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My 7 Links Project : The Best Blog Posts from the Archives

Photo Credit : Flickr

It’s been awhile since I’ve participated in what’s known around the Interwebs as a meme.  Basically a bunch of bloggers get together and share a collection of themed links and tag others to share as well.  And so on, and so on….

It can make for an interesting round-up of diverse content that remains buried in the archives.

I was nominated by Jeanine of J The Travel Authority to participate in the 7 links project initiated by TripBase.  And thought it takes a bit of time to scroll through almost five years of content, it seemed like a fun one worth participating in.  Here are my 7 links:

• most beautiful:

This is a tough one, because I try very hard to include lovely photos in most of my posts.  Nothing brings a place alive more than some drop-dead gorgeous photos of a destination.  But I’d have to say that one of my personal faves is my photo essay on Seaside Towns on Italy’s Mediterranean.

• most popular:

Thanks to the wonderful world of WordPress stats, I didn’t have to dig too deep  in order to find my most popular post.  And it’s no surprise that it would involve France and gorgeous castles.  With over 57,400 page views and counting, Five Chateaux in France takes the top spot.

• most controversial:

I’m not sure anything on my site is really that controversial, but I did write a post, really it was more like a rant, way back when I was fed up with the TSA. New TSA Rules…Who Are We Kidding? lit a fire under me and sparked quite a few comments from the community.

• most helpful:

I’d like to think that I’ve written more than a few helpful posts over the course of the last five years, but the one that I feel really resonated with travelers all over the globe was my Seven Tips to Make Travel Less Stressful. Take a gander and see if it can help you travel stress-free on your next trip!

• most surprising success:

It always amazes me how some of the most successful blog posts are not the ones you plan in advance, or take the most time and care in writing. My Six Reasons Why Italy May Not Be For You post was something I wrote about on the spur of the moment and I don’t even remember what sparked the idea.  Since I’m usually giving folks reasons to travel to Italy, I was surprised how successful it was, considering the title.

• not enough attention:

I love writing about food experiences when I travel and I’m also a fan of spending time in a good wine bar.  This little left bank gem in Paris combined both of those passions. Serving up great fare in a tiny storefront with an interesting history that only seats a handful of diners is Le Crémerie , a recommended wine bar near the Luxembourg Gardens.

• most proud of:

Though I have many posts I am proud of, and all for very different reasons, it stands to reason that credit needs to go to the very first travel-related post I ever wrote. I was so enamoured with this Italian city,  it inspired me to write my very first post about Italy – Lovely Little Lucca.  Thought my blog has become much more focused and writing style has definitely changed since then, Lucca still remains one of my favorite places.

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I’m hopping on the bandwagon a bit late, so it was challenging to find five other bloggers who have not been nominated. Thankfully, I was able to find a few that I want to hear from.

Traveling Teri

Lost in Cheeseland

Europe a la Carte

Image of the Week : A French-Inspired Garden

At first glance, one would think this photo was taken in France.  But it was actually snapped on the grounds of The Elms in Newport, Rhode Island, part of the Historic Newport Mansions collection.

Since the mansion’s design is based on the French Château d’Asnières outside of Paris, it would stand to reason that the gardens would be French-inspired as well.

Tiny limestone facades adorned with classic French detailing and topped with bronze roofs that are aged to perfection, are surrounded by ornate fountains, sprawling green lawns a sunken garden and rows of perfectly manicured shrubs. White stone benches and marble busts on pedestals are tucked into shady nooks and crannies throughout the property, which also contains a carriage house.

It’s one of the prettiest and most serene spots in all of Newport.  And very French.

Travel Tip Tuesday : Five Reasons NOT to travel in the summer

Seeing my headline today, you may in fact think you’ve come to the wrong place.  Perhaps you think I have a screw loose. Or lost my mind. After all, I’m usually the one encouraging, advocating and inspiring you to travel to France and Italy. Every. Chance. I. Get.

I have admitted in the past that traveling to Italy may not be for everyone.  And though I hope that my posts, photos, advice and musings here over the course of the last 4-plus-years, has either inspired or helped you plan a trip to Italy or France – today, I’m actually here to shock you once again by explaining why a summer trip to either of these locales, is not something I recommend to my clients.

Let me give you the reasons why:

1.  Because it’s crowded. Everyone and their mother, especially those with children, makes plans to travel in the summer.  Since the dawn of time, people have been planning, saving all year-long and looking forward to that summer vacation. What that means is long lines at museums, packed planes, buses, trains and cars on the road.  I’d rather not fight the crowds and be able to get more done in less time, with less traffic.

2.  Because it’s more expensive.  How do you think airline industries, travel and tour companies and hotels react when they know that a deluge of visitors hit their cities?  They will raise the prices to take advantage of the situation of course. Why?  Because they can, that’s why.  It’s considered high travel season, so you’ll pay premium prices for the two largest expenses you’ll incur – airfare and lodging.

3.  Because you won’t have the best availability. It stands to reason that with more folks traveling to a given area, you may not get first choice on things like hotels, tours, excursions or even that special restaurant that you have been dying to try. This may force you to plan way ahead and even book museum visits and other excursions well in advance.  Worse yet, for those who don’t have the luxury of planning in advance, it may lead to disappointment.

