Category: travelling

Girls Trip 2024 to the Netherlands: Amazing Moments

On By Travels with MelindaIn Amsterdam, Girls Trip, Netherlands, The Hague, Travel, travel essentials, travel hacks, Travel medical care, travel tips, travelling, vacationLeave a comment

Travelling is always magical, so to end 2024, I’m celebrating by sharing the details of my fall trip to the Netherlands. Then, it’s on to 2025 and new adventures exploring the world! On my recent Girls Trip, we enjoyed a string of moments I hope I never forget. They were special and unique to our Netherlands adventure. Girls trips are important to me for many reasons. It’s quality time with my sisters who live far away. Though we have done video chats weekly since the pandemic, the fun of exploring new places and having great adventures together is precious to me.

While we did have an itinerary and had discussed in general what we wanted to see and do on our Netherlands trip in September, we remained flexible and pivoted based on how we were feeling each day and the weather. Sure delays happen and other issues can crop up but if you take these bumps in stride, take a deep breath and enjoy the journey, then the travel magic will unfold. One special day, we jumped on a tram in Den Haag aka The Hague going in the wrong direction, so we enjoyed seeing Delft a day early and then got on the tram going in the “right” direction to walk the beach at the North Sea. It all worked out and was a lovely day. Go with the flow! As Patti and I wandered around The Hague, we tried out new names for a girls trip blog. This was the winner: Ladies Who Get Lost (but have fun).

We enjoyed a wide variety of global cuisines in this expat friendly city where many international folks work at the nearby Peace Palace (take a tour here, either in the building or in the garden-both are special and only available at certain times of the year) and International Peace Court. One rainy night we looked out our hotel room window and saw the lights shining bright at a Filipino restaurant so out we went. Entering the festive place, the host informed us that a private party had taken over most of the restaurant for a buffet and karaoke night but, if we didn’t mind, we could still be seated and eat. Party on! We had a blast listening to all the singers take turns, though we declined when invited to join in, preferring to be the audience vs. the talent. This is an evening I won’t soon forget and it would have been so easy to go somewhere a little quieter but we had a blast. We also had great Italian close by our hotel and an amazing Chinese dinner in the largest Chinatown in the Netherlands.

My favorite liquids in the Hague varied from locally brewed liquors to the fresh mint infused tea served almost everywhere. At the Van Cleef distillery in business since 1842, we ordered one liquor tasting with multiple shots and, after quickly tasting that one, we ordered another. Heaven on our palates! From apple pie to salted caramel and raspberry and cherry infused liquors, we were sad to hear that they didn’t ship to the US. So we bought a few bottles, got some plastic travel bottles from the dept. store Primark to put the liquor in vs. the glass bottles they came in, and safely transported our liquor home to enjoy! I love that Patti kept her liquor in the spritz container and gave herself a quick spray into her mouth when she needed a shot.

Our other favorite liquid beverage on our trip was their very special mint tea. Imagine our surprise when we ordered mint tea only to have actual huge mint leaves come in the hot water. It was really a herbal infusion, like drinking a mint garden in your mouth. This wasn’t just a house specialty-it was available almost everywhere we went. Back in the US, I have never seen it done like this-probably too many rules about randomly serving fresh leaves. Does every café have a mint garden out back or on the roof? Fresh mint delivered daily? I would travel there again just to have this specialty. Oh, and I’d probably grab some of that booze too while I was there and take it back.

Having passed by a crystal spiritual store, Ananda Spiritual Living, on one of our jaunts, Patti and I went back to shop for some souvenirs. They had a huge variety of crystals and all things spiritual. Their tarot reader was available (only $15 each-very reasonable!) so we each took a turn to see what the cards would tell us. Mine was spot on, affirming all the changes that would soon be happening in our lives as our whole generational family moves from Boise to Baltimore in January. Whether you believe in Tarot or not, it was a unique experience and isn’t that what travel is all about? Do what you wouldn’t normally do back at home!

Having heard about the Hague forest on our walking tour, we decided to strike out and try to find it one morning. After a quick smudge on a park bench for my new crystal gifted to me by Patti, I looked up and saw a herd of deer in the close distance. WTH! Right across from the train station in Den Hague is a deer preserve where a large herd roams and the bucks bellow. We watched as they were fed by the park employees and saw the bucks try to assert dominance with a few well placed head butts. Oh fellas, chill out!

