Let PARIS Put a SPRING in Your Step

“I love Paris in the spring time, I love Paris in the fall, I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles, I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles!” – Ella Fitzgerald


No one said it better than the legendary Ella Fitzgerald in I Love Paris, and for as long as I can remember I too have had a long love affair with Paris and everything French. There’s something so magical in the air – the beautiful architecture, the world famous cuisine, the fine wine, the glorious landscapes, the perfumes, and let’s not forget French haute couture.

Paris can be enjoyed year round, but my favorite time to visit the City of Light is in the spring. Is there anything more lovely than springtime in Paris? Spring is when outdoor life resumes and a feeling of rebirth can be felt throughout. Sidewalk cafés fill up with chic Parisians and sunshine, flowers begin to bloom, and a sense of romance fills the air.

Her seductive charms are legendary and in spring Paris’s charms are as potent as ever. There’s no better time of year to stroll through the streets and visit gleaming boutiques, world-class museums, terrace-cafés and renowned restaurants.

If you’ve never visited Paris, I suggest you book a ticket and go. Whether you choose to stay in the dazzling Marais District or the luxurious Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a fabulous hotel or a chic B&B, you’ll love Paris!   

A Guide to Falling in Love with New York City

“I was in love with New York. I do not mean ‘love’ in any colloquial way, I mean that I was in love with the city, the way you love the first person who ever touches you and never love anyone quite that way again.” 

- Joan Didion

My lovely followers often write me for advice on what to see, where to eat, or where to stay when going away, in particular to New York. So when a lovely couple I met in Amalfi wrote to ask my advice on their upcoming trip to New York, I could not help but write this long overdue post.

I’ve had the good fortune of visiting this fascinating city many times, each experience gifting me with new and exciting memories. I first visited NYC when I was 10 years old and vividly remember seeing the lights of Times Square for the very first time. Even then I could feel the city’s energy pulse through me, awestruck by the enormity of it all, lost among skyscrapers, yellow taxis and sidewalks filled with fascinating people.

Since then I’ve returned to New York several times to enjoy a romantic carriage ride through Central Park, shopping on Fifth Avenue and delicious dinners at some the city’s finest restaurants. 

Though I usually prepare a small list of things I’d like to see or do before going away, my adventure generally ends up being about where the day takes me. Holidays are one of the only times we can truly be free to do what we want when we want, so I like to live vicariously in the moment.

That being said, my favorite thing to do in New York is stroll the streets and let the city guide me, but if you want to make sure you capture the important landmarks, here’s my breakdown for you.

LANDMARKS

• Walk the streets of SoHo, Greenwich Village, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District to find all kinds of stylish boutiques, music stores, hip restaurants, etc.
• Visit the Upper East Side and see the stunning multi-million dollar townhomes. I love art, so go visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum!
• Central Park is obviously a must-see. Go for a walk, jog or just sit and enjoy the beauty. If you get the chance, take a carriage ride. I know it’s a bit touristy but it’s a lovely way to see the park and a bit fairy-tale like, and let’s face it, what woman doesn’t like a fairy-tale :)  
• Go to Battery Park and watch the sunset over the Hudson River. It’s truly stunning!
• Take a stroll along Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue, the designer window displays are beautiful and all the make-up counters will apply your make-up for free. I did mine a few times when I was not up to doing it myself. (Professional makeup application for my pictures).    
• You can’t go to NYC and not visit the infamous Canal Street in Chinatown where everyone purchases their cheap knockoffs. I had a laugh going into their private rooms to see their collections. They also had a lot of perfume at great prices.
• Though packed with people and tourists, everyone should see Times Square's bright lights at night. All the Broadway theaters are also close by, so if you like the theatre book to see a show. I had the good fortune of visiting the David Letterman set. I sat at his desk and stood before the mirror where the celebrities stand before going on set. It felt surreal to say the least.
• Visit the Empire State Building and enjoy a great panoramic view of the city.   
• The famous Art Deco NYC landmark – Rockefeller Center – is also a must, especially if you go in the wintertime when the Christmas tree is lit up and everyone is out skating. So lovely! 

