Journey Around The Globe
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Medieval Siena in Tuscany, Italy
SIENNA, ITALY: Sienna is one of the most popular destinations in Tuscan region of Italy. It is famous for its enclosed medieval old town and charming old alleys. Sienna is one of many towns of Tuscany which is ringed with a medieval wall and has web-like narrow alleys to get lost into. It’s rich and historic atmosphere will impress anyone effortlessly.
We rented a car during our visit in Tuscany. Finding a parking can be a bit of a challenge here. Once you are in the old part of Sienna, covering the old town and its cobbled-stone streets on foot is preferably the best option. I couldn’t take my eyes off of those lovely medieval buildings and some newer architectures as well…it’s amazing how they all blend in just perfectly.
TIME of TRAVEL: Our first trip to Tuscany was in February of 2012. It was a cold and bitter winter in Europe that year. We visited Florence and Pisa that time. We planned to go to San Marino but had to turn back around from the mountains because of heavy snow blizzard. That wasn’t really the best way to enjoy Tuscany…we had to go back there for the second time. This time it was in October 2013 and it was as perfect as one could expect.
OUR HOTEL: We stayed in “My One Hotel in Radda” for the whole time in Tuscany. It’s located in the hills of Chianti…a place which is not only famous for its wine, but also for its art, history, natural beauty, and simplicity. This was a 4 or 5 star resort. We had free grand breakfast buffet, spacious room, clean linens, and excellent customer service. But above all of those, the best part of it is the view from our balcony or from the hotel terrace. Standing on the upper terrace one early morning, I got the perfect glimpse of Tuscan hills and trees hugging the autumn clouds…it was a breathtaking feeling. I felt like I didn’t need to get out, I could have just sit in my hotel balcony all day and enjoy Tuscany right from there.
EATING and SHOPPING: Our lunch in Sienna was at a place called “4 Cantoni”. We had some porcini fried as appetizer, then some Tuscan soup with bread. If you are in the mood for some desserts, try tiramisu. The restaurant had many options of pasta and gnocchi too.
This old part of Sienna is filled with quick-luncheons to sit-down restaurants and bars. Italian cookies or biscotti are famous here too. For those fancy shoppers, you can find stores with brand names and designer shops to local boutiques and small artisans. Olive oil, leather items, and potteries are just some of the things you can bring back from Sienna or whole Tuscan.
PLACES WE’VE VISITED: Old city of Sienna is enclosed within a city wall which is few centuries old. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. There are lots of slopes and stairs to climb. But the fun part is walking around in between the medieval walls and buildings.
We spent about little more than half a day in Sienna and followings are some of the sites we managed to visit. But if you have more time, there are plenty of other palaces to visit from the 15th century, art museums, and historic buildings. If you have spare days in Tuscany, explore other small towns and villages like Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano, Volterra, or the scenic hillsides and vineyards of this region.
1) PIAZZA del CAMPO and PALAZZO PUBLICO (SIENNA CITY HALL): After entering the old city wall of Sienna, our first stop was Piazza del Campo. This is the main square at the center of Sienna. It’s the gathering point for locals as well as for tourists and a lively place to hang out. Countless restaurants, bars, gelato places, and shops surround the square…a great place to enjoy meals while watching the world go by.
Palazzo Publico or Sienna City Hall dominates Piazza del Campo and its tower Torre del Mangia overlooks the square. This is an 800 years old city hall and is still in working condition. We couldn’t do it with the kids, but tourists can climb some 300 steps of “Torre del Mangia” to get a 360 degree panoramic view of whole Sienna and its countryside. The ticket is 8 euros per person and only 25 people can access it at any given time for 15 minutes.
Civil Museum is also located near the city hall. It is 8 euros, another place we couldn’t visit.
2) SIENNA DUOMO: From the main square of Sienna we headed to the main highlight of Sienna…Sienna Duomo. If you have time to see only one thing in Sienna, this would be it. This is one of the most extravagant cathedrals in whole Tuscany. Its black and white interior and Italian Romanesque style architecture with grandly curved entrance never fail to please the visitors. Loved the gorgeous altar, magnificent ceiling, artsy floor tiles, medieval frescoes, and every single statue.
You can rent an audio-tour for a fee which elaborately talks about the history of this cathedral. We spent about little less than an hour inside the cathedral (yeh, it’s that big and filled with relics and beauties) and enjoyed every corner of it.
Opposite of the duomo is Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. It has separate door and entrance fee. Both of these are located in Piazza del Duomo.
