Lake Garda in Italy

Lake Garda in Italy

“Discovering this idyllic place, we find ourselves filled with a yearning to linger here, where time stands still and beauty overwhelms.” Whoever said this must have seen wonders beyond what man can afford with his ingenuity. So when in Italy, stop and stare on the peaceful and breathtaking Alpine scenery reflecting in the still, delicate waters of Lake Garda.

Lake Garda or Lago di Garda or Benaco is the largest inland lake situated in a beautiful area in northern Italy between Venice and Milan and split among three regions: Lombardy on the western shore, Veneto on the eastern shore, and Trentino-Alto Adige on the northern shores. A lake that boasts more than 48 kilometers of beaches from north to south and a scenic view of the cue misty mountain tops and bright bursts of bougainvillea is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque parts of Italy.

The formation of Lake Garda dates back around 1.5 million years ago during the last Ice Age. When a large mound of glacier spilled on a flat land next to a valley and flowed down from the Brenta Dolomites and gouged through the valley. Once the glacier melted the fresh water, a lake was formed which we now know as Lake Garda.

The lake also has numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being Isola del Garda and nearby to the south is Isola San Biagio. The three other main islands are Isola dell'Olivo, Isola di Sogno and Isola di Timelone, all further north near the east side.

As the largest of the lakes, Lake Garda offers much to see and do – including deep blue waters, green forests, towering mountains, and picturesque towns. Luxury hotels and resorts that cater to both local and foreign tourists, dot the shoreline of the lake as well. It should come to no surprise why this place is the most visited lakes in Italy. Moreover, Lake Garda is a true outdoor fitness center where all sorts of “active sports” can be enjoyed. Many tourists visit the lake for the extraordinary opportunities the lake offers on its waters and throughout the inland area. The clear waters of the lake is perfect for swimming in summer and many popular sports such as windsurfing and sailing. Malcesine, Riva, Gardone, Brenzone, Caprino Veronese and Spiazzi are also excellent for mountain-hiking and biking and Canyoning and other outdoor sports providing panoramic views of the area.

Finally, a visit to this region is a delight to the taste buds – pasta, fresh tomatoes, the highly aromatic Italian basil, and the most glorious olive oil completes the whole package of pleasure. Lake Garda is definitely one difficult place to beat.
The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy

The Grand Canal in Venice, Italy

What is Grand Canal?
As one of the most important waterway in the city of Venice in Italy, the Grand Canal runs two miles long, thirty–ninety meters in width and with an average depth of five meters. Its one end leads into the lagoon near Santa Lucia Railway Station while the other end leads to Saint Mark Basin. Along the banks of the Grand Canal stood 170 and more buildings which represent the deepest artistic welfare of Venice. The palazzos in the lagoon such as Palazzi Barbaro, Palazzo Daro, Palazzo Barbarigo, Ca’ Rezzonico, Ca’ d’Oro, Ca’ Foscari symbolizes the how rich the whole place is.

What to do in Grand Canal?

  • Grand Canal Boat Tour - Experience the magnificence and romance in Venice by touring the entire street of the canal for one whole hour. Price rates are determined by each person. This covers the fee of the local expert guide, for Prosecco Wine, the luxurious motor-launch and headphone.
  • Skipping the Line between Saint Mark’s Basilica and Gondola – Take your time gliding through a labyrinth of small canals while touring and skipping the line tickets to Saint Mark’s Bassilica.
  • Private Gondola Ride – Spend your time enjoying the sunset and a gondola ride during late evenings. Begin the journey from Bacino Orseolo through the small enchanting Venetian & Grand Canals towards the famous Rio S. Luca and back. This Gondola Ride is a great way to celebrate your wedding, engagement, birthday and anniversary.
  • Gondola Serenade Private Day & Night Tour – Have an excursion in the Lagoon City with the Gondola Ride with music. Enjoy the duration of the ride while the two Venetian singers singing famous Italian songs.
  • Romantic Cruising – End your travel itinerary by cruising with your romantic partner through the isolated waterways in floating city while passing under small bridges.
The Traveler´s Diet and The World Cup

The Traveler´s Diet and The World Cup

I have probably already talked about this; I can never remember what I have already said and what I haven´t. Anyway, I am going to let you guys in on my very secret diet plan.

