Campo de Fiori

My motto is to never get excited for a trip until you are actually on the plane...I swear that no one is going to want to travel with me because if something is going to happen (notice that I didn't say "go wrong"), it will be while you are with me. And, it's a good thing I got a lounge pass for the airports since it came in mighty handy this time, and it's where my trip began. What a stroke of luck I had meeting a gentleman on his way to Germany for work, with whom I was able to talk with about cooking, chefs, and travel. I didn't even notice the hours go by.....and I had a lot of them to wait through. But, a few glasses of wine, good conversation, and something to eat, and I was back on track to have a good trip. So, these pictures from the famous market, Campo de Fiori, located in central Rome starts my adventure.

Here are a few pictures of the market. The vendors are get very excited trying to tell you how good their product is. I did try the oranges which were very, very good.

                   

VENICE CARNIVAL TIME

It's Venice carnival time again!!!And I feel so sad that I am not attending this year. The carnival dates this year are from January 26 to February 12.

Palio Tours puts together a wonderful itinerary with balls, rental of costumes, and hotel packages in Venice. If you need any information regarding the Venice carnival, check out their website for details. Elena Carrea creates an experience like no other. I had an amazing time and will be back some day to experience it again. For now, I will have to relive it in pictures.

http://www.paliotours.com/



Elena, our Palio Tours host



BLUE RODEO

You can't be Canadian and not know who Blue Rodeo are. Celebrating 25 years, they are on a cross Canada tour and luckily our city was one of their stops. I joined two friends (who both believe they are Blue Rodeo's number one fan and have each been to about 25 concerts each) in a night of old favorites as well as some new songs that will be released on their new CD. The audience wanted to dance. The audience wanted to make some noise. But alas...they were tamed by the  center's "security". With gentle and very calm words Jim Cuddy was able to have security be a bit more relaxed and have the audience move closer to the stage...dance...sing...and just scream, if that's what they wanted to do. And they did...

My favorite song is "Cry" and I usually have to wait for the encore for this one. It's a long wait... but it's  worth every second. Jim's voice is like silk....smooth...melodic...has it really been twenty-five years? He doesn't seem to age that much. The songs haven't changed either. If you close your eyes you would think you were listening to one of their CDs....except for the interspersed screams of the girls in the audience.

J. W. ROSSEAU MUSKOKA RESORT AND SPA

This past year I discovered a Marriott resort and spa located in Minett, Ontario nestled in the Muskoka area. It became one of my favourite spots to go to on many weekends. Sometimes I would drive the almost two hours just to sit under an umbrella overlooking Lake Rosseau while I enjoyed an afternoon meal at Cottages, their restaurant.  Located at 1050 Paignton House Road, Minett, Ontario, the resort sits very high up with multi levels that go all the way down to the lake.

I did find it much busier in the summer than winter, but for me the best time of year to see this place at its finest is the fall when the hotel lights up with colours of burnt orange and ruby reds. It's as if someone dropped a beautiful piece of property right in the middle of untouched, natural beauty. For me it doesn't get any better. Just beautiful, calming, and the most relaxing place I have been in a long time.

For anyone interested, the link below does it more justice.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yqajw-jw-marriott-the-rosseau-muskoka-resort-and-spa/

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Another year has gone by. I got kind of lazy with my posts as the year went by - life is busy sometimes. But, hopefully I can get back into the groove and help give information to those of you who love to travel and like to be informed. I just finished putting away the last of the Christmas reminders for another year. I almost contemplated leaving a tree lit with no decorations in one corner of my rec room. I kind of like it all light up at night - I just thought people would think I was a bit "odd". So, it too went into the box.

I took another trip over to Boston again between Christmas and New Years. I find it so much calmer there than the mad mayhem of Boxing Day here in Canada. We went through Montreal this time, which I thought would be a bit better (and it was and I have to say I loved their airport). They cancelled the flights the day before we left and they cancelled the flights the day after we left. Whewww. We actually made it this time, not without any delays but with fewer than my norm. As seems to be the case with me (and I don't have any idea why...but I truly love Boston and can't imagine it has anything to do with me), no sooner did we get there, and they were calling for a HUGE storm with a lot of snow. In the end only two inches covered the city and most of it melted in the warm weather.