3) BASILICA SAN FRANCESCO: About 7/8 minutes of walk from Piazza del Duomo is Basilica San Francesco. It was quiet and empty when we were there late in the afternoon. But the oversized paintings and gorgeous altar with black and white interior immediately caught our attentions. It was a bit similar to Sienna Duomo but a simpler version.
There is no charge to enter the basilica. It is open 7:30am-12pm and 3:30pm-7pm.
4) SANTUARIO di SANTA CATERINA: This is a small church but very gorgeous inside. We spent some time with the kids in its cozy courtyard. I think the best of this place was getting here…we passed some old residential buildings, climbed slopes, and enjoyed looking at laundries hanging from the windowsills.
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Cathedral Park and Historic St. John’s Bridge in Portland, Oregon
Cathedral Park and St. John’s Bridge, Oregon: As I am exploring Portland and its surroundings, I came across some pictures of Cathedral Park recently. And ofcourse, I had to pay a visit there. Weather has been pretty nice and warm past few days here. I drove about little more than half an hour to go to Cathedral Park and check out the historic St. John’s Bridge.
It was still little early in the morning, around 9 when I reached there. Some joggers, runners, and chatters were enjoying the park with no disturbance. Giant St. John’s Bridge left me in awe after looking at it. It’ a majestic steel-suspension bridge from 1929 with two tall Gothic towers. Willamette River runs underneath the bridge.
The park itself is located in the middle of a small neighborhood by River Willamette. It didn’t seem so big but was a perfect place to enjoy an early spring morning by myself.
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Oregon’s Highest Peak – Mt. Hood
HOOD, OREGON: Last week in Oregon was a blessing for us, I mean weather-wise. After few weeks of gloominess and cloudiness and fogginess, I was eagerly waiting for a bright and sunny day to go out with my family and have some outdoor fun. And finally there it was. It was kind of an instant decision to head towards Mt. Hood last Sunday. But hey, it’s February and you can’t let a gorgeous day get away like that.
The girls were excited about playing in the snow, my husband was excited to just get out of the house, and I was excited to put my new lens at work. Mt. Hood was THE place. We got ready, packed some sandwiches, filled up the car, and off to the highest peak in Oregon.
Yep, with more than 11,000 feet in elevation, Mt. Hood is the highest peak in Oregon and you don’t have to be that lucky to see its crowned and pointed peak from any corner of Portland and surroundings. That’s a gift we Oregonians enjoy everywhere we go, a glimpse of Mt. Hood from here and there. This is where the locals and tourists go for skiing, tobogganing, camping, hiking, and any other outdoor fun or winter sports.
Mt. Hood is about little more than 2 hours of drive from Portland. Enjoy the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway on your way. Make sure to check out this must-see site of nature when in Oregon, you won’t regret it.
Once you are there, explore different sites, like Timberline Lodge and Government Camp. We were at Timberline Lodge this time. This is a major ski area, winter sports center, and a very popular tourist destination in summer or winter.
The lodge here, Timberline Lodge, was built in the late 1930s and is a National Historic Landmark. You can rent or buy sports/winter gears, stay overnight and have nice meals all under this roof.
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Guest Post – 6 Reasons Why Venice Carnival is The Most Unique Festival in the World
Come February, dreamy Venice will shed off its winter blues and become one of the happiest cities in the world. The much awaited Venice Carnival which is by far the best festival in Venice is set to take place in early February and as usual, it promises to be an event that cannot be missed.
The Venice Carnival is all about letting go of you and abandoning all worries at play.You will be transported to whimsical, renaissance times with pompous costumes and gorgeous, handcrafted masks. The Venice Carnival showcases magnificently bespoke masks and costumes, all made especially for this occasion. The carnival has its roots in the Renaissance period and was originally started as a celebration of victory in a battle in the year 1162. Since then, this baroque celebration has added grace to the prestigious image of Venice. Looking for a reason to plan a trip to Venice during the carnival? We’ll give you 6!
1. Masks, Masks and more Masks!
Masks are a signature of the Venice Carnival and they also are the real showstopper. It is often difficult to spot a bare face in the crowd of gorgeous masks during the Carnival. Probably started as a rebellion against the rigid class hierarchies, masks came to be the center piece of the celebration. Take your pick from the grotesque Bauta, jeweled Columbina, the outlandish Medico dellapeste or the velvet Moretta ; Venetian Masks are a piece of art and mask markers hold a prominent position in Venetian society.
