italy

September 12, 2024  by

Balogna, a Surprising Treat!

Bologna has the longest porticoes in the world (or porch). Basically every building in the center of Bologna has this covered pathway. This pathways are great because it makes for a great walking path all year round.


These covered pathways go for over 24 miles around the city. One path goes up to the highest point of the city, and it is a great but tough hike. And we did this hike which went for almost 3 miles. 😂😂😂

My friend Davide said it’s an easy hike- of course it is for a 6 footer, 22 year old. It was humid and we were sweating!!!

However, I am so proud we reached the top- the view was beyond truly spectacular. We saw the sunset from here. Then on our way back, Davide suggested “Let’s hike down now.”

I was like “I already called an uber”  And the Mercedes uber arrived in 5 minutes. That is my kind of hiking. 😂


 

in Uncategorized 0 comments
September 10, 2024  by

Live in a Winery

When you visit Northern Italy, there are so many vineyards that offer accommodations. Sometimes you could rent the entire vineyard for group trips or just one or two rooms within the compound.

This winery has eight villas and a massive house that fits 10 people. We just rented one of the villas that has two bedrooms. It was beyond spacious (about 1,200 square feet)

Surprisingly, it is not that expensive to stay in a winery. Last year, 10 of us rented a villa for $1200 a night. (That’s only $120/person per night). And you can also hire a private chef to visit the Villa, and a spa team for massages.

There are also some bougie villas that rent for $2500 to $4000 per night. A good friend owns one and it is stunning.

This particular villa that we’re staying at is not that expensive. It is located in Vinci, Italy which is not that far from Florence (40 minutes). We are also in near a major town that has a grocery store and restaurants. (Some villas are literally in the middle of nowhere).

However, you will need a car because wineries are normally in the middle of nowhere. Some wineries offer car service but that’s extra.

Car rentals in Italy are inexpensive- they start at about €35 a day. Make sure that you get insurance because Italian drivers are something else.

It is very easy to drive here- but some of roads are winding. There’s also no traffic here. Just need to stick to the speed limit because there are many cameras around. I have gotten half a dozen tickets in Italy in the past 15 years. 😂😂😂 but they are only €80 as opposed to LA, which is like $500 for speeding.

Next time you visit Italy, I hope you consider staying in a winery like this or a private villa. It is such a great experience.

DCIM103MEDIADJI_0995.JPG

DCIM103MEDIADJI_0991.JPG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in Uncategorized 0 comments
September 10, 2024  by

Rimini Revealed: A Coastal Gem of History, Culture, and Sun-Kissed Shores

We were supposed to be in Bologna for 4 days but changed plans because I wanted John to experience beaches in Italy. We picked Rimini, just an hour drive from Bologna because it was the closest beach to Bologna.

Stayed in Rimini for 2 days and we both love it here. It is my first time, and Rimini and Riccione are both so charming.

They have tourists here but mostly Italians from other cities. I heard that this is considered a party beach town- but summer vacation is almost over for Italians so what’s left are older couples on vacation. 😂😂
(Where are the hot Italians??? 😡😡😡😂)

Rimini, a charming coastal city in Italy, is famed for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Located along the Adriatic Sea, it boasts a rich history that dates back to Roman times, with ancient ruins still visible throughout the city. One of the most notable landmarks is the Arch of Augustus, which stands as a testament to Rimini’s historical significance. The city’s bustling promenade is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering visitors a taste of authentic Italian cuisine and local delicacies.

  • Beyond the beach, the nearby hills offer picturesque landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling. Families can enjoy attractions like the Italia in miniatura theme park, showcasing miniature replicas of Italy’s most famous landmarks.

The local culture is vibrant, with seasonal festivals that celebrate everything from food to music, providing a glimpse into the Italian way of life. As the sun sets, Rimini transforms into a lively hub, with beach clubs and bars offering entertainment well into the night. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Rimini offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

I will definitely come back here- I love it! The town is very clean, orderly and somewhat classy, but not overly bougie like Positano or Capri with their mega yachts.

If I were to move to Italy, I wouldn’t mind moving here. They have a decent sized airport here, a nice mall, several McDonalds (Hey, I need my Big Mac once in a while LOL), and hospitals (important when you’re my age 😂). You also have easy access to wineries and beautiful cities like Bologna, Venice and Florence.

in Uncategorized 0 comments
September 4, 2024  by

When In Rome …

I have a private driver in Rome named Chito and he is Filipino. He is really knowledgeable about the city. He used to be a seminarian in the Philippines, so he is familiar with the history of religion.

Everytime my family goes to Rome, we hire him to drive us around to all the major pilgrimage and shopping sights.

He has a van that can accommodate 8 people. I love having a private driver because I can tell him exactly what I want to see. For instance, I was really craving Filipino food, so he took us to one. (John rolled his eyes the entire time).

He is so inexpensive. He only charged me €200 for 5 hours (for up to 8 people). If you sign up to a Viator tour group, they generally charge €130 per person. So it is cheaper to have a private driver if you have more than 2 passengers.

If you ever visit Rome, let me know, and I could give you his information.


 

in Uncategorized 0 comments
September 1, 2024  by

What’s Cooking Good Looking?

When I’m in Europe, sometimes I attend cooking classes. They are really not that expensive and they are fun, you get to meet interesting people, and you get a meal out of it.

I booked this class on Viator and it is for two hours, and they taught us how to make pizza from scratch and tiramisu. After the class, we sat down with other students and they served wine with what we cooked.

All these for only €55. If you think about it, a pizza, wine and dessert in Italy what cost you around €26. So it is definitely worth it because I got to learn a new skill. The food was really amazing.

You can book a similar class on Viator and read reviews about the class. 

 

in Uncategorized 0 comments