We hit my usual haunts - Fanieul Hall, Quincy Market, Haymarket, Harvard Square and made sure to stop at Mike's Pastry. Once again I indulged in my favourite dessert - cannoli. I will repeat this again and again - These are the BEST!!! And this from an Italian who has had them in Rome, Venice, Paris, Toronto, Montreal, New York, California and at some of the other pastry shops in Boston. I can't even make these as good as they are there. My friend had the Amaretto one that she said was wonderful. This time I came prepared with packaging to transport some of these goodies back to Canada so we could have them for New Years Day. As well, I carefully packed pizzelles which along with the cannolis made the trip all in one piece. So if you want to get a bit of American history and stop and relax for a bit, don't forget to make a stop at Mike's Pasty on Hanover Street in the North End.

BOBBY ORR HOCKEY HALL OF FAME

So I guess I must be missing hockey this season or maybe it's the reruns that I'm tired of watching. Either way it was about time I took a two hour drive to go see the Bobby Orr Hockey Hall of Fame in Parry Sound, Ontario. Now not too many of my friends would be up for a trip like this. But alas, one of my friends was up for the adventure with me  (and I didn't even have to bribe her), and we set out one Saturday morning on a short road trip.

Now I grew up watching Bobby Orr  and to this day I am a Boston Bruins fan. The Bobby Orr Hockey Hall of Fame is housed at the Charles Stockey Centre for Performing Arts. As luck would have it the two of us had the whole place to ourselves - I think everyone was still sleeping seeing as we were there seconds after it opened. Was I a bit excited?

The museum holds a lot of memories, memorabilia, interactive games to play, clips from past games, and of course, the "goal". As life would have it, my neighbour a few doors down from me was playing that game on the opposite team when Bobby scored the "goal". The now famous picture of Bobby flying through the air was captured and can be found everywhere - even at my neighbour's home.

 You couldn't help but let it take you back to the years when Bobby Orr was playing and when there were only the original teams. These days there are so many teams, I can't keep up. I recommend anyone who is a fan to take a trip down memory lane and visit the museum.

THE FALLS INN WALTERS FALLS

One of the trips I took this summer was to The Falls Inn Walters Falls  at 113 Robert Street, Walters Falls, Ontario. Thinking my mom would enjoy a bit of a break, we headed south in my red convertible with her in the passenger seat. Although it was a bit of a drive...my mom can only take so much of having her curly locks blow in the wind, we did ultimately get there. Cellphone reception was a hit and miss - but then we were there to see the falls and enjoy some of the outdoors.

A wedding had just taken place when we arrived, and the whole inn looked beautiful. Our room had high ceilings and a balcony overlooking the falls where we could sit and have a drink. There are trails around the area for walking and hiking, but we didn't venture too far. We  spent our time relaxing, touring the small city and spent some time in Collingwood at the Village of the Blue. The food was delicious....the atmosphere was very homey...the scenery was calming and relaxing, and it was a good time with my mom.

TIFF 2012

I know, I know...I have been so busy this summer that I haven't had time to write and tell you what I have been up to. But don't you worry, I have a lot of stories to tell you. For today, though, since I just got back from the Toronto Film Festival, I thought I would give you the scope of what went on down there.

So no George Clooney this time...but there were plenty of other hotties. The crowds at the Prince of Wales went crazy for Ryan Gosling (another of my favourites) and Bradley Cooper. Ryan and Eva Mendes arrived separately, although we all know they are dating....They were there for The Place Beyond the Pines.

And Jude Law didn't disappoint either. While in the Infinite Lounge at the Elgin waiting for the start of Ginger and Rosa with Elle Fanning and Cristina Hendricks, I got quite the shock when about five feet away I saw Jude Law. Did I stare? Of course I did! Girls, he is just as handsome as you have imagined.  All I could think of was the scene in the movie "The Holiday" with Carmen Diaz and he as the semi drunk brother of Kate Winslet who knocks on the door needing a place to sleep overnight...Well he can knock on my door anytime.