2. Be Part of a Real Life Zombie Walk
You read that right, you could star in your very own Walking Dead at the Venice Carnival. Only, instead of hunting for warm blood, you will be walking towards cold beers and Italian wine! ‘Zombies’ are taken from the Zattere area to Pescheria for an evening party where they can let their hair down and mingle with other zombies.
3. This is where All the Action is!
A variety of activities take place during the Carnival. La Biennale hosts some spell binding performances and activities for children. There are also a number of art exhibitions and sculpture displays that showcase artistes from around the world. The whole city lights up with festive cheer and the streets become a stage for fascinating dancers, actors, singers and also ordinary citizens who want to make most of otherwise forbidden liberties. If you prefer staying indoors, almost every hotel hosts a party or a performance during the festival, so there is no dearth of events to attend!
4. Feel like a part of a Fairytale in the Legendary Masked Ball
The highpoint of the Carnival is the Grand Masked Ball. Usually hosted in a resplendent palace, this masquerade ball is a sight to reckon, with exceptional costumes and intricate masks. From the grotesque to the gorgeous, people leave no stone unturned when it comes to making their costume the most unique one in the room. So get your creative juices flowing and pick out your best dancing shoes, this party is going to be ball of fun!
5. Experience the Flight of an Angel
As ridiculous as this might sound, you can actually witness an angel flying from a tower towards her Doge who holds a gift for her. Started in the 16th century as the ‘Flight of the Turk’, the event was eventually banned and reintroduced in 2001 with a minor celebrity who dresses as an angel and flies (more like zip-line’s) her way to her prince charming at Doge. The flight marks the beginning of festivities at the Carnival.
6. La FestaDelle Marie
Historically started as a tribute to the sumptuous dowry given to twelve young brides annually, La Festadelle Marie has now become a major event in the Venice carnival. 12 young women arechosen as the stars of this glittering parade that goes from San Pietro in Castelloto Piazza San Marco which is the epicenter of the carnival. A treat to the eyes, people flaunt their breathtaking costumes and masks and celebrate the spirit of the most fun festival in Europe.
Once in the grip of hedonism, the Carnival has since then taken a less aggressive demeanor and has become a celebration of the inimitable culture of Venice. It showcases an extraordinary city that has been a focal point of art and culture in Europe. To experience Venice in its true glory, a visit to the Venice Carnival is a must.
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sofia2604/
Author Bio: Erica Brooks is a lover of traveling, languages, and cultures and a photo enthusiast. A constant mover, she has made it her mission to inspire people to travel, see and experience more of this awesome world.
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Old World Charm: Dubrovnik and Split
Croatia is fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. The mix of history, architecture, shops and cuisine will impress even the most hardened sightseers. If you’re on a cruise to the Adriatic, or even if you’re not, excursions to Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia’s two largest cities, should definitely form part of your bucket list.
Dubrovnik
As your liner sails towards the 12th century walled city of Dubrovnik you’ll discover one of the gems of the Adriatic on your cruise. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and those with a keen eye will spot reminders of Roman, Venetian and Byzantine rule at every turn.
Architectural highlights include Onofrio’s Fountain (part of the city’s medieval aqueduct system) as well as the world’s oldest pharmacy, established by Franciscan monks in the 14th century. You can also visit the city’s Franciscan Monastery, home to a statue of the Piéta carved in 1498, said to be one of the great examples of its kind.
Once you’ve seen the sights, it’s good to meander through Dubrovnik’s winding side streets as they’re full of shops, independent galleries and pretty restaurants. In the evening why not treat yourself to dinner at one of the city’s Michelin starred restaurants — though it’s likely you’ll have to book ahead.
Split
There are so many reasons to your leave your cruise and go exploring in Croatia’s second largest city, another UNESCO heritage site. The 4th century Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian is a must see — it’s thought to be the best-preserved example of a period imperial palace in the world.
For natural beauty, visitors can take a trip to Krka (pronounced ‘kur-ka’) one of the country’s seven national parks just outside the city. Woodland, lakes and waterfalls abound in this 100km wide area of unspoilt beauty.
For bargain hunters you’ll find lots of small shops in Split’s old town selling curiosities as well as more mainstream fare. Lacework, oil paintings and ceramics are good buys. But be sure to carry cash with you as there may be shops that don’t accept credit cards.
Thought Venice was nice? Your Adriatic cruise will be twice as satisfying with a visit to Dubrovnik or Split – or both! These cities offer a privileged glimpse into the past with all the modern comforts you’d expect from a fine cruise holiday.
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Business Excellence Award 2020 from AI Global Media
Journey Around The Globe 