The main place to explore art in The Hague is the Mauritshuis Museum: https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/, where the famous Girl with the Pearl earring painting by Vermeer is their centerpiece. This museum is centrally located in The Hague and after visiting, you can stroll the wide path by the moat with the island. It’s a truly lovely museum with cozy rooms to view the art.

About those “bumps in the road” that can happen when you travel, we ended up in the Hague Emergency Room at the local hospital one night. Patti had gotten an infection in a cut on her finger and it was looking like it needed medical attention. Here is my advice if this happens to you when you are travelling. If at a hotel, go to your front desk and get their recommendation on closest pharmacy, doctor, hospital, etc. depending on what you need. There might even be possibility of doctor visiting you at hotel if your medical condition warrants it or calling an ambulance. We thought we might be able to get medicine at a pharmacy to help her. Many European pharmacists are able to talk to customers and prescribe medications without a doctor’s order. So off we went to the nearest pharmacy open in the evening which happened to be at a hospital. The pharmacist took one look at Patti’s wound and said we should go to ER and doctor would have to look at it and prescribe an antibiotic. So off we went! $300 and a few hours later, we just barely made it to the pharmacy to get our required drugs to take care of Patti before they closed. Quite an adventure! Make sure you travel with a list of any medications you are taking and any medical conditions (like high blood pressure) that might affect what a doctor might prescribe.

Once we left the Hague and went to Amsterdam, we had a more structured schedule-so many museums, canals, etc. to see! Our hotel, the Apollo Marriott, was right on a major intersection of canals and our room had a corner window eye level with the water. Lovely! While a bit out of the downtown core, it was a quick tram to all the sights. One highlight for us was going to a historic church for an art installation featuring Van Gogh and Rembrandt art projected onto the walls and ceilings while we lay on a big bean bag on the floor and took it all in. So. Groovy. We were probably the only ones attending who weren’t high but it was still mind blowing and I will never forgot the experience. Seek out these type of events when you travel-you won’t regret it!

Needing some immersion in nature, we sought out the big urban Vondelpark. With wide paths winding through the park and lots of forest and lake space, we enjoyed the beautiful day. We had a wildlife encounter with an array of different birds including a green parakeet flying around. We finally took a seat, took off our shoes and socks and felt the grass ourselves while the guys next to us enjoyed their cigar size joint blowing our way. Meditating and taking in the “fresh” air, we got our chakras aligned and well. We also got in touch with all the water that is everywhere in the Netherlands with canal tours and a trip to the Windmill Village, Zaanse Schans. We booked a tour to visit this scenic place through Viator and it included the bus trip (about an hour each way) plus a visit to a clog-making workshop and cheese farm. Once we got to the windmills, we got to go inside, climb up to the top and hear all about the history of the windmills. Well worth a half day visit if you have time.

Of course, when in Amsterdam, trips to museums are warranted as some of the best in the world are there. Get tickets in advance online for all visits. Start at the Van Gogh Museum to admire masterpieces by Van Gogh, The Museum about Vincent van Gogh in Amsterdam – Van Gogh Museum. Visit the Rijks museum and see iconic Dutch art, including Rembrandt’s works, https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en. Of course, you need to tour the historic Anne Frank House while in Amsterdam and learn about her life during WWII. Book your tickets the minute they become available for the date you want-this is a “must see” for all tourists and they sell out fast: Home | Anne Frank House.

Our last night of the trip warranted a fancy place for dinner so off we went to The Siren for good food, cocktails and great photos of the amazing interior featuring “the siren” the place is named after. Make reservations at:  Home – The Siren and treat yourself to a night out in Amsterdam. Enjoy the journey!

Milan, Italy – A to Z Travel Tips

On By Travels with MelindaIn Italy, Milan, Travel, travel essentials, travel hacks, travel tips, travelling, UncategorizedLeave a comment

We got to spend a lovely week in Milan when we visited recently for a Bruce Springsteen concert that unfortunately never happened due to Bruce’s illness. Oh well, disappointed not to see Bruce but it’s always wonderful to be in Italy. Milan is a working town vs. the historically preserved Florence that we had spent two weeks in earlier. In WWII, a large portion of Milan was leveled by Allied bombs and you can see that by the mix of a few older buildings and mostly modern structures in the city core. That the Duomo, The Last Supper, Sforza Castle, and other beautiful landmarks survived the bombings is a miracle.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week plus practical travel tips to follow during your stay in Milan. Enjoy the journey!

