Silence is hard to find in Italy. Noise of some form is bound to find a way into the most isolated stretches of the country. From their garbage trucks to Italians in general, finding peace and quiet in Italy can be a challenge. That is, until I reached Matera, a town located in the southern region of Basilicata, in between Calabria and Puglia. Matera is considered one of the oldest settlements in the world, with the first inhabited zone dating back to Paleolithic times. These settlements formed in the earth with caves, called sassi. However, Matera is not merely known for its old Continue Reading
Alberobello, Italy Wishes You Were Here
In the Puglia region of southern Italy, known as the heel of the country, the town of Alberobello covers in some of Italy's most unique structures. All around Alberobello, witch hat looking homes scatter about, with some adorned in strange Christian and pagan symbols. Driving into the city around dusk, birds circle throughout the sky above as though Hitchcock is here filming his latest thriller. The sky’s color is burnt orange, with hints of deep purple. The screeching birds are not in Alberobello for dramatic effect. Some 1,500 strangely shaped homes set up in town known as trulli. The stone Continue Reading
Castel del Monte in Italy Wishes You Were Here
Driving through olive groves and sun scorched plains, on top of a hill, a fortress breaks up the landscape of Italy’s heel. In the middle of nowhere in the Puglia region of Italy, a lone castle waits, elevated from the common man or woman. This castle is unlike most in Italy, enough that UNSECO gave it its stamp of approval. Castel del Monte makes you work to reach her. A 20-minute walk in the hot Italian sun up to the Castle’s feet doesn’t go without reward. Fredrick II had the castle constructed in 1240. The strange octagonal shape alludes to the idea that the castle could have been some Continue Reading
How You Can Spend Three Months in Europe and Not Go Broke
I wouldn’t say I am a budget traveler, but then again I would. I hate overpriced tourist traps. Europe happens to have loads. However, I appreciate travel splurges here and there, a nice meal or a three star hotel. When I set out for Italy this summer, I knew it was obviously a more expensive option than going to live in a village in Africa or backpacking through Southeast Asia. Since I could walk, a challenge has never made me back down. I left for Italy with very little money. For those of you who dream of spending a few months in Europe, specifically Italy, it is possible. Here are some Continue Reading
The Statues Of Florence, Italy Wish You Were Here
Museums tend to hold the majority of cherished and prized Italian art. However, outside a number of Florentine residents add to the outdoor museum of the city. Part of what I love about Florence is its cohesive architecture, the city's ability to stick to one style even throughout newer, more modern buildings. Part of that appeal lies in nearly every piazza and around every corner. There is some sort of statue to be seen, admired, and yes, even feared. The more famous, the lesser known, the symbolic and the evil eyed are among my favorites in Florence. Continue Reading
Ponte alla Carraia in Florence, Italy Wishes You Were Here
Most draw their attentions to the Ponte Vecchio in the other direction, but Ponte alla Carraia warrants more than a look. Standing on Ponte Santa Trinitá, Ponte alla Carraia spans the River Arno and appears covered in a haze this evening. The reflections of nearby buildings use the Arno as their mirror, getting ready for a big night out in Florence. Would you like to have your photo featured here? Email me at suzy [at] suzyguese [dot] com. Continue Reading
Maratea, Italy Wishes You Were Here
When you spend your birthday traveling after years of doing so at home, it is bound to feel somewhat strange, not really the big day with presents and cake unless you bring all of the bells and whistles with you. While I didn’t get any cake for my birthday, just gelato, I had the hard task of spending the big day in Maratea, Italy. Maratea rests along the Golfo di Policastro in the Basilicata region of Italy, blanketed with soft orange rooftops encased by green hills on one side and Tyrrhenian Sea on the other. The drive into medieval Maratea had me clutching my seat belt on a few occasions. A Continue Reading