4.  Because it’s hot. With the exception of some parts of northern locations in both Italy and France, most other areas will be downright sweltering in the heat of the summer.  Not only can temperatures reach 100 degrees, but that sun beating down on you all day can be very, very strong and takes a lot out of you.  Not only will it make sightseeing uncomfortable, you’ll likely be exhausted pretty quickly and won’t be able to accomplish as much as in more temperate weather.

5.  Because locals in France and Italy are on vacation. With more and more people advocating mingling with the locals when traveling, summer will be a difficult time to do just that.  Just when you’re arriving, they may be packing and heading out-of-town.  So, that mom-and-pop restaurant, gourmet epicerie or artisan boutique that you’ve flown half way around the world to see, may be shuttered due to a vacation, which can often last all or part of July and August.  It can also pose issues if you had your heart set on hiring *the* local-in-the-know tour guide.  If they follow the rules of their culture, they’ll be taking some time off too.

Like the advice that I’ve shared here today? Click here to see how an hourly consult can be helpful for your next trip!

Image of the Week : Florence’s Duomo

This week’s image is one of my Florence favorites.  A close-up shot of the terracotta-tiled roof of the Duomo.

This shot was taken from the nearby Campanile, known as Giotto’s bell tower. Looking back, I actually can’t believe I climbed all 414 steps, huffing and puffing all the way, to get to the top!  And thought I didn’t climb the Duomo, if you look really closely, you can see those that did, circling the stone ledge, right above where the roof tiles end.

I know my view from the Campanile was fabulous, I can only imagine what they were looking at from their perspective across the way on the Duomo.

Interested in seeing more of my images? Click here to check out my favorites in my on-line store.

Paris Supper Clubs

photo credit : flickr

Supper clubs have been around for years, and Paris now has their fare share.  These part dinner clubs-part social clubs are a great way for foodies to experience a great meal while connecting with locals and other traverers. Some are well-advertised, while others are underground and remain downright secretive.

Pricey gourmet clubs place their focus a bit more on the gastronomy of Paris, but more casual clubs can be a bit more on the social side.  Either way, they are lots of fun! Decide for yourself which one suits your fancy and budget, but make sure you book in advance because they are all popular.

Jim Haynes Supper Club

The name Jim Haynes is synonymous with the words Paris supper club.  He is the original.  For the past 30 years, he has been organizing dinners and hosting guests at his apartment  in Paris’s 14th arrondissement.

Dinners are Sunday evenings from about 8-11pm and though he doesn’t charge, he does ask for a donation (€25 is suggested).  On any given week, you can expect locals, expats and visitors from all over the world. His soirées are open to anyone, but you do need to call ahead or email to reserve.

To learn more about him and reserve, visit jim-haynes.com

Hidden Kitchen

A few years back I shared my experience at Hidden Kitchen.  I’m happy to report that both my camera and my food photography skills have improved greatly since then.  Due to their popularity, Laura and Braden have moved to a new, larger space, but I’m sure the quality of the food remains the same.

These days they serve up to 16 guests, a seasonal ten-course menu, with wine, in their lovely Paris apartment right in the city center.  At €90 per person, it certainly isn’t a bargain option, but it’s worth a splurge for the quality of the food prepared, presentation and gorgeous setting.

You can get more information on their website HKMenus.com

Un Artiste a la Table

This newcomer to the Paris supper club scene is billed as a private address where art and gastronomy meet. It is quite similar to the underground kitchen concept, with one addition; a guest speaker who is also an artist.

Started by two Spanish women and an American chef, once per week, up to 12 guests sit down to a gourmet meal at their 17th arrondissement address, complete with wine and a different guest speaker for each dinner.  Cost is €70 per person.

You can find more information on their website unartistealatable.blogspot.com

Super Marmite

Looking for a local foodie experience in Paris? Click here for info on a cooking class and gourmet market tour with a local Parisienne.

Image of the Week : Arch of Constantine

This week’s image is a night photo of the Arch of Constantine, which has stood near the Colosseum in Rome since 315.  Much smaller than the famous Arch of Titus, it was erected to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius in the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

The arch is composed of three-vaulted passageways, a staircase, inscriptions, and many reliefs taken from others monuments dedicated to Marcus Aurelius and eight free-standing sculptures.

I could spend hours getting-up-close-and-personal, marveling at each tiny little detail of the decorations and carvings on this arch.  It’s really an amazing work of art.

Travel Photo Friday : The Boulangerie

This month’s Travel Photo Friday is a shot of a boulangerie in the Porte Doree area of Paris, submitted by blog reader Heidi Shaker Luna.

Heidi said this about her photo:

“I stayed near this boulangerie during the winter, when it was rainy and dreary out.  However, this bakery came alive every morning, and by 6am there would be a line of people out the door waiting for their fresh breads! I loved how it glowed against the gray landscape.”

Do you have a favorite travel photo to submit for Travel Photo Friday? Send it, along with a short description, to mymelange [at] yahoo [dot] com.

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Join us for our next edition, on August 5th!