FOOD

New York has some of the best restaurants in the world and though the city’s vast culinary landscape offers something for every taste and budget, selecting a restaurant can feel overwhelming, so here are my suggestions: ABC Kitchen in Gramercy; Babbo Ristorante and Enoteca or Bobo in the West Village; Dragonfly in the Upper East Side; 15 EAST, Daniel or Del Posto in Manhattan; Jean Georges in Central Park West. My advice is to look into restaurants and make reservations to the ones you really like because they can be very difficult to get into once you’re there.

There’s also Little Italy for Italian food or China Town for authentic Chinese/Cantonese, but note that it’s not like the amazing Italian food in Italy! (Nothing is for that matter).

Gourmet dining is wonderful, but during the day I always enjoy a warm pretzel with mustard, sandwiches at Dean & Deluca, and cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery.

Regardless of whether you go to New York City for the Broadway shows and museums, or the great shopping and restaurants, this vibrant city will cast her magic spell on you and have you falling in love. 

Soul - Searching Journeys

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." - Nelson Mandela

Every woman I know, let me rephrase that, every person I know dreams of taking off on a round-the-world journey to “find themselves.”

When we are unhappy or struggling in our lives we tend to reach out to the universe in hopes that she will light the way. It’s that innate desire in all of us to soul search, to experience something so profound that it will bring about the kind of self-awareness that changes us forever.

The truth is that the answers already reside in our heart. It’s that inner voice calling you towards your destiny, trying to veer you onto the path of true happiness, but it is only through action and unwavering courage to face our truth that we will unearth the wealth of knowledge that lies within us.

What if you had the courage to pursue your dreams and follow your heart? Would you discover that those that matter don’t care and those who care don’t matter? What if you finally stopped living someone else’s life and started living the life YOU want? Imagine being liberated from all the fears that have held you back. Envision the life you could have, the love you could experience. It’s there, waiting for you to let go of your fears and embrace it.

That is what happened to one courageous woman on her journey of self-discovery. Author Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 memoir - Eat Pray Love - echoed such a truth in others that millions of people from around the world ran out to buy her memoir and booked trips to Italy, India and Bali in hopes that they too could indulge, meditate, and find happiness. That they too would be privy to the divine secrets of the universe to find the courage to escape the ties that bind them to a life and love they no longer want, to free themselves and explore the endless possibilities called life.

I was so captivated by her story that I read her book 3 times, wondering if I too would ever have such a profound experience. I’ve often thought, “Where would I go to soul search? And would happen to our world if every being opened up their heart, soul and mind to the possibility of change?” I imagine that we would live in a constant state of love and light, but until then, let us experience some of the wonders Elizabeth Gilbert experienced on her quest to finding her true destiny.

EAT – ITALY

As everyone knows, you could eat your way through Italy and enjoy every single moment of it. Lord knows I have! But since Gilbert spent most of her time in Rome, I’ll share some of my favorite places to eat in Rome. No visit to Rome is complete for me without dinner at Clemente alla Maddalena located in ‘Piazza della Maddalena,’ a few steps from the Pantheon. The food is always prepared using quality ingredients and the atmosphere enchanting.

If you’re in Italy to eat your way to heavenly bliss then you have to eat at the city's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant - La Pergola – with breathtaking views of the Vatican. On summer evenings, out on the candlelit terrace, the city shimmers like stars fallen to earth and the Dome of St. Peter's seems close enough to touch.

You can’t be in Italy and not eat gelato! Il Gelato di San Crispino has some the best ice cream in all of Italy, so eat to your heart’s content.

No Italian epicurean adventure would be complete without pizza, so like Elizabeth, hop on a train to Naples and visit the legendary L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele that many have described as the “Scared Temple of Pizza.”

PRAY – INDIA

If the ashrams of India seem too hardcore for you, as they would be for me, try a more luxurious approach at destination wellness by staying at one of the many 'ashram-meets-boutique-hotel' where you can take yoga classes and meditation to re-connect with your inner core.

One of my dreams is to visit the Taj Mahal, India's most iconic and romantic sight. Built by the heartbroken Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife who died during childbirth, it took 22 years of meticulous work by 20,000 workers to complete this monument to love. For a hopeless romantic like me, this is the love story to end all love stories.

