Italian Gothic Tour - NYT Article is Spooky-Cool

After reading a NYT's article about Gothic Italian sites, I've figured out my next trip to Italy. Well...I haven't explained these plans to my husband yet, because he just wants to see tourist sites and then check them off his list:

• Eiffel Tower - Check
• Leaning Tower - Check
• Tower of London - Check.
• Okay, we're ready to tackle Asia.....

I, on the other hand, look for more intensive travels. No, I probably won't be able to get my travel partner to go to all of the spooky Goth sites on this NYT's list, but I will add one or two if possible. The travel article also has some excellent ideas for novels...Gothic writings...that I've never heard of. It's just so nice to know that there are other people who travel more for the experience than for the Facebook photos. 

The link for the article is further down, but here are some pictorial highlights that I've put together from the NYTs article:

Need to read - I'm not a Goth so this looks like fun.

Mosaic in spooky Cathedral of Otranto, a city that celebrates some seriously scary stuff.

Padua - Wow, this looks beautiful. I've only been to Rome, Venice, Florence, and a few Italian cruise ports.

I think I'll be just about ready for Italy next October.

Here's the link for the NYT's travel article and some ghoulish photos of The Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad Arco Church in Naples and the Capuchin Crypt in Rome.

Song of the Day: Don't Fear the Reaper (Eeeeeek!)

My 10 Favorite Ports of Call - Cruising Tina's Way

I'm in need of a vacay, so I thought I'd tell you my favorite cruise ports just for the fun of it.  (Thinking about vacations is almost as much fun as going on them.)
 
First of all, I want to mention that my fave cruise line is Oceania. My second fave is Princess or any ship where we have a group of friends....on any line...in any sea.  And, I get mildly seasick even in small swells, so the ports have to be good.
 

1. Best Port of Call - Venice: Sure, there shouldn't be cruise ships to pollute that lovely, ethereal land, but ships go to Venice and Venice rocks. The only bad thing is embarkation. I was in Venice for a few days and then I had to leave. Bummer.

2. Corsica: I don't know why I love Corsica so much more than other spots in the Med, but I do. I like the stone steps between the old stone buildings and the way it all feels so ancient. Hey, I'm from the West Coast. We think the Space Needle is old.

3. Capri: Well, you don't really stop in Capri; you stop in Naples and take a boat over. It looks like the kind of place where you will see Sophia Lauren sitting at a nearby table. Well, you might see a wannabe.

4. Auckland NZ: You will never meet so many nice, friendly people as you will in NZ. I also, liked all of the other ports, especially Tauranga and (forgot the name) the port in the south with the big uni.

5. Sydney: There is nothing about Sydney that's not to like. Just leave your husband at home, because the men are gorgeous.

6. The port in Turkey (Kushdaasi or Kusadasi?) where you go to Ephesus. If you want old ruins, forget Pompeii and go to Ephesus. Those are the best ruins I've ever seen. I did not want to leave...and they're still digging.  It may be better every time you go back.

7. Talinn Estonia: The surprise port was Talinn. Who knew? It has a fairytale castle. Just ignore the Russian era buildings and factories. I would have stayed for days. Very artsy in feel.

8. Hong Kong: I didn't cruise there but it's a fabulous city. I'm sure you can find a ship to take you there.

9. Quebec City: It's a bit of old France in the middle of nowhere.

10. Honolulu: I've lived on Oahu twice so it was nice to get off in a city I knew. The place is so crowded now, but it's still a great beach. And, no sharks. Where should I go next?  Should I cruise?  Should I try my first European river cruise? (yes!)  Should I go to Eastern Europe and hope I can read the signs? 

Here are some articles about cruise wear.  I didn't realize I was such an expert on the subject until women recognized me on my last cruise.  It was very cool.  And, I hope my advice helps you pack the right stuff:

Sexy Plus Size Cruise Wear: Cocktail and Formal Dresses  

Daytime Cruise Wear for Women With Style 

Women's Travel Cruise Wear Online: Chicks Over 40 or 50  

I Am Going Back to Paris

I was in Paris last month. Now, I am going back with my two adult daughters. They have never been to Paris (one of them has never been to Europe) and it is going to be a blast even though we are only going for 5 days.

