All posts filed under: Honeymoon destinations

day 3 – under the tuscan sun revisted

Published by

I’ve wanted to see Cortona for years, even before the book/film Under The Tuscan Sun put the quant destination on the map. But the reason I haven’t done so, is because I Had a list of places I wanted to visit in a particular order. Well, this year, after finishing my novel (waiting for the publishing company to finalize), I felt the need to include Cortona in my annual trip to Italy, just to pay homage to a story which inspired me to write mine. I wasn’t disappointed, but I do have to say I was surprised to discover, how beautifully small the town was and how breathtaking the view. It is certainly worth adding to your list of places to see, if you haven’t already. {I apologize the internet is very slow in the hotels and thus, cannot seem to connect with everyone through my blogs}

vacation planning in full swing

Published by

Okay, one week into the foggy “almost” summer in San Francisco and I am ready to plan my annual trip to Europe.  Well, mostly Italy and France, of course. I’ve been everywhere else and since want to just be in Italy and France. 🙂 This year, as usual we are taking our two weeks early September to explore parts of Italy and France, I haven’t been to in a while and some I frequent every year. Paris and Rome. As I plan my rail travel route and schedule, I have to say, I am over the moon about the trip and feel the first week of September is ions away.  Stay tuned on this one, I cannot wait to share.  In the meantime, have a great weekend and if you feel like it, drop me a line, about your travel plans this year or just your recommends and favorite places in Italy and France.

travel photography: oahu, hawaii

Published by

There isn’t too much to do, in my opinion on Oahu, outside of the tourist sites and shopping, so the only other hobby one can enjoy is definitely photography. The funny thing is, I walked in and out of a dozen wall art stores and wondered how the photographers painted photos with extreme colors. Meaning, I felt most of the photographs were color enhanced. Last night, while I walked back from the pre-wedding dinner get together, along the beach, back to my hotel, I actually were able to capture photographs, with seemingly enhanced colors. I didn’t touch up any of my photos, but was proud that I was able to capture, such colorful photography. {photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com please ask if you wish to borrow}

boutique hotel pick – casa angelia – amalfi coast, italy

Published by

Now that vacation planning is in full swing and perhaps even late in getting some great deals, I decided it’s time to talk boutique hotel picks. Every year, I imagine a romantic getaway and although I stick to Paris as my safe haven, I can’t help but think of exotic coastal retreats to spend a romantic week. One place, which I’ve frequented quite often in my lifetime is the Amalfi Coast and with it, I have fallen in love with many properties to spend six nights/seven days. For that thought and of course a romantic destination recommend, I suggest Casa Angelia.

day 2 – travel journal – day trip to roma, italy

Published by

There is no way for me to travel through Italy without stopping in Rome, even if it’s just for a day. So, while plotting out this year’s trip abroad, I decided to make Firenze (Florence) my base and take day trips via TrainItalia to Rome, Venice, Pisa and hopefully Verona (will see how that goes). We took an early morning train (7:00 a.m .to be precise ) from Firenze S.M.N. station and arrived in Roma Termini within 2 hours. Upon our arrival we wasted no time taking our walking tour of the city.  The point to remember is that, the suggested independent walking tour  is not recommended for a first time visit to Rome, it’s just intended for people like me who have been to Rome  a dozen times but just can’t get enough 🙂 So, in our case, we started the walking tour with: The entire trip took us twelve hours on foot, with an hour break for lunch and one hour rest break at the Spanish Steps. The train ride back to Florence …

day 1 – travel journal – firenze, italy arrival

Published by

Day 1: We arrived in Florence city center late Sunday afternoon to torrential downpour and thunder storm and after checking into our hotel, decided to immediately tour the city on foot, just long enough to wean ourselves from the jet lag. Along the way and in between the downpour, we experienced the following: {Photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com and may not be used without permission}