Udaipur in Rajasthan is unarguably India's most romantic city. Known as the City of Lakes, its bodies of water provide a picturesque backdrop to the city's palaces. Stay at the magical Oberoi Udaivilas, which sits in regal style on the banks of Lake Pichola.

LOVE – BALI

Like Gilbert, set up base in Ubud in the centre of the island and experience peace and tranquility.

Spirituality and religion is the life-blood of Bali. One of the oldest temple complexes in Bali and just north of Ubud, Gunung Kawi will take your breath away. Its 10 rock cut shrines each stand eight meters tall in sheltered coves, with an 11th further down the valley, and all date back to the 11th century.

If you don’t find the love of your life in the shape of an attractive Brazilian expat like Gilbert did, Bali still has plenty of scope for romance. Besides, the most important love of all is the love you have for yourself!

Italian Travel 101 by Travelista73

Planning a trip to Italy can be one of the most exciting times, but with so much to see and do it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are some tried and true travel tips to ensure you get the most out of your Italian adventure.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Be present. The best advice for any trip is to be present! Don’t spend all your time with a gadget in your hands or overthinking things; be fully present in the moment, especially when wandering through Italy because you will discover that much of the character and charm of this country is found among its people and its streets.

Eat where locals eat. Italy is a culinary wonderland with a plethora of flavours to be enjoyed in its food and wine. Try to avoid tourist traps by asking locals where they eat and go enjoy a great meal, but don’t eat to the point where you feel sick or heavy. You want to feel ready to take on the day’s adventures.

Find time to relax. After all, Italians are the ones who invented the term “Dolce Far Niente,” which means “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Enjoy long leisurely meals, evening strolls, and find a great café to sit and enjoy an aperitivo or good wine. Take time to soak in the atmosphere and savour its beauty.

Get off the beaten path. There is no harm in knowing what things you’d like to see or do, but speak to locals and find out what they also recommend and set off on your own adventure. This allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and have a more authentic experience.

Don’t over pack. The last thing you want is to waste time unpacking, re-organizing and lugging stuff around, especially if you are travelling around Italy and getting on and off trains. If you forget something, don’t worry, you can buy it in Italy!

Leave room in your luggage. Italy is home to some of the world’s most prominent fashion houses so don’t be surprised if you end up going home with an additional suitcase or bag filled with shoes, scarves, jewellery, purses and clothing. It happens all the time, even to those who set out with the best of intentions.

Don’t look like a tourist. Keep your money and valuables in a safe place out of reach from pickpockets, especially when you’re in tight, crowded spaces.

Don’t try to see or do too much. There really is so much to see and do in Italy. Rather than visiting 10 cities in a rushed amount of time, choose a few and split your time between them.

Walk a lot. The best way to explore Italy is by foot, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes. Between the walking and cobblestoned streets, stilettos are not recommended footwear. Set off and don’t worry about getting lost. Some of the best things you’ll discover will probably be by accident.

Try every flavour of gelato. Eating Italian gelato is one of the greatest pleasures you will experience in Italy, so enjoy lots of it!


USEFUL ADVICE

Travel voltage converter. Bring a voltage converter so you can recharge your electronic equipment, i.e., iPhone, cell phones, laptop, blow dryers, etc.

Wi-Fi. Put your smart phones on airplane mode and connect to the Internet using local networks. Hotels usually provide you with a password for free wi-fi and some cafés also offer it. This way you can post all your Instagram and Facebook pictures for free, or browse Trenitalia’s website to schedule your next train ride.

Travel apps. Another great idea is to download useful travel apps before your trip. Apps like Free Wi-Fi Finder, Kayak, FlightTrack Pro, and Around Me can save you lots of time and money when travelling.

Rent a villa. If you are staying for a few weeks, consider renting a villa. It’s more affordable than a hotel and allows you to live like a local.

Stay at an agriturismo. Experience the real Italy on a rustic farmhouse where you can eat, drink, relax and stroll through the Italian countryside.

