Days six & seven

Big independent adventure today. Took the city tram line out to the suburbs to nice open air market that the concierge suggested. This is a great way to understand a city using public transport. Also no one in the area spoke any English so when I got a little lost finding the tram stop I needed to unravel my way with a city worker in garden type park. Great experience and whahooooo got there and back no problem. Also today is my dear dear dear sweet Charlottes 6 th birthday. I went to the church in what is considered the most beautiful piazza in Torino … piazza San Carlo and lite a candle thinking of the beautiful young gal that she is. Even at now age 6 you can see what a generous and loving person she is.

Church of San Carlo
Side altar in Church of San Carlo
Happy 6th Birthday sweet Charlotte

Days five & six

I have been fortunate with my timing in that I am here for the Feast of St Giovanni, the Patron Saint of the City. Italians know how to celebrate and this is one of their most enjoyable holidays of the year. Most shops and museums were closed. Those that were open were free for the occasion.

I visited Museo Reali where a DaVinci exhibition highlighting his drawings was on view

During evening I braved my way to the City celebration, music, light show and a spectacular Drone show. Crowds were too thick on Via Vittoria Veneto for me to enter so I watch just the drone show from edge of River Po. The church of Gran Madre di Dio was beaconing rays of lift .. an amazing display of creativity and engineering.

Next day was back to normal so checked out the open air vegetable/fruit and everything else market. It was enormous and pretty close to a third world experience in the city. Nothing like the markets in Florence. There were no packaged foods was really from the farm stand produce meats and fish. The clothing and purses and general junk was very low end and poor quality but massively crowded. First time I saw an real cultural diversity in the city. Many vendors looked to be of Indian or North African descent. Since I am not cooking I could buy the vegetables but did bring small bag of olives back to my room

On my list was viewing of Shroud of Turin known as La Sacra Sindone. Much research has gone into its authenticity. I am a believer, after all I believe in Santa Claus and Easter Bunny so this is an easy leap of faith.

Day continued with cappuccino stops and great meals

Days four & five

I have started exploring museums and piazzas, churches and markets… There are so many to choose from but everything is within pleasant walking distance.

The Mole Antonellina is an architectural wonder in the middle of the city that took 30 years to complete. It houses the National Museum of Cinema. Fascinating interactive displays that Explain the development of the instruments of film production. Lots of good physics with accessibile demonstrations in addition to films special effects . Middle of building has a lift that you can take to top observation deck of the city. Torino’ s form of Empire State Building in NYC

The Lift
Street art concept which is removed after several months and is replaced with other enrichments
Museum of the Mountain

Day three & four

Hotel NH Collection Piazza Carlina is so well located. My breakfast outside today in the loggia came with a special surprise . The lemon trees I sat underneath were buzzing with bees. Hundreds of them!

Bees in the trees

Torino is know for its caffe and pastry shops and I think I discovered the most amazing one near the Po river called Sabaudo the photos below will say it all.

I plan on returning each day

Day two

The adventure continues.

Staying at NH Piazza Carlina Hotel: excellent location , clean, beautiful, great staff and dining room, and amazing complimentary breakfast. The architecture old edifice that has been invigorated with modern reinforcements. The Italians mix old and new aesthetics so well

Day one

Have arrived in Torino beginning another Italian adventure. This is a northern city known fancy car manufacturers, Juventus and Torino soccer squads, the origin of hot chocolate drinks, all sorts of delicious coffee combinations , hazelnuts and the invention of Nutella. Many piazzas, many museums, endless shopping and wonderful food.

I am certain to be happy here

Il marocchino….chocolate syrup, steamed milk, espresso: YUM
Coffee shops have great history, caffè Vergnano founded in 1882

Wanderlust — we have returned to my favorite international destination : Italy.

Once again I have great traveling companions: Kim and Maleka and also Jody and Mark.

Lucky me!

First stop is Adriatic coastline tiny and charming town of Monopoli. A piccolo city of narrow white stone streets, charming window boxes, large rock stone pavers, white ceramic pots laden with florals, castles, turrets and the blue blue adriatic sea.

A mini jewel of a paradise.

Streets of Monopoli

Streets of Monopoli

Castello Carlo V

 

The Don Ferrante Hotel in Monopoli was our elegant home for our short stay.

The Hotel is built in the rocks adjacent to the old fortress walls of the city.

It was newly renovated a few years ago and is appointed with pristine white interiors and fine frette linens. The exterior spaces all look out over the Adriatic Sea and the staff offers delightful service at all patio locations.

