Ciaotraveler

  Trevi Fountain (top), Mt Vesuvius from the train from Naples, Sorrento and Positano (bottom) My travel partners and I usually cover a lot of ground via the European trains because we have  a limited amount of travel time.  I've never rented a car to venture out...but it does take some planning in advance.  I'm sharing this plan that covers a lot of sites in less than 9 days.  Rome and the Amalfi Coast Please see my individual post links provided for the specific  details and photos about each of the locations. Day 1 and 2  Rome, Orvieto   (see details on Rome here ; Orvieto here ; Trains here ) Arrive early in the morning in  Rome.   Airlines usually offer more cheaper flights or require less airline miles to fly into Rome. Stay two nights near the Termini train station.   Walk to the nearest HOP on HOP off BUS for the afternoon and see the main sites (its plenty of time if you've been th...

I wondered what ever happened to the pert pixie with the powerhouse voice from the UK known as Lulu, when I saw this travel article she told to the Daily Mail.  The late 60's generation (yes, me) absolutely loved "To Sir With Love" and her song of the same title.  Lulu and the song became a hit sensation.  She went on to marry Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees when they were young although they later divorced.  Here's her story about her life, celebs and travel...

The Eiffel Tower is the "most valuable" monument in Europe according to a very expensive study conducted by Italy's Chamber of Commerce.  T he Eiffel Tower is woth about $544 billion ,   placing it far ahead of other historic locations.  See the surprising results of the study...

I was surprised to learn there is trouble brewing in the top operations of the great Restoration Hardware stores.  According to the LA Times, it seems one of the Chief CEO's for RH, who has subsequently resigned, is accused of inappropriate behavior.  Regardless, the company still has some of the most classic  old world, European style  products on the market.   The classic company of high quality home goods boasts having over 87 stores in the USA and Canada.  Its known for its timeless fine design and quality reproductions. All of the storefronts are unique to the community in which they're found...a Victorian style store in Eureka, a contemporary in Los Angeles, etc..see more...

On this trip to Rome , we decided to stay at the old world Hotel Mecenate Palace  about four blocks from the Rome Termini station.  We liked the close proximity to the station and historical venues.   A real bonus was that the hotel had a fabulous view of the largest church in Rome, the historic Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore .  I captured this photo above from the hotel rooftop where there's also a wonderful restaurant and gardens. The two mercury jars from Anthropologie inspired me to feature the church in this post.   See more of the church, hotel restaurant, and garden.. .

I'm featuring a few of the Euro celebrity kitchens I've recently seen in AD.  Above, is  Elton John's contemporary kitchen in Los Angeles (not London).  More...