Know how to order coffee. In Italy, going to the local bar for caffè (kah-FE) is a national pastime; while there, you should take part in this ritual too. There are many popular coffee drinks served in Italian bars, so try to familiarize yourself with them. And remember, Italians never order cappuccino after 11am! Enjoy an aperitivo. Early evening is the perfect time to go enjoy a drink. Bars, cafés and enotecas, usually serve free snacks and finger foods along with your drink. This is also a great opportunity to mingle with locals who stop for an aperitivo after a day’s work.

Tipping. Tips are not common practice in Italy as service is usually included in the price. This charge is referred to as a “coperto” and you will usually see this additional charge on most restaurant bills. It generally is about 2/3 Euro per person. However, you are always welcome to leave an additional tip for great service. Some cafés also charge two different prices; one for ordering and consuming at the bar, and another for sitting down at a table.

Siesta time. The majority of Italian cities become deserted from 1 pm to 4 pm when they close for their afternoon “siesta” break. Less so in Rome and Milan yet still pretty frequent across the country, so be sure to keep this in mind each day. Also note that most stores are closed on Sunday.

Learn a bit of Italian. It’s always a good idea when travelling to learn a few basic phrases before going. Here are some useful Italian ones:

Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aeroporto

Bathroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bagno

Do you speak English? . . . . . . . . . . . . Parla inglese?

Excuse me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mi scusi

Good evening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buona sera

Good morning / afternoon . . . . . . . . . Buon giorno

Good night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buona notte

Hello / Goodbye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ciao

How much does it cost? . . . . . . . . . . . Quanto costa?

Please. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Per piacere

Thank you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grazie

Where can I find a…? . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dove posso trovare un…?

Where is…? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dov'è ...?

You are welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prego

TRANSPORTATION

Take the train. The perfect way to sit back and enjoy Italy’s ever changing landscapes. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance and reserve a seat, especially if you are travelling during the peak seasons of Christmas, Easter or summer. Save time buying your tickets through the train station self-service machines or pre-book online before leaving if you know your travel dates.

Travel by bus. If you travel by bus make sure you have the right schedule and that you reserved your seat; otherwise, if the bus gets full they may ask you to get out of the bus to leave room to those that reserved their seats.

Book in advance. There are many different companies and it can become confusing. Use local travel agencies to make sure you buy your tickets in advance if you are in a remote place. It is also helpful to discuss this with your local travel agent.

Double check schedules. Keep in mind that schedules change on Sunday and that trains and buses are less frequent, so double check schedule information before heading to the terminals.

Rent a car. Driving is a great way to get around Italy, but note that automatic cars are rare in Europe so learn how to drive standard. You can rent automatic cars but know that they cost more to rent. Also, Italians love to drive fast and shall we say a little crazy, so you need to be extra cautious when driving in Italy.

CURRENCY

Credit cards. Credit card payments are less frequent in smaller Italian cities and local stores, so be sure to always have cash on hand for smaller purchases. It is also a good idea to contact your credit card company prior to leaving to let them know when and where you will be travelling so they can put a note on your account. This will avoid any issues when you make a payment overseas.

Interac. Many of the larger stores now take Interac payments. You can also withdraw cash from your bank account through most instant teller machines, but speak to your local branch ahead of time for more information.

Pre-order Euro. Local currency shops and credit cards usually charge a higher exchange rate than the bank, so it’s a good idea to pre-order Euro from your local Canadian bank before travelling.

Psychology 101. The exchange rate is more or less .75 Euro for a dollar. This makes a big difference when you pay your hotel bill or buy expensive clothes, so keep this in mind when making larger purchases.

So relax...let go and let God!

Wishing you always love & light on your travels,
Travelista73


My article can be found in the current issue of Panoram Italia Magazine.

PUGLIA Southern Comfort

Discover why Puglia’s rich history and agricultural heritage provide the perfect ingredients for a wonderful Italian holiday.

When it comes to travel there’s always someplace new on the horizon. Places like Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Montenegro are quickly emerging as some of the hottest destinations for 2013, but there is one place off the beaten path that continues to gain momentum that is truly exciting — Puglia — located on Southern Italy’s sun-drenched Adriatic coast.