I don't know if I can keep up with them. I didn't have my kids until my mid thirties. Both of my girls are in their mid twenties. Hopefully, I can teach them how to use the Metro and give them a carnet of tickets and a map.

They have never been to the Louvre Museum.

Louvre and the Tuileries Park - photo web.france.com

My daughters have never been to the Tuileries. It's my favorite park. Actually, no. My favorite park is at Versaille, but we can walk to the Louvre or take a Metro from our hotel.

They have never seen the painting of Liberty Leading the People by Delacroix.

They have never hung out with me to have some hot chocolate at Place des Vosge. Or wandered around to see the little shops in the neighborhood.

My daughters have never been to Musee d'Orsay. Or eaten a real croissant or Croque Monsieur. (Forgive my spelling. I'm too tired to check) Or had a cold Orangina at a sidewalk cafe. There are so many things to see that I don't even know where to start. However, I know that this will be an amazing vacation. 

Here are 5 phrases to remember if you're going to Paris: 

Tips on Manners for Shopping in France

What to Wear to Paris if You Want to Be a Chic Woman Traveler Over 40 & 50

I just got back from Paris about a week ago...maybe a bit longer. It was recent enough that I still long for a crumbly, light, fluffy croissant every morning and a small piece of European cheese to go with it. Give me that combo and an Orangina and I'm happy. It doesn't take much...why can't I find anything like that in Seattle?

photo: food_in_mouth Flickr.com

Anyway, I've been writing about what the chic Parisians were wearing. In the past, I've been to Paris in the high summer months and at the end of September. Fortunately, this time, I threw some black garments in my suitcase at the last minute or I would have had to stay in my room. Only a few colors seem to be allowed during the colder months and the main color is BLACK. You can get away with gray, brown, khaki, and other muted or dark colors, as long as you don't wear anything that makes you stand out. Oh, I also saw navy blue and other dark blues worn with black.

Warning: The following photo of me is really bad. I swelled up from medication and I don't know when I'll be normal again....but I'm fearless in posting photos.

Here is that photo of me shopping for cosmetics on the Champs Elysees in the middle of March. At least my stockings and my boots were black. (The stripes are a shopping bag.)

People stared at me. I mean that people stared at me and took photos. I actually heard one woman say in English, "I think what she's wearing is cute." And, of course, she had to be replying to someone else saying something like, "What is that woman wearing?" God only knows what the French were saying. They talk so softly (and so quickly) that I can catch a few words here and there, but not all.

Okay, I don't really mind. Actually, a guy in Montmartre (straight guy) came up to take photos of me because he thought I looked "cute". Well, that was a weird experience.

Anyway, you should not wear too many colors (such as two non-black colors) unless you don't mind the extra attention. Personally, I don't think my outfit is bad. It's just different. And, I'm not a model. I'm a 58 y/o Baby Boomer from the West Coast.

What to Wear in Paris if You Don't Want to Look Like a Tourist:

Well, you can learn from my slight faux pas. If you want to look like a chic Parisian, chic American, chic Italian, chic Brit, etc. when you are on holiday/vacation, you will find the answers in the following articles:

What to Wear in Paris in Early Spring or Late Fall

Paris Street Style for Women Over 40 & 50

How to Dress in Paris Using Layers and Accessories

Women Over 40 or 50: Parisian Women's Style is in the Details

And, I thought I'd throw in something about handbags and shoes. I knew my flowered cloth handbag was going to be "unique", but I didn't think it would make people stare. Actually, my bag might have been acceptable in summer, when everyone lightens up about wearing that "black uniform"...but I had never been to Paris when it was the end of winter, so I didn't realize what it was like.  Learn from what I saw:

Comfortable Shoes for Women: Travel Footwear for Walking Europe

Extra Large Leather Handbags Worn by Chic Parisian Women

 There will be more articles about Paris. And, you don't need to be in Paris to use French fashion rules. With some minor adjustments, everything I saw in Paris could be worn in Texas, Seattle, New York, or San Francisco. It might even work in Montana. However, I wouldn't try it in Miami or Honolulu. People might think you are in mourning.

