Since I had five days in Rome, I took a day trip by train to Ostia Antica, which was once a port city. Known as an alternative to Pompeii, Ostia Antica offered so much to explore, and it was a lovely break from Rome’s crowded ruins. I had such thrill discovering all the little things, from overgrown nooks and ancient steps to worn frescoes and mosaic floor tiles.… Read More »
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Photo Highlights: Tivoli, Italy 2012
During my stay in Rome, I took a day trip to Tivoli–to the Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s Villa) and Villa d’Este, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Villa d’Este is famous for its beautiful gardens and abundant fountains, while Villa Adriana offered yet more ruins.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Rome, Italy 2012
In Rome, I tried an Airbnb apartment for the first time. And the last time. The apartment was spacious and located in a central area, along Via di Capo le Case, near Trevi Fountain and the Fontana del Tritone (Triton’s Fountain). I typically pick hotels within walking distance to train stations, and this apartment met my minimum requirements. Unfortunately, the door to the apartment building had a faulty lock, and more often than not, it refused to open!… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Lokrum Island, Croatia 2012
While in Dubrovnik, I took a boat to Lokrum island, a nature reserve with a medieval monastery, interesting gardens, and lotsa peacocks. The botanic gardens had a strange citrus tree with velvety-skinned fruits that had a wondrous floral scent, which, to me, smelled better than perfume.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Dubrovnik, Croatia 2012
We took the scenic, winding coastal road from Trogir to Dubrovnik. The mountains and clouds looked so close, the sky and sea so blue, and the water rippled on and on. It was a gorgeous drive–let down only by Garmin. When we approached Dubrovnik from the highway, we had a hard time figuring out how to get into the city. Because Garmin kept asking us to turn into roads that didn’t exist. Worst, to turn into a mountain!… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Trogir, Croatia 2012
Croatia is a very hilly country, which made driving into Trogir incredibly scenic, breathtaking, and exciting. My only regret is–because I was the one driving–I couldn’t take pictures! Maybe I should have gotten my sis to drive. I loved the main island so much, and the old town with its cobbled streets and small shops. They had such nice silver jewelry. And amber.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Plitvice, Croatia 2012
After an overnight stay at a wonderful B&B nearby, it was time to walk through the Plitvice National Park. I’d have loved to explore all the trails, but only had around six hours because we had to drive off for Trogir.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Drive to Plitvice & Rastoke, Croatia 2012
Near the Plitvice lakes is a lovely village called Rastoke, which is every bit worth seeing for its many waterfalls. Other than waterfalls, the Plitvice area is famous for its roasted pig and lamb, so of course I had to stop by at a roadside restaurant for lunch.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Sibenik, Croatia 2012
After renting a car in Split, my sister and I took turns driving, and we stopped at Sibenik while en route to Plitvice. There is one main attraction in Sibenik: St. James Cathedral with its many faces carved on the outer walls. I like stone heads, for some reason.… Read More »
Photo Highlights: Split, Croatia 2012
After Florence, I took a ferry from Ancona over to Split in Croatia. I roamed about the old town and Diocletian’s palace. The Temple of Jupiter was a bit hard to find, maybe partly because it was closed when I got there (but there was a gap in the chained/locked door, so I managed to sneak my iPhone in to steal shots). Overall, I enjoyed Croatia more than Italy, partly because it was quieter.… Read More »