consists of a drink (or two) and some nibbles…
A guide to Levanto, Italy
Last Updated on March 24, 2022 by admin After a sticky-hot summer in front of our computers in Rome, we were ready to get out of the city and breathe some fresh air. I was tasked with finding an end-of-summer vacation spot for me, my sweetheart and a friend. My…
Casa Sánchez Mexican Restaurant in Rome
Last Updated on November 20, 2020 by admin “If you like Mexican food, go to Casa Sànchez.” “Have you been to Casa Sànchez? The food is sooooo good.” “I LOVE Casa Sànchez! You haven’t been?! Oh, you have to go!” After hearing the comments above from three different people on…
La Ciclopedonale Maremonti bike and walking path in Levanto, Italy
Last Updated on March 24, 2022 by admin Between the small towns of Levanto, Bonassola and Framura, just north of the Cinque Terre, is a beautiful cycling/walking path called La Ciclopedonale Maremonti. When I visited Levanto in late summer, I couldn’t wait to rent a bike and see the trail…
Micromobility in Rome: a cost comparison of electric bikes and scooters
Last Updated on October 18, 2023 by admin Micromobility in Rome is a hot topic. During the pandemic, several companies entered the market. Since this initial boom, that number has been whittled down to three – Lime, Dott and Bird. New laws have also been brought in to make riding…
Trattoria Popolare L’avvolgibile in Rome
Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by admin Kindly note that since I initially wrote this post, the management at L’avvolgibile has changed hands, so I’m not sure how it is anymore. In an attempt to improve my writing, in particular, my food writing, I’ve been reading like crazy lately….
Love Craft Whiskey Bar in Florence, Italy
Last Updated on September 30, 2020 by admin I love whiskey cocktails, so when I found out about Love Craft in Florence, I couldn’t wait to go there for a drink or two. Located in Borgo San Frediano in the Oltrarno area, the city’s first whiskey bar, which opened in…
La Ménagère in Florence, Italy: food, flowers, kitchenware and cocktails
Last Updated on September 18, 2020 by admin La Ménagère in Florence, Italy I’ll admit that a place that bills itself as a concept restaurant/bistro/cocktail bar/florist/shop sounds a bit chaotic. And it could be, if it isn’t done just right. Fortunately, La Ménagère in Florence has absolutely nailed it. I…
Restaurant reservation apps and websites in Italy
Last Updated on April 1, 2023 by admin If you’re like me, you want to eat well when you travel. If you want to eat well in many Italian cities, you have to do a bit of research and planning ahead of time, due to the abundance of tourist traps…
Seu Pizza Illuminati in Rome
Last Updated on July 31, 2020 by admin Seu Pizza Illuminati Some restaurants are just downright awesome, and Seu Pizza Illuminati is one of these. The young chef, Pier Daniele Seu, is considered by some to be Rome’s most creative pizzaiolo. The menu at Seu Pizza Illuminati There are classic and…
Pizzeria Ostiense in Rome – classic Roman pizza and house-made fritti
Last Updated on July 26, 2020 by admin We’ve all had a lot more time to watch TV over the last few months. In an expected turn of events, I did a deep-dive into some foodie shows, including Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern. His Rome episode includes a stop at…
Antico Forno Roscioli in Rome
Last Updated on August 1, 2020 by admin Antico Forno Roscioli in Rome The Roscioli family run a foodie empire that includes their salumeria/restaurant, a bar and pasticceria, an enoteca/cooking school that serves food and does wine tastings, and a bread and pizza bakery, which has been around since 1972. They…
Emma Pizzeria in Rome
Last Updated on July 12, 2020 by admin Emma Pizzeria in Rome Via del Monte della Farina 28 – open daily from 12:30 – 3:00; 7 – 11:30pm Website – +39 06 64760475 – bookings highly recommended Located near Campo de’ Fiori in the city center, Emma is one of those jam-packed, sparkling…
Armando al Pantheon – classic Roman food in the heart of the city center
Last Updated on November 16, 2021 by admin Updated November 2021 During the lockdown, I often daydreamed of going out to dinner in Rome again. I thought of of forkfuls of cacio e pepe, of ruby-red wine being poured into my glass, the tickle of acqua frizzante, dense bites of tiramisù,…
Electric scooter sharing in Rome
Last Updated on July 3, 2020 by admin A few weeks ago I wrote about the glories of Uber Jump Bike Sharing in Rome, only to find out shortly thereafter that the service would be ending. Uber Jump was sold to Lime, so all the Uber Jump bikes have been…
Uber Jump Electric Bike Sharing in Rome
Last Updated on October 8, 2020 by admin ***UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 2020: After a three-month hiatus and rebranding, the bikes are back! Uber Jump partnered with Lime, so the bikes are available for rental through both the Lime and Uber apps.*** If you keep up with news from Rome, you might…
How to find good restaurants in Italy
Last Updated on April 3, 2023 by admin There are lots of restaurants that are tourist traps in Italy’s major cities. They’re often tempting to eat at because they’re adjacent to popular sights. Who wouldn’t want to eat lunch while gazing at the Colosseum?! If you’re like me, tourist traps…