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Milan and luxury shopping

  1. Piazza del Duomo: Duomo di Milano – Official Website (duomomilano.it)
    • Start your day at the magnificent Milan Cathedral (Il Duomo). Get the guided tour with roof access. Milan Super Saver: Skip-the-Line Duomo and Rooftop Guided Tour 2024 (viator.com). We loved this tour and you won’t believe the views from the top! Pay extra for use of the elevator with this tour package if you don’t love climbing steps.
    • Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for panoramic views.
    • Explore the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower.
  2. Explore the Vittoria Emanuele Gallerie:  https://www.ingalleria.com/en
    • Opposite the Duomo, spend time at cafes and shopping at high end stores. Under the central dome is a floor mosaic with the Savoy Coat of Arms. According to legend, you will have good luck if you step with your right foot on the bull and twirl around 360 degrees around with your eyes closed. Don’t worry about finding it-there will be tourists lined up to take a turn!
  3. Golden Quadrangle:
    • Stroll along Via Monte Napoleone and Via Alessandro Manzoni.
    • Window shop at luxury boutiques like LV, Fendi, Armani, and Gucci. If you are a serious shopper, make an appointment in advance.
    • Visit the High Line Outlet for shopping on a budget (located out of town).
  4. Visit La Scala Theater either by taking in a performance (lots of ballet, opera, etc.-get tickets in advance) or book a guided tour: https://www.museoscala.org/en/visit/museum-and-theater/guided-tour-of-the-theater.html. We went on the tour because the tickets are pretty expensive but I’m sure it would be a wonderful experience.

Day 2: Art, History, and Vintage Cars

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco): Welcome to Castello Sforzesco Official Site | Castello Sforzesco Official Website (milanocastello.it) Spend the day wandering the grounds and the museum!

  • Explore the castle and its museums.
  • Admire Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures.
    1. Vintage Fiat 500 Tour:
    2. Navigli District-Spend evening wanders in the canals that has lots of cafes and shops. Take a cruise down the canal: Milan: Navigli District Guided Canal Cruise | GetYourGuide. We even had a musical journey with a wonderful sax player entertaining us on our cruise.

    Day 3: Art and Chapels

    1. Santa Maria delle Grazie:
    2. Sant’Ambrogio Basilica: Home page – Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio (basilicasantambrogio.it)
      • Visit this ancient church with stunning mosaics.
      • Explore the nearby Sant’Eustorgio Basilica.
    3. Jazz-Take in a show at the Blue Note Jazz Club famous for it’s musical variety Jazz Club, Ristorante, Location Eventi Milano | Blue Note (bluenotemilano.com)

    Day 4: Brera Neighborhood

    1. Pinacoteca di Brera neighborhood:

    Day 5: Parks, Museum, and Cemetery

    1. Parco Sempione:
      • Relax in this beautiful park near Sforza Castle.
      • Visit the Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace).
    2. Monumental Cemetery https://monumentale.comune.milano.it/
    3. Leonardo Museum https://www.leonardo3.net/en/

    Day 6+: Day Trips

    If you have the time, Milan is the perfect hub to take day trips from, so off you go on your own to the train station (about one hour trip if you get the express-$8 euro each way) or get a guided bus tour at Day Trips from Milan | GetYourGuide.  Popular choices are to visit Lake Como but be prepared for an 11 hour day to/from on a bus with stops along the way and a boat cruise.

    Vareena: We went to Vareena for the day by train from Milan. Buy your tickets for the train online. Leaves from main station, Milano Centrale. When you arrive in Vareena, walk down to the water and take the trail along the lake that leads to shops/cafes with great views of the harbor. As the masses exit the train, they headed right for the ferry to take a boat ride across Lake Como. We walked instead and waited for the next ferry (they come every 30 minutes or so). Buy a ticket at the standby the ferry dock ($9 euros per person round trip from Vareena to Bellagio) and wait in line. Grab a seat on the top (outside or inside seats) and prepare to enjoy the view and relax. You can just ride over and stay on the boat to ride back or you can get off and walk about Bellagio and take a later ferry back.

