When the chaos of the outside world grows, expands, and engulfs everything in my travel path, I head not to a museum, hotel, or restaurant for respite but rather to a church. Throughout Italy, a Catholic church seems to be the requirement in every town, along the same lines of having a supermarket or a post office. Those without are normally towns along the side of the road merely consisting of a café, bank, and tabacchi, the religious rejects if you will. The outside world whizzes on by. Cars honk loudly and vespas interject throughout most side conversations. When I need a break from that Continue Reading
Mount Sinai Wishes You Were Here
This Friday’s “Wish You Were Here” photo comes from Matt McCall, friend and now my enemy for he experienced sunrise over Mount Sinai and this was the result. This view did not come without struggle and strife. After a sleepless van ride, Matt arrived at 3 in the morning to hike Mount Sinai in Egypt. Heckling camel rides met him at the other end. With waves of refusal, he started the chilly climb to the top. “Sunrise at Mt. Sinai was a surprisingly unearthly experience. I felt as if I were at the edge of the world, reconnecting to people who lived thousands of years Continue Reading
Riomaggiore Wishes You Were Here
While I tend to downplay Cinque Terre, known as the five towns in Italy strung out on the Liguria coastline, their beauty is undeniable. Sure, I might appreciate the area more without all of the crowds, but this view is something crowds can’t wreck or ruin. My grumpy nature for these five towns may have something to do with how I arrived to Riomaggiore. Traveling with a friend who just arrived from the US to visit, we ended up waiting 6 hours in the Florence airport for his lost bags. Just barely making the last train to Cinque Terre out of Florence, our train connections were hop-on, Continue Reading
Costa Verde, Sardinia Wishes You Were Here
It is no secret that I love Sardinia. The island just below Corsica and to Italy’s west yields those corny, take-your-breath-away moments. While I have yet to get up north and see what northern Sardinia is all about, I did spend some time exploring southern Sardinia’s scenery, filled with secluded beaches and peachy-colored, rocky mountains. What did I conclude of these visions? Well, I know why Sardinians live so long. This is what they wake up to every morning. Continue Reading
Mount Vesuvius Wishes You Were Here
There is an uneasiness that comes over me when I enter a scenario out of my control. It is similar to that of receiving a test and realizing you should have studied. That piece of paper is out of your hands, yet physically in them, and most likely going to meet an over zealous red pen. Your stomach reverts inward. Heaviness comes over you. You must just guess “C” and move on. This uneasiness met me one day in Italy. I was entrenched in a scenario out of my control. I just had to trust in nature that everything would turn out as it should. I entered into the situation just like a test. I Continue Reading
Luxembourg Wishes You Were Here
Wedged in between so many other European greats, France, Germany, and Belgium to be exact, Luxembourg doesn't always get the attention it deserves. I previously wrote a post about my stop in Vianden, Luxembourg. However, I didn't share all of my photos from that day. Allow me to let Luxembourg do the talking and make you wish you were there. Do you have a "wish you were here" photo you want to share? Email suzy [at] suzyguese [dot] com. I will include a link back to your blog or website. Continue Reading
The Cliché, But Not, of Leaving Your Heart in Paris
Pam of Spunky Girl Monologues proudly highlights two main aspects on the main page of her travel site. She is a traveler and a Canadian. Now, if you don’t know any Canadians, I suggest you get to know some for they really do seem to be the friendliest of people. Pam is no exception. She is gearing up to go on a round the world trip this fall. In the mean time, she shares her breathtaking photography, travel tips, and insights into Canadian travel. Please enjoy her guest post below of this spunky girl’s experience in Paris. Three years ago I sat in a chair in my cozy little basement Continue Reading