An awesome, offbeat London walking tour
Last Updated on March 29, 2020 by admin As a (very lucky) 14 year-old, I had the chance to visit England and France on a school trip. It was one of those 10-day whirlwind tours where you wake up at 6am and go to bed at midnight (if you’re a…
Where to eat in Catania: a local’s dining guide
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin Every time I go to Catania, I try to balance my eating time by going back to old favorites and trying new places. I still haven’t had the chance to eat at every place that’s been recommended to me by locals, (I’m not…
Seven things you should carry when traveling in Italy
Last Updated on July 23, 2021 by admin Updated July 2021 There are certain items you should always carry when traveling around Italy. Ranging from practical things that you’ll need on your trip to items of convenience, everything on this list will make your time in Italy much more pleasant….
How to get the cheapest train tickets in Italy
Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by admin I’m in a few Italy travel groups on Facebook, and I’ve noticed that people often ask questions about the trains here, typically on how they work, if they should buy tickets in advance, and what they can expect on a train journey….
Five awesome things to do in Sydney
Last Updated on November 25, 2019 by admin I get to spend a few blissful weeks every year or two in Sydney, Australia, because that’s where my sweetheart is from. I was lucky enough to live there for two years, too, and I can assure you that there’s really something for…
Why you should take a Migrantour on your next trip to Europe
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin I recently took a Migrantour of Rome. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a tour so much, and I’m convinced it’s one of the best tours in the city. Read on to find out why! Why you should take a…
Flavio al Velavevodetto in Rome, Italy
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin I love Roman cooking. It’s simple and delicious, and no dish is simpler than cacio e pepe. A combination of pecorino cheese, black pepper, and pasta water, this creamy dish is a must-eat for anyone visiting the eternal city. Now that I’m…
Trattoria Gianni in Bologna
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Tucked just off one of Bologna’s busiest streets is Trattoria Gianni, a lively little spot that serves up regional dishes, decadent desserts, and a great variety of wines. I ate there for the first time a few weeks ago after a local…
Trattoria Serghei in Bologna
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Trattoria Serghei in Bologna Location and opening hours Via Paella 12 – 12:30 – 2:30; 7:30 – 10pm – closed Saturdays for dinner and Sundays When I first started working in Bologna, I met a friend for a winter lunch on a…
A guide to some great bars in Bologna
Last Updated on November 18, 2020 by admin In my last few posts, I’ve mostly focused on where to eat in Bologna. This week, I thought I’d write about where the best bars in Bologna are. I’ve covered my favorite spots and thrown in some bonus tips for people who…
Mercato delle Erbe in Bologna
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Bologna has no shortage of beautiful markets bursting with delicious food. The Mercato di Mezzo doubles as a food hall, where you can sit at communal tables and snack on nibbles from any of the stalls on the first floor. Via delle…
Bologna’s best street for foodies: Via delle Pescherie Vecchie
Last Updated on July 23, 2021 by admin Peeking through one of Bologna’s many porticoes just off of Piazza Maggiore lies what is one of the best streets for foodies in Italy, Via delle Pescherie Vecchie. This small alleyway slices through the district known as the Quadrilatero, which has been…
Where to eat in Bologna: Trattoria della Santa
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Bologna is a foodie’s dream. So much of Italian cuisine that has become celebrated around the world is from Emilia Romagna. Lasagne, tortellini, tagliatelle, mortadella, prosciutto, and balsamic vinegar, among other things, are some of the gifts that this region has given…
Visiting Bologna’s Asinelli tower
Last Updated on May 16, 2020 by admin Recently, a friend came to visit here in Bologna, so I had the chance to do some touristy stuff that was on my list. The number one item on our agenda was to climb the Asinelli tower, one of Bologna’s most famous…
What to eat in Rome
Last Updated on July 5, 2022 by admin Now that I’m living in the Eternal City again, I decided to compile a list of what to eat in Rome for those of you who want to eat authentic, local dishes during your visit. Keep in mind that seasonality is very…
Rome off the beaten path
Last Updated on February 5, 2022 by admin I thought I’d follow up last week’s walking tour of the eternal city with a post about how to get off the beaten path in Rome. Normally when I go back, I go to all the same places, eat the same meals,…
A self-guided walking tour of Rome (all sights free!)
