Roam Around the World: Roam (theme video for this blog) Watch it!

Roam Around the World: Roam (theme video for this blog)

Santorini, GR (preview)

Welcome to SANTORINI!!!
[Coming 02 May, 2010]

 

One of the 10 top-rated places to visit in the world .

Rome, IT (FCO)

Ciao ROMA!!!  

Mangia bene or "eat well" could not be more fitting an expression for Rome - a world capital known not only for food, but also style, architecture, religion and most important: la Dolce Vita (the sweet life). On your first visit, it all can be a bit overwhelming as so many senses invade your mind and body. The easiest way to enjoy Rome is to give in to all it has to offer! Here is just a small dose to tantalize the tastebuds.

 

 Visit a gelateria (or many) + 

 

Eat Roman pizza +

Ride a Vespa! That's amore!!!

Two Hotels

Hotel Santa Maria

Nestled in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood is a hidden gem surrounded by tall houses in a labyrinth of Medieval streets. In it's former life, Santa Maria began as a convent in the 16th Century. This charming hotel conveys the feel of cloisters (hey, it is one),  and to one's surprise opens onto a sunny courtyard where carefully selected wines are served with expertly prepared food. Casual and elegant!

 

Hotel Santa Maria

Vicolo del Piede, 2A

00153 Roma IT

www.htlsantamaria.com

 

 

Hotel Sant' Anselmo 

Gorgeously decorated hotel in the leafy district of Aventine.

One of Rome’s most sought-after residential areas, Aventine is an enchanting collusion of ochre and terracotta buildings and quiet cobbled streets and courtyards, all spread up a hill. At the top is an orange garden – Parco Savello - with stupendous views across the city. Close by is the enigmatic Piazza di Cavallieri di Malta, designed by Piranesi.

Overlooking the nearby piazza of Sant’ Anselmo is this exquisite hotel, refurbished in 2006 to stunning effect. It’s utterly charming, and the design marries baroque opulence with funky modernity. Rooms are all differently themed and exceptionally romantic, some beautifully frescoed, some with poems written on the walls, some with 4-poster beds or canopies and chandeliers. If it sounds over the top, it is, but the modern accents funk it up, and it works. A spectacular yet intimate hotel with consistently pleasant service in a gloriously superb location.

 

Hotel Sant' Anselmo

Piazza S. Anselmo, 2

00153 Roma, IT

http://www.aventinohotels.com/sa/inglese/hotel.htm

 

F O O D

 Tonnarelli @ Il Fico Ristorante http://www.ilfico.com/
Via di Monte Giordano, 49
Roma, IT 

G E L A T O  

"Vorrei una copetta di tre euro, per favore" (I would like a three-euro cup, please). The great news is you can then usually select three different flavors -- tell the server your first choice, then listen to hear him/her ask, "Poi?" (Next?) for the next flavor. At the end you will usually be asked, "Con panna?" or simply, "Panna?" -- (Whipped cream?)  Molto fantastico!!!

Two Spots in Trastevere (gelato found throughout Rome but look for artisinale--the best)

Fior di Luna - Via della Lungaretta, 96. In the heart of Trastevere, the hip, picturesque shopping and nightclubbing district just across the Tiber from Rome proper, this popular artisinal gelateria relies on organic and fair-trade ingredients to produce its intensely-flavored treats. It also offers gelatos made without added sugar, sorbets, frozen yogurt, granite and chocolates. The vanilla and chocolate flavors are truly excellent. Note: Fior di Luna is thoroughly committed to fresh, seasonal fruits, which means no strawberry gelato in winter -- though the cioccolato caldo makes up for that.

Da Checco- Via Benedetta 7, behind Piazza Trilussa, in Trastevere. This bar-pasticceria-gelateria belongs to the Porcellis, who for three generations have operated their restaurant -- Checco er Carettiere -- next door at 10 - 13 Via Benedetta. Their delicious and genuine gelato, made in-house from fresh ingredients, is a reliable option if you're in Trastevere, while their granita di caffe is up there with the best in the city. And per favore... don't forget the grappa!!!

