Alberobello, Apulia Italy

OSTUNI

The trulls are whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs.   Hut is misleading as they can be quite elaborate. We decided to visit the Apulia area of Italy and found ti to be beautiful  and hospitable.  Cities like Alberobello, Ostuni, and Trani are well worth the trip down south on the Adriatic side. 

CIMG1125

The construction is amazing

CIMG1090

The architecture style applies to many buildings.

CIMG1088

A perfect town to walk in.

CIMG1101

This is a beautiful town and well worth the visit.  Click on link for map.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/70011+Alberobello,+Metropolitan+City+of+Bari,+Italy/@40.7917018,16.9671958,10z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x1347b264abcdaa6f:0xdec45d1171885f51!8m2!3d40.7864131!4d17.240936

 

 

CIMG1108

CIMG1109

Milan’s Stunning San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore – An American in Rome

My favorite travel blog about Italy is An American In Rome.  Natalie has been helping travelers to Rome for a number of years. But she does not stop there. Look at her pos on the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore in Milan.  I was fortunate to visit this amazing treasure at the end of September.  Her blog has some amazing photos and more information.  Here are some of my photos.  The art work is amazing. Go to the link at the bottom for Natalie’s great blog page on this church. 

 

 

IMG 1275IMG 1286IMG 1287IMG 1288IMG 1289IMG 1290IMG 1292

 

 

IMG 1282

The depiction of the ark is beautiful. 

IMG 1293

 

IMG 1295

 

IMG 1279

IMG 1280

 

Natalies blog link is below.

 

https://anamericaninrome.com/wp/2018/12/san-maurizio-al-monastero-maggiore-milan/

 

Cycling Bolzano to Venice, 2018 Complete Video

I left Miami on September 26 to fly to Milan and start a wonderful vacation. I had three days in Milan and then I would take the train to Trento where I would meet my group to begin the tour. 

 

IMG 1104

Lift off from Miami.

IMG 1451

Highspeed train to Trento from Milano.

IMG 1472

I mounted a GoPro on to the handle bars of the rental bike.  I did get some vibration, so I had to adjust it using the video editor on my Mac.  For the most part this did well with the exception of cobble stones. 

IMG 1490

IMG 1496

A bike path through the vineyards and down to the lake. 

The cycling was amazing, of the 230 to 240 miles it was about 90% on bike paths, some with the most amazing views.

IMG 1513

Riding along the Adige river

With the Dolomites in the background the trip got better by the mile. 

The video gives a riders perspective of riding from Bolzano to Trento, Riva del Garda, Verona, Vincenza, Padova, and arriving in Venice ( Mestre)  I had three nights in t Venice/Mestre which was another wonderful experience.

 

Here is the link to the video which in on Vimeo.  https://vimeo.com/305380233

 

 

I hope you enjoy it.  

Greg 

DSC05690

 

The opera house in Verona, Italy

The Canals of The Navigli district Milan You Should Not Miss This Amazing Attraction

Everyone knows the canals of Venice.  A much smaller version that is a must see is in in Milano.The Navigli.    Once used for transportation, it is now an entertainment, art, and foodie attraction.  It really comes to life after dark, music seems to be everywhere.  Restaurants are along the canals and have aperitivo   dining. It varies from restaurant to restaurant, but you can enjoy yourself for less.  One light I stopped at a little wine bar near my hotel and sat down with a good glass of Italian red and snacked of chips, veggies, and crostini. My total tab was 1.50 Euros.

Here is a link to my Vimeo video of the Navigli 

https://vimeo.com/300588264

chips

 

 

 

 

IMG 1339

IMG 1355

IMG 1361

 

IMG 1363

 

Restaurants abound in the area. Bars offer happy hour deals where you can nibble you way through dinner if you buy a drink or two. 

 

IMG 1372

IMG 1373

IMG 1374

 

Milano has a wonderful transportation network. 

Access to the Navigili district is easy to reach by tram or metro.