At the Ritz Carlton in the back bar after celebrating upstairs at the Hello Magazine Party on Saturday night, I was able to see Colin Farrell and Ian Somerhalder (Vampire Diaries and Lost). I hear he will be staring in Fifty Shades of Grey, so you better hurry and read the books so you are ready for the movie when it comes out. Rumour is that Ryan Gosling also might be in the movie. We will have to wait and see...

SUMMER HEAT

Summer has been keeping me pretty hoping lately...barely enough time to sit and write. And what a summer it has been....The weather here is sure cooperating. I can't remember a summer this nice in our city in a long time. In fact, it has been good weather since about May...hot, hot, and hotter. And that little red convertible is getting lots of action. Don't be surprised to see me on the highways as I zip on by to my next adventure.


And what have I been up to? Well, I was in Toronto for my niece's prom where she had about 67 of her "closest" friends come to her place (or should I say her parents:' place) to take pictures before they all set out in their limos (I think there were three  huge SUV limos) to their dinner and party. Having a couple of teenagers around - no problem. Having that many....THAT WAS A LOT. While the guys looked their cool selves, I have to say the girls looked beautiful. Once we got passed all the little mishaps - nails falling off, hair coming undone...it all came together. I gotta give credit to my sister and brother-in-law for being so adventurous. What with all the kids coming to take pictures, all the parents and family members wanted to come too, adding to the number of people. NOW THAT WAS A LOT. There was plenty of room in her backyard for everyone and no one fell into the pool. Hmmm...makes me think it would be a good place for weddings...If my niece ever needs some extra cash, she can rent her backyard out...sounds like a good idea to me.

After Toronto, it was off to Vegas. Vegas wasn't just hot....it was super hot - 112 degrees. Vegas is my city.  I only wish my friend Shelli had told me about Vegas a lot sooner. She has had so much more of Vegas than I have.  Had to hit Messa Grill... got to meet Pete Rose...indulged in my frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity, relaxed by the pool, and even won a little on the slots. And how was Vegas you ask me. Well it was fantastic. I have lots of highlights to share with you.

Did I miss any flights? Of course I did ...it wouldn't be normal if I didn't miss a flight or two as I travelled. I was late leaving which made me miss my connection, so they changed my flight and I arrived 12 hours early to Vegas. On the way back, we got on the plane...and we got off the plane. Seems something was wrong with the plane and we were once again delayed. Eventually I made my connections and did make it home.

TREVI FOUNTAIN

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is the largest and most famous fountain in Rome.  As we know it today, it was designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and completed in 1762.

The main figures of the fountain are Neptune, god of the sea, with two Tritons. The fountain is truly beautiful.

It always amazes me how many people gather there day after day and stay just watching the fountain. Security is always on watch making sure no one climbs over railings, no one goes into the water, and no one is sitting on any part of the structure. You know someone is a culprit when you hear the shrill of the whistle.

There is a little shop right there just near Hotel Fontana where you can purchase a sandwich, some cubed watermelon and a drink and then take it to a seating area over by the fountain.This is quite a nice way to take a break, catch a bite, and then go on with sightseeing. But before you head out, don't forget to throw a coin in the fountain. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin in the water. Oh and I have learned that there is a specific way to throw it in as well....you should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain.



Crowds at the fountain



The fountain at night



Perfect way to toss the coin

 .

LAS VEGAS AGAIN

Summer has finally come to our city. A beautiful long weekend with wonderful weather, meals cooked on the barbeque, and three days off from work. I put aside some of the yard work that really needs to get done for a spin, well actually a  few spins, in my new convertible. With the wind in my hair and the tunes blaring, it just doesn't get any better. I am just warming up before my trip to Las Vegas.

Although it will be hot...very hot...there is no humidity, so it's pretty bearable. I also like the mists of water they have in some of the outdoor restaurants that just lightly spray you just enough to keep you cool.

I am already looking forward to reservations at some nice restaurants and can't wait to see some shows. Although, this year one of the shows I plan to see again but go all out for with VIP passes will be the Donny and Marie show. I know you are saying...are you kidding me? And I will say that if you can name me someone who has been performing/singing for as many years and are still around.....then I would really like to meet them. I think Donny may be hitting 50 years. I caught their show last year and in a blink of an eye it was over. The time just flew. It was an amazing show and well worth going again.

Perfect treat for a hot day