Views of the Adriatic Sea

Views of the Adriatic Sea

Breakfast Room

Breakfast Room

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The Pool and the Sea

The Pool and the Sea

Maleka's Office

Maleka’s Office

 

 

On rare occasions work and play intersect in a perfect crossroad. This perfect cross-over has happened for Maleka and I. We have been invited to help in the staging of a villa on St. Bart’s for a photo spread that will appear in French Elle Decor magazine. This fabulous opportunity has been afforded to us by the home owners of Villa Palmier, Kate and Matt Holstein .

The Holstein villa is tucked into the stoney slopes of the Island and overlooks the ocean and the hills on a site just above the airport and the town of Gustavia.

The home is decorated with a clean modern elegance that still captures casual island living. With a living room that literally adjoins an outdoor pool and sundeck, happy guests feel like they are living in a paradise tree house.

Quaint small restaurants, patisseries, sandy coves and turquoise blue water are found at every turn in the winding roads. The harbor in Gustavia welcomes yachts from around the globe that include the most beautiful ships in the world.

Work and Play at its best

Work and Play at its best

And the FOOD!!!
I hope the following photos will tell the tale:

Cheval Blanc, St. Bart's

Delicious menus abound

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Petite Anse

GREAT DINING In ST BARTS:

ISOLETTA in Gustavia: casual italian, excellent pizza.

O’CORAIL in Grand Cul de Sac: on the beach literally, toes in the sand, super casual but
excellent seafood, fresh fresh, great view of bay with wind & kitesurfers.

Le GRAIN De SEL in Saline: wide range of seafood dishes, beef, poultry and duck. Very gourmet in preparation and assortment of dishes.

BAR OUBLI in Gustavia: nice location near marina and boutiques. Nice fresh squeezed juices and cappucinos.

La PETITE COLOMBE: Fabulous patisserie and boulangerie. Gathered our almond crossiants here every morning.

The HIDEAWAY in St.Jean: well priced casual pizzas. They also bring a hibachi to the table and grill meats and fish. Very low key and easy.

D0 BRAZIL close to Gustavia at Shell Beach: High beach dining ,,,big fashion scene. Great people watching as well as gourmet food. Then wander to the beach and have a swim out to the rocks. Many nice boats in the harbor to admire.

CHEVAL BLANCHE in Flamand does a beautiful brunch , this is a super elegant spot.

BONITO: Amazing service, perfect cuisine and beautifully decorated. Go here for a special occasion dinner and enjoy lounging first on the sofas. Be sure to ask for window view. They may win our award for all around best in St. Barts!!! The grilled octopus and grilled sea scallops are outstanding. Elegant staff keep serving an assortment of ‘muse bouche’ which add some surprises to the evening.

Les BANANIERS: Immediately next door to The Petite Colombo patisserie in the Anse des Cayes neighborhood, with a side entrance door which fools guest into thinking this is not much of a restaurant. On the contrary, we had an excellent well priced gourmet meal here. Included in our selections were escargot, lobster curry fricassee and creme brulee. All dishes were prepared well, delicious and very well priced!

Bonito

Bonito

Bonito

Bonito

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THE BEACHES of ST BART’S

St Bart’s beaches encircle the island in magical coves. They are small segments that encircle the island and require a bit of exploration. Each of the 14 beaches offers a different element of scenery, flora and geological outcroppings, different views and different levels of dress (or undress).

Exploring the beaches is one of the delights of the Island experience.

Beaches are marked with whimsical ceramic tile plaques.

Each beach sports its own qualities and all are worthy of a visit.

Maleka and I tired our best to visit all 14,, we almost succeeded. Give it a try!

The french word for cove is Anse and many of beaches all carry that first name.

BEACH HIGHLIGHTS:

Anse Des Cayes: just below Villa Palmier where we are staying. One of the only surfing beaches on the island due to huge aggressive waves. Beach front has a charming old island hotel and restaurant called Fellini. They have a good bar where you can grab a drink for the beach and also some great available lounge chairs and hammocks. For two Euros you can enjoy a cappuccino and lounge late into the afternoon.

Anse de Flamand: walk to Chevalier Blanche and enjoy a lounge on their beautiful chairs or just keep walking .

La Petite Anse: head down some stairs to a tiny cove very private and protected. We met a lovely young new york artist there who was clad in a clay face mask. She was lovely described her artwork and offered us a beauty tip, use white clay mask called Argile which can be purchased in local supermarket, eliminates toxins in the skin etc etc etc (one of beautiful french women’s beauty secrets.

Shell Beach: This beach is open to the yachting side of the island and had several boats anchored in the bay. The beach is the only island spot for shell collecting and also good swimmers can venture out to the rocks for a climb onto the rocks and a peak at another bay. The spot is especially popular because Do Brazil restaurant boarders the beach, great eating see above for photo.