IMG 7013

 

I took the number 9 tram for a scenic and interesting ride. Exit at the Porta Ticinese stop and you can walk the entire district. 

Here is a link to the Things To Do In Milan web site and the page for the Navigili area. 

https://news.milanocard.it/navigli-district-milan-the-charming-canals-of-milano.html

I ate dinner at Locandina deii Navigli as I had to get my fill of Risotto Milanese. 

 

IMG 1351

 

IMG 1352

SIX DAYS OF CYCLING FROM THE DOLOMITES TO VENICE IN 6 MINUTES

Iin six days we biked about 240 miles from Bolzano to just outside of Venice (Mestre). Almost perfect weather and the most beautiful paths for viewing and cycling.  This tour was with Exodus, a UK based company. I highly recommend this tour. 

IMG 1525

IMG 1523

The Dolomites along side the Adige river make this such a wonderful location.  On this day we were riding from Bolzano back to Trento. The scenery was breathtaking. 

IMG 1555

This bridge is in   Nomi , Trentino-Alto Adige/Sudtirol , Italy. What is difficult to see is the spokes that come down from the arc. This is meant to resemble a bicycle tire, and is adjacent to the bike path.

DSC05690

The Arena in Verona, Operas and Concerts take place here.

IMG 1654Giulietta making an appearance on the balcony.

IMG 1683IMG 1684

We arrived in the Soave region of Italy. Famous for its grapes.

Here is the link to a aerial video of our 6 days of riding.  It was an amazing trip. The video was recorded from Relive The RIde, a great website for cycling. 

Wandering Milano With Caterina

This was my third trip to Milan.  I wanted to see and do some different things.  Airbnb experiences helped me make the most of my time for a very reasonable price.  I had arrived in Milan only 5 hours ago, found my Airbnb and was headed over to where our small group would meet to see some of the unique sights that are not always on a guided tour. As I was walking around, I got a text saying they were ready to start and where was I. Seems I did not read the start time but the end time ……MENO MALE. I was just a block away so I got there on time.  It was a small group with only 4 people and Caterina, the guide.  Two were from Belgium and one from Great Britain. Once again the only American.Caterina

Caterina, our guide.

We  met near the public gardens (Indro Montanelli) for what would be a 2 1/2 hour walk. We would go from the old to the new. And some of the most ultra modern architecture with prices that would make Manhattan look like a bargin.

IMG 1138

One of the classic residences.

IMG 1145

Amazing art decorates the outside of these residences.

IMG 1150IMG 1152

 

Our vintage tram a great way to see any city at a slower pace.

IMG 1157

IMG 1156IMG 1163

Some of the modern building with high price tags.

IMG 1167

A Tesla showroom.  No price tags.

IMG 1173

Piazza XXV Aprile – Porta Garibaldi

 

IMG 1174

I have visited Eataly in Rome and New York City. No I had a chance to roam the one in Milano.

IMG 1176IMG 1177IMG 1178IMG 1179IMG 1180IMG 1181IMG 1185

If only my local Publix in Florida would have some of these delicacies. Ho fame. 

 

IMG 1184

 

Search out Catalonia’s walking photo tour of Milano on Airbnb Experiences. Here is part of her description “The Neoclassic and Art nouveau district of Porta Venezia. A residential area that represents the true everyday life of the Milanese. The brand new, sparkling and luxurious GARIBALDI’s area which is our ending point where you can easily take subway, tram, train or taxi. CUSTOM EXPERIENCE: If you would like to participate in the experience but on a different time or day, write to me and if I can I will try to organize one with your availability.”  

Here is a link 

https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/263117?euid=0af081a7-e582-7ee2-6cf1-0c7842fdc298

 

I Love Pasta And It Is Easy To Make

I was raised to love pasta. All kinds. I have never lost my taste and when I found a email from Airbnb about a pasta making class in Milano, I jumped on it. It was a 3 hour exploration of Italian cooking and a chance to make fresh pasta. Gianfranco holds the class in his apartment and it was a very relaxing setting. This was the second of my Airbnb activities that I have engaged in and it will not be my last. Gianfrano is a “personal chef from Palermo, Sicily, and the traditional Italian and Sicilian food is my speciality. I like making genuine homemade food, pasta, street food and dessert”.  He did not disappoint. Gianfranco served asiago   and parmesan cheese with olives and some Italian bread while we drank some delicious white wine by Corvo. He went over the process of make the pasta and discussed the two types of meals we would eat with it. 