Quickly becoming the ‘IT’ destination among travel connoisseurs,’ Puglia is hotter than ever with its emerging contemporary resort hotels, Apulian cuisine, pristine beaches and picturesque villages. Solidifying this notion, last October celebrities Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel chose this stunning Mediterranean backdrop to exchange their wedding vows.

Puglia is an enclave that sits on the sunbaked high heel of Italy’s boot, perfectly situated on five hundred miles of Adriatic and Ionian coastline — mountains in the north, plains in the south — its stark, unspoiled beauty is home to some of the brightest blue seas, historic little towns, diverse architecture, mouth-watering food, colorful folk traditions, and the loveliest people in all of Italy.

Numerous invasions through the centuries by the Greek, Roman, Turkish and Spanish have created a rich and varied treasure trove of ancient relics and artifacts that Puglia humbly displays. The region’s brilliantly whitewashed towns are a reminder that Turkey, Greece and North Africa are neighbours.

Puglia’s agricultural heritage and everchanging landscape provide the ingredients for a variety of culinary treats. Try the sumptuous burrata, a fresh mozzarella casing filled with shredded pieces of mozzarella and salted cream, or indulge your sweet tooth with a pettola, a fried dough ball drizzled in Vincotto (cooked wine). This region also produces 40% of Italy’s olive oil, the perfect companion to Puglia’s delicious bread that is always baked in wood-burning ovens.

With its spectacular coastline and long fishing tradition, Puglia serves up a superb selection of fresh local fish: red prawns, mussels, anchovies and sea bass are featured in the many restaurants that line the beach towns of Gallipoli, Otranto and Taranto.

In the region’s mountainous interior of Cisternino and Valle d’Itria, meat reigns supreme. Visit the rosticceria butchers and enjoy a fabulous glass of wine; reds are especially good, as your meat is cooked in a wood-burning oven or hot charcoal grill.

With a rich and ancient culture, brilliant seas, delicious food, and mix of Baroque and Greek architecture, Puglia is quickly becoming Italy’s new Tuscany and definitely a place worth visiting on your next trip.


SURROUNDINGS

From Lecce’s baroque churches and old palazzos to Gallipoli and Otranto’s rustic seaside villages to the UNESCO protected conical trulli of Alberobello, Puglia offers a wide range of places to see and things to explore. Other great day trips include Castro, Porto Selvaggio, Cisternino, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Polignano a Mare and Ostuni. So pack a bag, rent a car and start exploring!


WHERE TO STAY

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Borgo Egnazia is a stunning seaside resort in the heart of Apulia nestled among olive and jasmine trees. A golf course, spa, and private beach club ensure your every need is catered to. This was also the location for Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s marriage!

Restored from the abandoned and decaying ancient caves in the village of Matera, Le Grotte De La Civita is located in a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides guests with a place to escape the chaos of life and go back to a simpler time when a warm bath, great meal and good glass of wine were all the comforts they needed.

WHERE TO EAT

For over 30 years the award-winning Osteria del Tempo Perso has been serving delicious Apulian specialities in the old town of Ostuni, the so called white town. Only a few metres away from the cathedral, it is perfectly inserted in this ancient location thanks to its traditions and its ancient rooms.

Specchia Sant'Oronzo is a beautiful restaurant/bar overlooking Polignano a Mare’s old town. Go in the evening and witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in the region followed by an after dinner walk to a pebble cove to enjoy the view of the caves and the old town built into them.


GETTING TO PUGLIA

Puglia is easily accessible by plane, train, or automobile. The closest airport is the Aeroporto di Bari Karol Wojtyla (named after Pope John Paul II), which offers connecting flights through Rome, Milan, and other Italian cities all year long. For a magnificent view, drive along the coastal highway SS89 dir/B and lose yourself among the regions unspoilt scenery.

FUN FACTS:

• Bari is the capital city of Puglia.
• There are 200 types of pasta in Puglia.
• The baroque town of Lecce is nicknamed 'The Florence of the South.'
• Visit Alberobello, a town made up entirely of white washed, circular houses with conical roofs called Trulli (remininscent of a smurf village).


This article is currently featured in the new edition of Panoram Italia Magazine.

View the actual article in the current issue of Panoram Italia Magazine.