Tag Archives: Travel Tips

Challenges on the Camino

Posted on October 13, 2019 by msraaka

Buena Vista The Camino is full of beauty, but there are several challenges, too. The biggest challenge—one that we didn’t have to face, is walking daily for around 40 days. I can’t tell you how that feels because we chose … Continue reading →

Posted in Hiking, Spain, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Travel Tips Part Two–Italy’s Food

Posted on June 25, 2016 by msraaka

Everyone expects to eat well in Italy—after all, it’s where the Slow Food Movement started. Most restaurants and other food venues have been providing “fresh and local” for generations. However, there are a few tips to avoid those who cut … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Tips for Travelers–Part 1

Posted on June 18, 2016 by msraaka

These tips are for travels in Italy, but they work for most any place you decide to travel. Major Cities Be An Early Bird- St. Peter’s Basilica opens at 7 a.m. most days. I’ve visited around 7:30 a.m. several times … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Travel | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Return to Rome

Posted on March 21, 2016 by msraaka

Almost everyone who visits Italy for the first time includes Rome in their itinerary. We give ourselves three or four days to see the most important sights and we leave the city exhausted and overwhelmed by all of the history … Continue reading →

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Lucca Side Trips

Posted on December 1, 2015 by msraaka

Most towns in Italy are conveniently connected by an efficient rail or bus system, which makes it easy to select a base town for your visit. We chose to stay in Lucca because it has a wide variety of both … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel, Tuscany | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Reason Three: Piazza Life

Posted on November 3, 2014 by msraaka

Each time I visit a new town in Italy, I make my first stop in the main piazza, to get a feel for the place. Every village, town and city has at least one main piazza and many minor ones. … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Travel | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Savoring Sonoma

Posted on January 22, 2013 by msraaka

This post is long overdue, but I just couldn’t write about food until now. First, we overindulged during the holidays. Then, we started our healthy “cleanse diet” from Bon Appetít magazine. So, I didn’t want to think about all of those … Continue reading →

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Travel Tips

Posted on August 23, 2012 by msraaka

I hope these tips are useful for future adventures in Italy and beyond. Communication Take a Smart Phone: Wifi is still not that dependable in Italy, so a smart phone comes in handy for emails and even as a GPS. There … Continue reading →

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Paris Deals

Posted on March 4, 2012 by msraaka

There are a few ways to economize while visiting Paris. And with an exchange rate that’s not in our favor, these tips might come in handy. Bob’s favorite way to save a few euros is to order his espresso at … Continue reading →

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French Bread & Parks

Posted on March 1, 2012 by msraaka

We can actually find very good bread in Bellingham, thanks to a few artisan bakeries there. But in Paris, there is fabulous bread everywhere. Every neighborhood has a few good Boulangeries with window displays that make you want to stop—even … Continue reading →

Posted in France | Tagged , | 1 Comment