IMG 1437IMG 1444

This is an easy relaxed time with everyone taking part in the pasta making.  Golden rule is 100 grams of flour and 1 egg.  You want a dry dough, not sticky.  When the dough is throughly mixed, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1/2 hour. 

Roll it a bit to make a flat sheet and divide it into 4 pieces, Then roll it out to fit the pasta maker. Insert at the widest opening and gradually decrease the thickness till you achieve the desired thickness of your pasta. After that we hang it to dry slightly. 

 

Here is a link to the video of my experience.    

 

Gianfranco

Gianfranco our host and chef. 

IMG 1446

Pasta making machine. ( available on Amzaon $26 to $200 plus)

IMG 1435

Gianfranco with Maria and Maria who were also in the class.

IMG 1396

Eggplant for the pasta alla Norma.

 

IMG 1408

The basic pomidoro sauce for pasta alla norma. IMG 1432

Pasta drying before cooking. 

Buon appetito 

Look for Milan activities and search for “The Secret of Italian Cuisine” under cooking classes. 

Know Your Air Passenger Rights When Coming or Going to EU Countries

CIMG0438Even if your rights in the USA do not do much for delays, if you are traveling to or from an EU country you have definite benefits.    US and EU carriers must abide by the rules and you may be able to get some serious compensation.  Several years ago, I got a complete refund on one of our trips which cut our airfare in half.   The following web site has the complete details of your rights. 

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm

 

 

 

From the web site here is some helpful information:

Go directly to the site above for active links to all areas.     I 

 

FAQs – Air passenger rights
A European airline recently lost my baggage. I complained to the airline, but am not fully satisfied with their reaction. Can I complain to someone else?
YES – For a cross-border flight, you can contact your country’s European Consumer Centre. For a domestic flight, contact a national consumer centre in your country.
When booking a flight recently, I was shocked, when it came to pay, to see the final cost once taxes and charges had been added.  Surely, airlines are supposed to make the total price of the ticket, including taxes and charges, visible from the start?
YES – and the cost of each item (the fare, taxes, charges, surcharges and fees) must be clearly displayed.
If I am travelling from outside the EU, e.g. from the USA to Paris, do I have any rights if my flight is cancelled?
YES – provided your air carrier is licensed in a European country.
I booked a flight to Barcelona from Rome.  Due to heavy traffic, I arrived at the airport late but just before the gates closed for the flight.  I was not allowed to board the flight.  Do I have any rights?
NO – as you did not comply with the requirement to present yourself for check-in within the time stipulated.
Is there a time limit within which I can bring legal action for compensation for a cancelled flight?
This depends on national law in each European country and will therefore vary throughout the EU. Check with the National Enforcement body in the country concerned or a national consumer centre for more information.
Do I have any rights if I am not allowed to board my connecting flight because I arrived late at the gates due to a delay with the first flight?
YES – if the flights are part of a single reservation, the carrier has to offer you the option between the reimbursement of your ticket and a return flight to the airport of departure at the earliest opportunity or re-routing to your final destination at the earliest opportunity or re-routing at a later date at your convenience under comparable transport conditions, subject to the availability of seats. In case you are re-routed and you reach your final destination with a delay of 3 hours or more you are entitled to compensation.
My flight is due to depart from Berlin this morning but I have just received a text from the airline advising that the flight has been cancelled.  Do I have any rights?
YES – you have rights under EU rules.  You are entitled to reimbursement of the full cost of your ticket for the part of your journey not made or re-routing at the earliest opportunity.  If you are already at the airport and you opt for re-routing, you are also entitled to meals and refreshments in proportion to your waiting time, and two telephone calls, texts or emails.  You are also entitled to overnight accommodation if you are to be re-routed the day after your planned flight and, depending on the circumstances, to monetary compensation.
If the aircraft has a technical defect, can it be considered as “extraordinary circumstances”?
NO – a technical problem which comes to light during normal aircraft maintenance or is caused by the failure to correctly maintain an aircraft cannot be regarded as “extraordinary circumstances”.