Last Updated on July 17, 2023 by admin One of the best things about Rome is that so many of the magnificent sights in the city are free. They just live there alongside older things, newer things, rumbling buses, zipping Vespas, Romans, and visitors. You can wander and weave your…
Visiting Rome’s Rose Garden and Orange Garden
Last Updated on May 23, 2020 by admin Spring in Rome means fruit and flowers, blooms and blossoms, and picnics in parks. Of course, spring 2020 is a bit different than other years, but the good news is that many of Rome’s most beautiful green spaces are starting to open…
The best street food in Padua
Last Updated on June 7, 2021 by admin Padua has an awesome street food scene, especially around le piazze. I’m going to highlight my favorite street food places in Padua in this post. Most of them are Italian places, but I’ve also got a tip for those of you that…
A sightseeing guide to Padua
Last Updated on June 7, 2021 by admin 40 kilometers from Venice lies Padua, a city of around 210,000 that is home to Italy’s second-oldest university. It was also my home for two years. Here’s my guide to Padua, which is a great place to stay in if you want…
Osteria del Bugiardo in Verona
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin On a recent trip to Verona, we ate at Osteria del Bugiardo. A cozy spot near Porta Borsari, it was perfect for a small afternoon meal during the period when lots of restaurants close. It can be difficult to find a place…
What to see on a day trip to Verona
Last Updated on January 18, 2021 by admin It’s not hard to fall in love with Verona. She is a city of romantic Roman ruins, wistful, faded colors, and splendid views. Oh yeah – she’s also home to Western literature’s favorite dysfunctional teenage couple and suicide victims, Romeo and Juliet….
The best cafés with wifi in Padua
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin I’ve got coffee on the brain, folks. Probably literally. I’ve needed a lot of it to get myself through the last few weeks, so I wouldn’t be surprised if some has leaked into my cranium and is sloshing around up there. I’ve…
Mercato di Mezzo in Bologna
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin Happy New Year, Luggage and Lifers! I’m back today after a few blissful weeks of relaxation in Maine with my family. I’ve always been a big fan of New Year’s, and not just because it’s also my birthday. I love the feeling that…
Talking Travel: An interview with Nomadic Matt
Last Updated on February 12, 2019 by admin Happy Friday, Luggage and Lifers! Have I got a post for you today! I’m super excited to share my first ever interview with you, with none other than the budget travel expert and travel blogger extraordinaire himself, Nomadic Matt! If you’ve ever…
A walking tour of Ortigia island in Syracuse, Sicily
Last Updated on April 1, 2020 by admin After leaving Catania on our Sicilian road trip, we spent a few glorious days in Siracusa. I could have stayed for ages. I was utterly charmed by the sun-bleached buildings, the bright blue sky, the blazing sun, and the brilliant flowers that spilled…
Sotto il Salone – Padua’s 800-year-old shopping center
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin This is my first post about Padua. There’s no better way to start writing about my second Italian home than posting about Sotto il Salone, the city’s 800-year-old shopping center. Located in the very heart of the city center, Sotto il Salone…
Vegan restaurants in Rome
Last Updated on December 4, 2023 by admin A few years ago, I had a vegan friend visit when I was living in Padua, and we traveled to Florence and Rome while he was here. I put together a list of some great restaurants with vegan options that we ate…
Unique places to visit in Venice
Last Updated on January 21, 2021 by admin Two weeks ago, I wrote this post about overtourism in Venice. One of the things I mentioned with regards to how we can help reduce overtourism is to get out of the city center a bit in order to avoid becoming another…
A bacaro tour of Venice
Last Updated on September 6, 2021 by admin [Updated September 2021] Venice can be a bit of a mystery. I’ve been there countless times, and I still get lost. It can feel like one giant tourist trap in some places, with no authenticity in sight. The first time I went…