1. Carry a 40 pound backpack around with you everywhere.
2. Eat only 2 or 3 meals a day since you don´t really have time for snacking (not like sitting at the desk all day!)
3. Eat something shady in Egypt (no idea what). End up sick, not able to eat for a few days.
4. Walk miles a day. Miles and miles.

It feels great. Except for the little slip up in Egypt, everything has been healthy. We are eating fresh food and smaller meals and walking a ton. Big K must have lost 10 or 15 pounds and me, little K, maybe 6. But all in all, we are happy and healthy.

And then....we went to Italy.

We arrived in Italy and our first stop was Bologna. This is supposed to be the home of some of the best food in Italy (they all say that but what the heck). Since we are scientists, we decided to test out the theory and see if we could prove it wrong (by multiple testing of course). So we went to a typical Italian meal, which consists of a starter, first course and second course. Unlike us, they eat it in a strange order. Your starter may be a meat platter, your first course is pasta and your second is usually a meat dish. Then there is always coffee and desert, which are generally delicious. If you are particularly brave, there is a cheese plate and a digestive. Of course we had to try it all.

And then we went to Venice and had to try the food there, because I heard that the Venitians have the best food in Italy. And then we went to Rome, where we met up with some of Big K´s family and of course had to prove to them that the food in Italy was good, as well as to find out for ourselves WHICH region ACTUALLY has the best food. We also made sure that Florence was not left out. All in all, I think that the bottom line is: all the food in Italy is good. Period. Sorry Neopolitans. You are NOT the best. You are in a 21 way tie with all the other regions in Italy. But....I have only tried 4 of them, so I never know, I may have to go back and keep trying out the theory.

So, now we are in Portugal, which as you know is Big K´s family´s origin. So we are trying to get a feel for the city, eating and drinking and walking. And most of all, watching The World Cup....watching the USA kick butt, even though the England goal they made was a little crappy...watching Portugal tie with Brazil to make it on the next round... So its a week of eating and soccer. Carry on.

Next, we go to a few more places in Portugal before heading towards Paris for our flight out of here. I made a map but the computer I am on would not let me save it in a format I could post here. Next time, I guess. Until then, Arividerci, Adios and Ciao!
The Allure of Italy's Amalfi Coast

The Allure of Italy's Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast or Costiera Amalfitana in Italian is a lovely stretch of coastline on the southern side of Sorrentine Peninsula in Italy. It spans an area from the town of Positano in the west to the town of Vietri sul Mare in the east; covering ten more towns where each holds a unique heritage. Renowned for it's rugged terrain, scenic beauty, diverse culture and best Mediterranean foods, the Amalfi Coast, is listed as one of the World's Heritage Site by (UNESCO) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

History and nature combined is what makes up the Amalfi Coast. The main historical sight is the Duomo, also known as the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea where the elite or the religious in Amalfi resides. Other churches in the area are the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Positano, the church of San Pancrazio in Conca dei Marini and more. There is a natural reserve of the “Ferriere" and a marine reserve of "Punta Campanella" which maintains the natural integrity of the surrounding.

Summer is a great time to visit the Amalfi Coast where you can have a great time relaxing – soaking up the sun or just enjoying the blue-green waters of the Mediterranean Sea. If you're in the mood for love, the scenic beauty of nature in the Amalfi coast is a romantic spot perfect for honeymoons. But if you're into the nightlife, L'Africana, which is just east of Positano is the best nightclub in the area.

Last not least, the Amalfi cuisine; have a taste of there special cuisine with a taste of lemons on each dishes. Try some of these well-known dishes including l'orata al forno, la zuppa di pesce, la carne alla pizzaiola, le cozze alla marinara, and l'insalata di mare. Amalfi Coast produces a sweet strong liqueur called limoncello - a must-know for all the visitors. Along terraces of this area are packed with beautiful aromatic lemon groves. This is why, each of their delicacies always has the sweetness of lemon in it, making visitors come back for more.