Since I’m a big museum buff, I knew that I’d be spending a lot of time visiting museums while I was in Paris. As part of my pre-departure research, I prepared a pretty long list of museums that I’d like to visit, and while I knew that I would only be able to see a fraction of those on the list, I quickly realized that admission fees were going to add up right quick. Further research turned up the Paris Museum Pass, a multi-day, multi-admission pass, that would save both time and money. Since time was at a premium while I was there, the saving time part grabbed my attention. Museums in Paris are notorious for long lines, and the ability to bypass the line for immediate admission meant the potential for a big time saver. With only five days, […]
Read MoreBlog Archives
25 Things I Love About Italy
Italy has become an annual event for me. I fell in love the very first moment that I came up from the metro station and saw the Coliseum in front of me. Since then, no matter when in the country I am, or what I may be looking at, I still have that sense of wonderment. In no particular order, here are some of the things that I’ve come to love about Italy, and why I’m looking forward to a return trip next year. Sunflowers Gelato – at least twice a day Lake Maggiore Isola Madre Isola Bella (and yes, I know it’s gaudy and over-the-top) Latte de Luna (with wild mushroom soup that’s to-die-for) Brunello wine Giuseppe and La Montalla Florence (so much beautiful art) Trevi Fountain in Rome (I threw in 3 coins, just to ensure my return) […]
Read MoreA Pass Through Visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina
If you had asked me to list my must-see vacation spots, Bosnia-Herzegovina wouldn’t have been in the top 10. Truth told, it probably wouldn’t have made the top 50. Bosnia-Herzegovina was formerly part of Yugoslavia, and became an independent country in the breakup of the latter country. While the country is predominantly a mountainous one, it has a very small spot of land that is along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It was that small bit of coastline where I found myself about a week ago. This wasn’t my final destination, I was merely passing through these few miles traveling from Split to Dubrovnik, and the highway goes right through Bosnia-Herzegovina. WOW! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this part of the country is beautiful. Of course, with the sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic, it’s hard […]
Read MoreDriving in Italy: Not for the Faint of Heart
While normally I am a big fan of public transportation and opt for trains, planes, and buses while on vacation, our trek to Italy and Croatia required covering a lot of ground to remote locations. A car was a necessity. Although the driving was left in the hands of the guys, we’ve covered enough ground that I can make a few observations (albeit from the passenger’s seat) about driving in Italy. The stereotype of aggressive Italian drivers has some roots of truth, but these observations are not meant to be demeaning. We soon found ourselves conforming to many of these driving habits as well. After all, when in Rome (but hey, there’s no need to have a car in Rome). . . . If you’re staying in one of the larger cities, like Rome, Florence, Naples, or Bologna, Italy, you’ll […]
Read MoreEdinburgh The City of Festivals
Today’s guest post comes to us from Andy Hayes, also know as the Edinburgh Guide. Offering up great Edinburgh tips and advice, be sure to check out the Edinburgh guide blog before your next trip to the Scottish capital — including exclusive tips for navigating the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. — Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh is a busy place throughout the year – at some point in the history of Edinburgh, someone thought it would be a good idea to combat our fickle and sometimes torturous weather with a series of festivals. Now, I think the city is deserving of the title City of Festivals, because nearly every month you’ll run into a festival or two to spruce up your visit. Here’s the low down on some of my favourite festivals; if you want to […]
Read MoreTop 10 FREE Things to Do in Europe this Summer
Yes, Europe can be expensive. It’s a big price airline ticket to get there, and although the dollar/euro valuation is improving, you’re still going to find yourself spending some money. Planning ahead means you can save a little here and there, adding up to a whole lot of savings. Consider these Top 10 FREE things to do in Europe this summer (as listed by the European Travel Commission): Austria: Innsbruck is offering a free hiking bus program for all guests living in Innsbruck or staying at one of the holiday villages (with a Club Innsbruck Card). May 30th – October 26th. Belgium: What else, but free beer?! The Haacht Brewery offers free tours and tasting (one low fermentation and one high). Yummmm, Belgian beer! England: London has free admission to the British Museum (additional charge for some special traveling exhibits) […]
Read MoreStatuary at the Louvre in Paris
I spent some time today at a blogging conference, and met up with fellow travel-blogger Pam from Nerds Eye View. As is often the case when travel bloggers get to talking, the discussion soon turns to places we’ve been, places we’re going, and places we want to go. Pam is a great photographer (click on her link above and go check out her stuff), and we also discussed how much photos added to the travel blog experience. So today, I’m sharing a photo taken on my trip to Paris last fall. The photo was taken on a visit to the Louvre. The statuary was in a garden atrium area of the museum, and is just one of hundreds of pieces on display. I recently had the opportunity to watch some sculptors at work, and that has given me a new […]
Read MorePhoto Collage of Tuscany
I’m trying out some new photo editing techniques and programs, and thought I’d share this photo collage, made easy with online photo editing program picnik. While I am certainly NOT a photo expert, I like the way this collage option allows me to aggregate my pictures and share them with others – like in this group of photos from time spent in Tuscany this spring. I love it when I can share photos with friends – without boring them to tears with my vacation stories. This picknik collage provides a number of different options. Check it out and see if you find a use for it yourself. Photos: All ©2008, Mary Jo Manzanares ______________________________________
Read MoreMy First View of Rome
Rome has been wonderful so far, and I regret that my time here was so short. Everywhere you turn there is such a sense of history and wonder. My first real impression of the city was coming up from the subway (Colosseo stop) and finding this in front of you. It literally took my breath away! Seeing it in books and photos cannot do justice to the sense of awe I felt at seeing this piece of the beginning of civilization. Photo credit: personal collection _____________________________________________
Read MoreShould You Buy a Paris Museum Pass
Since a good portion of my time in Paris was spent visiting museums, the Paris Museum Pass was both a money saver and time saver. With the pass, you get admission to a number of monuments and museums in and around Paris. Best of all — you don’t have to stand in those long lines — you get to bypass all those people and go straight to the front of the line. Temporary exhibits at the museums are usually excluded, though. The pass can be purchased for 2, 4, or 6 days, and currently costs 30, 45, and 60 euros respectively. (Check the website for pricing changes.) On your first visit to one of the museums or monuments, the pass is activated, and your time starts running. This allows you to buy the pass in advance, should you wish. You […]
Read More