Overtourism in Venice: what you can do about it
Last Updated on November 4, 2019 by admin A few weeks ago, I sat down to write a post, but ended up just letting myself write freely for a while. After I read what I had written, I realized that I had the skeleton of an article about overtourism in…
A brief guide to Marzamemi, Sicily
Last Updated on January 18, 2021 by admin Some places are almost too cute for words. Marzamemi, Sicily, just outside of Noto, is one of these places. A quaint scene winks at you from every corner. Sun-soaked stone buildings ring a brilliant piazza. Bright green vines, stems, and cactuses climb…
How to spend a day in Taormina
Last Updated on March 24, 2022 by admin How to spend a day in Taormina, Sicily Taormina is a picturesque town about 55 km northeast of Catania. She is home to places of extraordinary beauty, including an ancient Greek Amphitheater, and Isola Bella, an incredibly scenic beach with its own…
Breakfast at Caffè Sicilia in Noto, Sicily
Last Updated on May 10, 2020 by admin When our trip to Sicily started to materialize, I realized that we were going to be in the proximity of Noto, and I knew I just had to have breakfast at the famous Caffè Sicilia. I asked my travel mates if they’d…
Visiting Mount Etna
Last Updated on January 14, 2020 by admin It’s a strange feeling, looking up at an active volcano from a city that you’re visiting. You’re sightseeing, walking along, having a gelato, laughing with your friends, talking about what you want for dinner, planning your beach trip for the following day,…
A walking tour of Catania (and other tips!)
Last Updated on January 22, 2021 by admin Catania lies on the east coast of Sicily. It is nestled at the base of Mount Etna, one of the two most active volcanoes in Europe (the other is Stromboli, also in Italy). It’s a very walkable city, with many of the…
The Catania Fish Market and Osteria Antica Marina
Last Updated on November 7, 2019 by admin I’ve decided to dedicate a whole post to the pescheria, or fish market, of Catania, for a few reasons. The first one is that it’s super lively and fun, and I’d consider it a “must see” if you’re visiting the city. The…
Restaurants with vegan options in Florence
Last Updated on November 7, 2019 by admin A few weeks ago, I had a friend from overseas who is vegan come and spend two weeks with me. When I started to plan his visit, I panicked a bit about what he’d be able to eat while he was here….
T Fondaco dei Tedeschi Rooftop Terrace in Venice
Last Updated on November 5, 2019 by admin The T Fondaco dei Tedeschi rooftop terrace in Venice offers an absolutely amazing view of the city. It’s located in the city center right next to the Rialto bridge, and it’s free! Curious about visiting the rooftop terrace at T Fondaco? Read…
Eating at Cervejaria Ramiro in Lisbon
Last Updated on June 4, 2021 by admin On our first night in Lisbon, we had a seafood feast at Cervejaria Ramiro, which was featured on an episode of No Reservations, hosted by Anthony Bourdain. Normally, I might shy away from a place that has been featured on a TV show,…
Visiting Sirmione
Last Updated on November 7, 2019 by admin A few weeks ago, my friends and I went on a day trip to Sirmione, which is a peninsula at the south end of Lake Garda. You might recognize the name because it’s famous for the Scaliger Castle (Castello Scaligero in Italian) which…
10 things to know about eating and drinking in Italy
Last Updated on January 20, 2021 by admin Ciao a tutti! I thought I’d follow up last week’s post on 15 “Italian” foods that don’t exist in Italy with another one about dining practices here in general. Again, I got lots of this info from all of my Facebook friends…
15 “Italian” foods that don’t exist in Italy
Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by admin A few weeks ago, I asked my Facebook pals to tell me what they were surprised by, or unprepared for, on their first visit to Italy. It was a fun thread, and it helped me to remember some of my first impressions…
10 Tips for Dealing with Culture Shock
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by admin Culture shock can be a the most difficult part of traveling or moving abroad. After over twelve years of living overseas, I thought it might be useful to write a list of the things that have helped me to deal with it….