    Remember to savor Italian cuisine especially the risotto dishes, indulge in gelato, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Milan!

    TRANSPORTATION IN MILAN

    • The car traffic is heavy in Milan so allow lots of time to get where you want to go, even with taxis able to take the bus lane. We stayed at a hotel out of the city near San Siro Stadium (to see the Bruce concert that didn’t happen) so we ended up taking a lot of taxis when we couldn’t use the bus/subway combo to get somewhere. The buses/subways are well used so be prepared to stand and be packed in with people. The trolleys are cute and can get you around the city core. One day we just hopped on one near Sforza Castle and rode it all the way around town. You tap to pay to take all public transportation-the machine is on the bus/trolley, or you tap to get through the gate into the subway.
    • You will see A LOT of graffiti on buildings in Milan. Not street art but random writing on buildings. The landmarks are not tagged or, if they are, they clean them up, but most other buildings are defaced. Life in an urban environment!
    • Flying in and out of Milan-there is an international airport (Malpensa) and a local airport (Linate) on opposite ends of town. Make sure to specify which one you want to go to. If you have any VAT to apply for, you must get your receipts (given to you by the store you bought at) BEFORE you go through security. Then, on the other side of security, you will see an office for “tax refund” and you take your paperwork there to get the VAT refund. We learned the hard way and did not get the required stamp and didn’t want to go back so we just left without it despite Thom shopping his way through the swanky Milan men’s boutiques.

    Many of the smaller airports don’t have gates attached to terminal so you board buses to get to and from the plane to the terminal. Make sure you are able to carry your luggage and do stairs up and down to get on planes. Otherwise, use only larger airports. Florence’s airport and Milan’s Linate airports both use buses for some flights.

    CURRENCY

    Italy uses the euro. Bring a coin purse because you will get a lot of coins as change. Only bills are 5, 10, 20, etc. The coins are 1, 2 and all under 1. I started using a baggie, but it looked so tacky I bought a small coin bag in Florence.

    RESTROOMS

    You need to have a few 1 and 50 cent coins with you at all times to get into public bathrooms, which are usually clean and some even have attendants. Bring tissues with you too as toilet paper can be scarce. Also, hand sanitizer is a must have.

    If there aren’t public bathrooms, go to a big busy cafe or department store where they can’t track all patrons and go right through to the bathroom. Don’t ask permission. The main attractions will all have bathrooms, but most will be located past entry if there is an entry fee.

    FOOD

    • Milan is known for their risotto (northern Italy) vs. pasta (southern Italy). The classico Milanese risotto version has saffron, and cheese and it is delicious. I wanted to lick the plate clean.
    • Don’t worry-gelato is everywhere in Italy. There are also exquisite pastries in the shops so when you need that espresso to keep you going, there are sweet treats to enjoy as well.
    • Aperitivo starts early afternoon until about 7 and dinner starts at 8-restaurants don’t even open until then so have a late lunch. You’ll get snacks with a spritz, usually olives, chips, nuts so you won’t be starving when you get your meal at 9 pm.
    • Cafes in the Galleria looked like a great place (expensive) to get a drink or bite, and people watch.
    • Pistachios are a big thing all over Italy. Pistachios are included in croissants, cannolis, gelato, etc.

    DRESS

    • Since Milan is the Italian capital of fashion, finance, and industry, you will see men dressed well, usually during the day in suits. Women are styled from head to toe as well. Tourists do stand out here, wearing lots of resort wear in June, when we were there. Lots of bright print dresses and shorts. I always wear black when I travel so I looked very urban by comparison. What you wear is up to you. Just wear comfortable shoes! Every time I saw a woman in pointed toe heels, I shook my head in amazement. How do they walk in those, let alone on cobbled streets???
    • Men in their fine suits don’t wear socks with their Italian loafers. Why? Maybe they want to show their ankles? I need to know.
    • Handbags are important here. At dinner, the well-styled couple next to us went to the manager and got a stool for her large designer handbag so it would not have to rest on the floor. Still not enough, the gallant gentleman put a cloth napkin on the stool before the handbag was placed. I was then also given a stool for my $25 Amazon travel bag, which has rested on floors all over the world. When in Italy!