YES – if the technical defect was related to an incident which was not caused by the normal activity of air carriers and falls outside their control due its nature or origin. For example a hidden manufacturing defect uncovered by the aircraft manufacturer or by a competent authority, or damage to the aircraft caused by acts of sabotage or terrorism would qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
My flight has been delayed for four hours. Am I entitled to monetary compensation?
Once your flight has been delayed for more than three hours, you may be entitled to monetary compensation if the airline cannot prove that the delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
 
When I arrived at the check-in, I was informed that my Brussels-Warsaw flight had been cancelled.  I opted not to travel and was told that the cost of my ticket would be refunded and that I would receive financial compensation.  Weeks later I still have received nothing.  Is there a time limit for payment of refunds and compensation?
YES – you should have received the refund of the cost of your ticket within seven days of the cancellation. Payment of compensation depends on the reason for the cancelled flight but the EU rules do not provide for a deadline for payment of compensation.
Am I entitled to compensation only for flights that were cancelled or can I also get compensation for delayed flights?
Both. With cancelled/delayed flights, you won’t receive compensation if the cancellation/delay was due to extraordinary circumstances for example due to bad weather. Where the cancellation/delay was due to extraordinary circumstances, you may not have the right to compensation, but the carrier must still offer you assistance (reimbursement or re-routing) and care (meals and/or accommodation) while you are waiting for alternative transport.
See main information on this topic
Air passenger rights
EU legislation
EU Regulation on air passenger rights
European Commission Interpretative Guidelines on air passenger rights
EU Regulation on common rules for the operation of air services
EU Regulation on air carrier liability in respect of the carriage of passengers and their baggage

 

CIMG5454

Lago di Garda

Amalfi A Gem On The Seacoast

Amalfi is a beautiful and busy town. On the coast is has a history of being a maritime power, and paper making. It is a town with many festivals.  You will enjoy your stay. DSC 4018

Today it still has a very busy harbor.

AMALFI

We happened upon the Festival of San Andreas by accident.  This was one of the highlights of our trip. Each year on the 27th of June, “This date is remembered for a miracle of Sant’ Andrea that occurred in 1544, when the people of Amalfi prayed to their saint to protect them from an attack of the feared Barbarossa pirates. When the town was saved from the attack by a sudden and terrible sea storm, the Amalfitans celebrated it as a miracle of Sant’ Andrea.” (From Charming Italy, bu Laura Thayer. http://www.charmngitaly.com

CIMG1347

Little did we know hen we sat down that we would be in the middle of the festa.  In Italy it is normal for one of have the table for as long as you want it.  Our views were amazing. 

CIMG1355

Soon it became quite crowded and as the sun began to set, the procession began,CIMG1357

CIMG1373

The parade went through most all of the town.

CIMG1380

 

CIMG1384

Below you see people heading out on to the pier to watch the fireworks as darkness came.

CIMG1388  Version 2

 

 

CIMG1414

 

A fisherman brings in his catch below.

DSC 4035

A tall ship came in for the celebration.

P1030881

The duomo the next morning.

CIMG1325

The paper museum makes a nice stop on the way to the hill trails that take you to Ravello and other towns.

CIMG1277CIMG1278

CIMG1267

Sample of the paper available at the museum. 

CIMG1268

And do not forget lemons, limone è importate !! Limoncello right? 

P1030869

 

Walking up the hills in Amalfi. 

DSC 4089

 

DSC 4132

A great site for more info on Amalfi is.  http://www.ciaoamalfi.com.   Laura Thayer writes a blog on the town and surrounding  area.  Well worth checking it out. 

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