Anse de Grand Cul de Sac: lots of kit surfing and wind surfing happens here. The rentals for these sports are all in this cove and also the super casual restaurant O’Corail is here. See above photo, you literally dangle your feet in the water as you dine. The menu is surprisingly delicious and well prepared for such a sporty setting.

Anse de Saline: It is hard to pick a favorite on the island but this spot won my heart. The setting is so exotic. The cove is bordered by clay cliffs that sport cacti and look very desert like. As the land moves down to the ocean the water glows in azure blue.
To add to the excitement (or not) this is one of the topless spots for those who enjoy that lack of attire. Pas Moi!
Very near the beach access is a wonderful restaurant Le Grain de Sel see above.

Anse a Toiny: This beach requires a beautiful car trek through the middle of the island and is worth every inch of the drive. En route to Toiny one passes Anse de Grand Fond. Toiny can be accessed from the road but I suggest driving all the way to the beautiful Hotel Toiny . You can park your car there and their valet service will drive you to the beach via jeep. Once you get to the beach there is a full service mini village with wine and food service, beach loungers etc etc.. and excellent surfing waves. The ULITMATE good LIFE!!!!

Pointe Milou: This location boast a well respected spa and Hotel Christopher which has a grand pool and dining lounge. Views are breath taking . Not much beach for lounging but another grand view.

Corossol

Corossol

Saline Beach

Saline Beach

Anse de Cayes

Anse de Cayes

Hotel Manapany at Anse des Cayes

Hotel Manapany at Anse des Cayes

Fellini Restaurant at Anse des Cayes

Fellini Restaurant at Anse des Cayes

Gustavia Harbour

Gustavia Harbour

Hotel Le Toiny, St Bart's

Hotel Le Toiny

Hotel Le Toiny, St. Barts

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LODGING

On this visit we stayed in the marvelous Villa Palmier which is to rent via www.villapalmier.com
The villa is located in middle of island just above the airport. We found the location very practical.
The villa is appointed with immaculate attention to detail, style and comfort.
Have a look below:

Villa Palmier, St Barts

Villa Palmier, St Barts

Villa Palmier, St. Barts

Villa Palmier, St. Barts

 

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Villa Palmier, St. Barts

Villa Palmier, St. Barts

Villa Palmier, St. Bart's

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Aspen Art museumThe new Aspen Art Museum designed by architect Shigeru Ban is a marvelous addition to the already dynamic art scene in this small mountain town.

The Architect’s vision is brilliant and incorporates many of the passions that residents in this creative town cherish. Ban wanted to open the building to the outside so that visitors would appreciate the natural beauty of this area. He did this by making the entrance foyer to the museum on the third floor rooftop, with exterior stairs that lead up to the public rooftop space. He explains that he was inspired by the experience of skiing where you go to the top of the mountain, reflect on the view and then ski down the slope.

The building is an interior glass box encased in a woven wooden screen lattice and commands an impressive posture in this small town of Aspen.

In addition to the contemporary art exhibits that the museum hosts, it encourages the youth of the community to experience the museum with many activities centered around all age groups.

A charming cafe overlooking the sculpture garden provide delicious, fresh, locally sourced meals and beverages.

The entire experience is not to be missed when visiting Aspen.

 

Our last location of this travel voyage was in the picturesque hill side town of Taormina. In addition to gorgeous views of hillsides, the Mediterranean sea and craggy rock coastlines, this city overlooks Mountain Etna.
We stayed at an elegant hotel Villa Schuler which, also had lovely gardens which were verdant enough to supply the kitchen with oranges and we were treated to the Villa’s own marmalade !

The shops and restaurants in this town were plentiful and all rather high end and sophisticated. Access to the beach is via a gondola ride. Boating, of all sorts, and swimming are favorite pastimes of vacationers here and we were no exception. We managed to get in the sea twice in our short 24 hour stay.

Here our journey ends.
Thank you for watching a glimpse of what has been a Grand Italian Holiday.
Ciao ciao e un abbraccio .
Anahid
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Finding this little remote village and being treated to dinner and breakfast by the Mama, Aunts, cousins and extended family of Maleka’s friend Nino was a highlight among many in this journey. Nino’s sister Nancy stopped her weekend plans and spent the evening hosting us.The generous hospitality of these folks, their love for preparing the most delicious food, the way they share this food with gusto and laughter, the instantly fresh ingredients all raised locally and their welcoming warmth…..defines the Italian culture. Fresh porcini mushrooms gathered in the woods around us were sautéed in olive oil and then topped with toasted pistachio nuts…..DELIZIOSO !imageimageimage
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