    A Month in London-My Observations

    On By Travels with MelindaIn Europe, London, Travel, travel tips, travelling, UK, Uncategorized2 Comments

    One of the many reasons I love to travel is to experience firsthand how other countries are different than the US. I believe travel expands your horizons, stimulates thinking about how other people live, and makes you appreciate your own life back home. Before I lived for several years in China on a work assignment, I had never appreciated the US’s clean air, water and soil. All those pesky US regulations ensure we are safe from pollution and I’m all for them. When I used to bring Chinese citizens to the US for work trips, they would stare at the blue skies and ask me if air quality was always like that-clean and breathable. On a good day in Shanghai, the air quality index (AQI) was 125 or so and on a bad day, the AQI could skyrocket to 400+ where you could even taste the pollution indoors. An average AQI in Boise, Idaho where I live is 50 or under except for right now during fire season when we are in the 150-200 AQI range. Everywhere we go in the world, I find reasons to both appreciate my home and fall in love with new places. If I’m not on a journey, then I’m planning the next one. So many places to see, so little time. Next up is a girl’s trip to the Netherlands in September!

    Because we completed a one month+ pet sit in London in January/February of this year, I was able to compare the day-to-day normal life of working and being at home in the UK with our experience back in Boise. Here are some of my observations:

    LIKE:

    • History everywhere you look, even on the neighborhood walk with the dog. So much prettier than our 1950s bland architecture in my neighborhood back home.
    • Gas hobs aka stoves cook so fast you really can’t turn away from the stove while cooking but dinner gets done quickly. I now know why people on those home buying shows always want a gas stove not electric. When you travel, you learn how to cook differently or starve.
    • Heated towel racks are common in bathrooms, working to soften up the towels-more on those below. Warm towels after a bath are pure bliss.
    • Local foods that we embraced in the UK included daily tea, hot cross buns available fresh at the grocery, fish and chips, curry, and loads of international restaurants. When in Rome!
    • So. Many. Newspapers. Journalism must still be a viable career in Europe. I love especially the really large Saturday editions. Back home in the US, most newspapers have either closed down or are on their way to being solely digital. When I asked for a NYT Sunday paper in Seattle on a trip last year, they looked at me like I was a criminal, and I was told forcefully to read it online, as having a paper edition was wasteful and bad for the environment. They haven’t gotten that message here in the UK and I loved it.

    DISLIKE:

    • Cars and buses coming at you from left, right and you better be alert. With help from the pavement signs, I learned quickly to look left, look right, and be nimble because traffic is coming at you from all directions you don’t expect coming from the US. And don’t forget MIND THE GAP when you are entering/existing the Tube. Typically, there is not a huge gap between the platform and the train, until there is, and you fall onto the tracks (not that this happens frequently-you’re probably more likely to be pushed onto the tracks, so never stand too close when you are waiting for the next train). Don’t mean to scare you off public transportation. Just be aware.
    • Typically, hard water = towels so hard you definitely do not need a loofah to get rid of your dry skin. Putting the towels on the heated rack (love this feature in European bathrooms!) does soften them a little bit and are toasty when you get out of the shower. Ironing them might help too but I don’t iron so that is just a theory.
    • No washcloths provided anywhere in Europe-bring them or buy when you get here.
    • Dryers-as fast the gas hobs cook, the dryers don’t dry quickly. Also, we found out after waiting a few hours for clothes to dry that our dryer in London required emptying a water extraction tube after every cycle. Who knew? This is how the moisture is collected vs. a venting system that we are used to in the States. The appliances you are used to in the US are different in Europe. Use a translation app if the equipment controls are in a language you don’t know.
    • You will find stairs in almost any European house or apartment building because, due to urban density, they build up not out. Great exercise for those legs! Be mindful of your feet and hold onto the banister. Thom and I both slipped a few times as we got used to being alert and not carrying too much when navigating the steep curving stairs.