Song of the Day: Le Vent Nous Portera

My Favorite Articles About Europe

Hey Boomer Gals,

I've been to Europe quite a few times.  The first time was when I was a teenie-bopper in 1965.  Then, once, I lived near Montreux for a doomed-to-fail semester at a Swiss boarding school...I decided to get kicked out because I couldn't understand a word of their mandatory French.  Then...well I've been on the Continent more times than that, but I'm getting bored with this monologue.

I just want you to know that I am a confirmed people watcher...a student of personalities and societies.  And, I promise not to steer you wrong on where to go, how to save money, or what to wear.  If you're a guy, you basically need to know that if I see you in shorts, I will ask you to move to the back of the line.

I've gathered up the articles I've written so far.  And, I'm going to a cheap hotel in Paris, soon (so I'll be writing more on Paris).  If we don't use up our miles, they will expire.  Also, we're going at the very beginning of the season (Spring) instead of the high season...so, it's not going to cost an arm and a leg or even a toenail.

Planning Your Trip

I know that all you suburban gals who went to Catholic school think you have to map out your vacations a year in advance, but I'm here to tell you that it's just not true.  It's not too late to throw together a last-minute road trip, cruise, or anything.  And, you have so much time between now and September and those glorious tourist-free months...oi...trust me.  Go while the Euro exchange is decent.

Baby Boomers' Europe: Cruise Ships vs Hotels


Planning a Trip to Europe: Tour Group, Cruise Ship or Self-Guided


Free Rick Steves Graffiti Wall: Best Info Site

What to Wear if You're a Boomer Chick

I always bring too much.  The new rule is to take half the clothes and twice the credit cards.  But, you're not going to see the same people everyday...and even if you do...as long as you are presentable and you don't stink, you should be fine.

The Best Sites for Women's Travel Wear


Best Women's European Travel Accessory - Long Summer Scarves


What to Wear in Europe - Women's Travel Clothing Summer Vacations


Cheap Bohemian Travel Clothes - Spring / Summer


Cute Women's Packable Raincoat, Trench or Jacket


Best Women's Purses and Handbags for Travel

Break in Your Shoes or Cry Every Night

Comfy Women's Travel Shoes for Chicks Over 40 or 50


Fall Fashion Trends - Flat Boots in Europe

Things to Know Before Going to France

Common Phrases for Restaurants in France


Tips on Manners for Shopping in France

A Bit of Info About Italy

The Best Movies Set in Venice Italy


Rick Steves Italy: Travel as a Temporary Local

My Opinion of Different Cities in Europe

My Top Ten Cities in Europe


Top Honeymoon Destinations

You can add your opinions, travel ideas, or questions in the comment section below.  I love to hear your opinions.

Just Got Back from Maui and I Really Miss Being Kamaaina

I had such a great time on Maui that I had to write down some of my ideas in these articles:

Best Beaches in Maui for Kids: Hawaii Vacations
I used to take my kids to Maui every year.  Then, I got a divorce and I couldn't afford it.  When I have grandchildren, I hope to take them to the beaches on Maui.

Kaanapali Beach: Hawaii Vacations
For years, I only stayed in Kihei.  I still love Kihei as a place to live or a place to buy a condo (someday), but for a week-long holiday, Kaanapali Beach is where the action is.


Where to Stay in Maui: Hawaii Vacations 
I've been to Maui about 20 times.  It's my favorite island.  Find out why.


Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui: Hawaii Vacations
We just got back from 10 days at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.  The room was nothing special but their accommodations are 1/2 to 1/3 the price of nearby hotels on the same fabulous beach.  Get some cheap aloha at this old-school hotel.

Maui Honeymoon
I've never been to Maui for a honeymoon, though I have been to Waikiki for a honeymoon.  I can be a very jaded traveler, but I also tell the truth.

All-Inclusive Resorts: Hawaii Honeymoon
There is nothing like Sandals or Beaches in Hawaii.  Those are East Coast inventions (well, actually they are Club Mediterranae in Europe inventions).  However, Hawaii has some vacation spots that are quite similar.
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