There's a reason, many in fact, tHat the Romans were world leaders,conquerors, for over twenty centuries. This city is magnificent, the scale of buildings and art pieces are larger than life.the pantheo was surrounded by regular buildings, with the Italian stock exchange (a former pagan church, a different kind of worship going on there!) just down the way. Every block seems to have a fountain, or sculpture or an image engraved in the building. Most of which are catholic in nature, though some pagan artifacts are still about. The Trevi Fountain is one of those sites that is really worth the hype, while the Spanish steps were just in fact, steps. Interesting history, but, well just steps! The area around those two attractions is flooded with dolce and gabana, Prada, Gucci and other bullcrap that apparently ... read more

Today I visited the village of Monterosso, a quick train ride of about five or so minutes south. There is a hiking path between all of the villages,but with the expectation of a good rain today, I decided to pay the five bucks for the trip. Monterosso is similar to Levanto, though the view to the ocean and the artificial bay add a whole new dimension, or distinction from this community. Monterosso and the neighboring villages were slammed by massive waves last year, with businesses and families close to the water experiencing heavy property damages. They are still rebuilding from the damage and a couple if the hiking trails are disconnected due to that damage. Anchovies are a prize here in the community, and have that protected origin designation. You cannot sell an anchovie with the ... read more

Im right in the middle of the island of Venice,and have finally sat down for abreak after rushing about exploring the city. I had a deep sense of urgency to visit this place after reading an article in the recent past about how Venice is crumbling, in danger of tumbling straight into these famous canals. And having walked around here, I see what they mean, this entire island is in a huge state of disrepair, decay. While I sets a striking scene as far as ambience goes, for the future I do worry for the structural integrity of Venice. The first thing you have to know about this city is that the water is the star of the show. I mean the canals, the aquablue waters and the buildings that housshuhe people and shops of Venice. ... read more

Here I am, in the alps of Switzerland, and let me tell you, we have been sold an image of the alps that doesn't do them justice. Things of how beautiful you've always thought they are and them multiply that by at least three and then you can begin to imagine just how much beauty these mountains hold. I'm in Interlacken, a popular town sandwiched between two alpine lakes that run through town in a shade of the purest blue. And my toes can testify that these waters are cold! I'm staying in a tent city, not Arapaio's kind, but in a lot with six bunks to a rent, and yes for some reason the world sees fit to always put me on the top bunk! Luckily my cat like reflexes allow me to jump up ... read more

The City of Lights, Paris is my home for the next couple of days. I ran into a bit of luck when my train arrived as an outbound tourist gave me fevered voucher for the double decker sight seeing buses that run the course of the city. This was incredible luck, because at 50bucks I would never have purchased this item and yet it proved to be absolutealy amazing! I saw all the main sites of the city, for free! The Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Champ Elysses, the Louvre and....drum roll please....the Eiffel tower! To get mushy and cheesy for just a moment, when I hopped off the bus at the louvre (side note, that pyramid in front of it does look stupid, and yet, it's intriguing at the same time, I'm undecided I should ... read more