Roman Cats (for J)

Every visitor to Rome senses it: Rome's cats are different. Unlike the cuddly and sometimes aloof balls of fur you're likely to know and love, Roman cats are largely feral, prowling ancient monuments as if they owned them and answering to no one.

There are estimated to be 300,000 feral cats in Rome living in over 2000 colonies. You might think that the city rulers would be alarmed by these numbers, but Rome's city council has recently come out in favor of the cat's existence in Rome by citing their ancient heritage: "There is a deep-rooted affection for these cats who have an ancient bond with the city." The city council even went so far as to protect them in 2001 naming cats living in the Coliseum, the Forum and Torre Argentina a part of the city's "bio-heritage." 

http://www.romancats.com/index_eng.php

  

A Roman Pictorial 

la polizia 

 

Fiat in Trastevere 

 

Fontana di Trevi 

Rainbow by the Colisseo

Artu Cafe, Trastevere

Piazza en Roma

the amazing Pantheon
http://www.rome.info/pantheon/

 Next blog: Santorini, Greece [07 May, 2010]

Barcelona, ES (BCN)

Barcelona is style, design + food. 

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair and Stool (1929), originally created to furnish his German Pavilion at the International Exhibition in Barcelona, have come to epitomize modern design. Mies van der Rohe designed the chair to serve as seating for the king and queen of Spain, while the stool was intended to accommodate their attendants.

Passion is electric at all hours in Barcelona: desayuno especial(breakfast) at 10, lunch at 2, sangria y tapas at 6, a brief siesta, dinner close to 10 and then a stroll around midnight! It is one of the most vibrant cities in all of SPAIN.

D E S I G N

A short walk from Placa Catalunya in the centre of Barcelona are a collection of modern flats managed by a company called DestinationBCN. An eclectic group of individuals who collectively feel like they are characters in the film L'Auberge Espagnole (the Spanish Apartment), which was filmed in Barcelona. A low-key apartment building with lots of Spanish style!

 

 http://www.destinationbcn.com/finn.htm

Once settled in your flat/hotel, get ready to explore. From the Barri Gotic to the port, Montjuic to Mt. Tibidabo and all points in between, Barcelona is candy for the eyes. Here are some of the more memorable spots:

Mi casa es su casa!

The best home/design store in BCN is Vincon on the Passeig de Gracia and throughout Spain.

http://www.vincon.com

Passeig de Gràcia, 96

08008 Barcelona, Spain

Cerabella has been making candles in Barcelona since 1862. Their line is carried in some of the best shops around the world. See more information at http://www.cerabella.com

F O O D

Sikkim in El Born with it's international cuisine is one of the most romantic restaurants in Barcelona. El restaurante Sikkim, con su cocina internacional y situado en la zona del Born, destaca por ser uno de los restaurantes más románticos de Barcelona.

Ambient lighting, rose petals, a cavernous atmosphere and sexy + creative food all contribute to an amazing experience. When in BCN, Sikkim is the hot place to be!!

Sikkim Restaurant

www.sikkimbcn.com

Plaça Comercial, 1
08003 Barcelona, Spain










And more...

Les Quinze Nits
Plaça Reial, 6
Barcelona

http://www.lesquinzenits.com/ 

Located in the Placa Reial, this is BCN at its best. Mediterranean cuisine which is reasonably priced and served with fashion and flair. A 3-course lunch can be had for 9 Euros or less and the spot is perfectly situated for people watching. Opt for simple dishes and you will not be disappointed! Great wine options and the sangria is superb.











La Boqueria Sant. Josep
50 Plaça de la Boqueria
08001 Barcelona

The BEST food market in BCN!!!

Jajaja... a Gaudi-inspired Vespa near Parc Guell

My sister Lori at la Sagrada Familia.

Italian photo shoot at Gaudi-designed Parc Guell 

Barcelona Pronto (in 3 days)!

Barcelona Pronto - the most ELECTRIC city on the planet! (photo from Gaudi-designed Parc Guell)