    WTH?:

    • Foxes are everywhere in London neighborhoods-they are supposed to be nocturnal, but we saw them daily just rambling down the block in broad daylight like they owned the place. Foxes like garbage similar to racoons and make loud barking/screaming noises at night like the coyotes back home. Once we got used to them, it was not scary or a big deal. We saw one run across the busy road down the block from our house and dodge the double decker bus like a pro.
    • Dogs are everywhere in London-on the Tube, in the shops and welcome in some restaurants with their own “Dog Menu”. Now, you would think there might be some food and health laws restricting animals in cafes but apparently not. They are welcome and usually well behaved.
    • Off leash dogs run amok in the parks, rolling in the mud (always raining here) yet wearing the cutest outfits.
    • Lovely fireplaces are often found in every room of the old houses, but most don’t work-too hard to convert to gas? Perhaps too dangerous to have wood burning for sure in these old homes-don’t blame them there.
    • Old houses are lovely but don’t have heat in all the rooms?? Dress warm-layer up. At restaurants, you will also have this type of experience in their bathrooms. Brrrrr…..I used an electric heated throw to stay warm in the living room while enjoying British television shows.
    • Many roads have “blinds” where it will suddenly go to one lane where drivers have to be bold and own the lane or take turns-it’s very organic and scary. One blind right outside the Spaniard Inn window where we were dining made us both gasp and chuckle to watch the cars and double decker buses dodging and frequently backing up to accommodate the heavy flow of traffic. Insanity!

    CREATURE COMFORTS WE MISSED WHILE WE WERE AWAY: (obviously other than family and our dog)

    • Sleep number bed with adjustable positions and warming feet features-the ultimate in sleep experience vs. the average full-size bed.
    • TOTO -if you’ve ever experienced it, you know what I’m talking about. Google it. Bidets don’t even come close.
    • Gas fireplace that we use constantly back home and is so cozy on a cold winter day.
    • Computer lap tray so I can escape to the couch to work sometimes.
    • Comfy office-I’m spoiled by my ergonomic office chair and electric standing desk back home.
    • Gym equipment in our basement for those cold and/or rainy days to get some exercise. Yes, it does rain frequently in London, so we now understand why everyone has those rubber boots aka wellies and rain gear because you have to go out in the rain, or you’d never be able to leave the house. The plus side is that you don’t need a humidifier because you are living in a rain forest with lovely natural humidity.
    • Television sports-you have to get a subscription to watch them most places or go to the local pub. While we do have Chromecast for streaming apps when we travel, we were unable to pick up any US sports because of geofencing so we missed our American NFL football and college basketball that we would normally be watching back home. First world problems, I know.
    • Embrace the changes when you travel and enjoy the journey!

    Santa Maria Novella-Florence

    On By Travels with MelindaIn Europe, Florence, Italy, Travel, travel tips, travelling1 Comment

    While it might not make your agenda if you only have a few days in Florence, if you are lucky enough to have a week or two, then Santa Maria Novella is worth your time to check out. You can visit the church in its entirety, including the frescoed chapels, the sacristy and Avelli cemetery. Highlights include the Cloister of the Dead, the Green Cloister, the Spanish Chapel, the Ubriachi Chapel and the Refectory. Admire the Masaccio Trinity, Giotto’s crucifix, Brunelleschi’s crucifix, Cappella Tornabuoni (painted by Ghirlandaio), and frescoes by Filippino Lippi, Nardo di Cione, Piero da Miniato and Botticelli. There is gorgeous art everywhere you look!

    Completed around 1420, like many other Florence historic institutions, Santa Maria Novella suffered extreme damage in the 1966 floods. While most of the interior was restored, there are outdoor frescoes in the burial cloisters that still show the damage. While no one seriously famous is buried here, there are burial monuments everywhere for wealthy and important Florentines of the past. 

    In the museum, one art piece, The Last Supper, really stood out to me for it’s vibrant colors and the artist’s story. I saw the famous fresco by Leonardo da Vinci in Milan and this version is totally different. As you go through all the cathedrals and museums in Florence, it’s no secret that the Italian Renaissance was THE influential period in art history, but it was totally dominated by male artists like da Vinci, Michaelangelo and Raphael. Any woman??  Any??? Well, Sister Plautilla Nelli (1524-1588) a Dominican nun not only painted her version of famous religious scenes like The Last Supper in the convent, but she founded an all-woman art workshop within her convent and taught other nuns how to paint. They generated income and took on art commission work by wealthy private citizens in Florence. In the 1500s!

    VISIT

     It’s only 7.5 euros to wander through and soak in the basilica, the cloisters, the museum-really, it just kept going on and on. Plan a few hours to enjoy it all-they offer free guided tours by locals and audio guides too. Make sure to check the online site How can I visit Santa Maria Novella? | Santa Maria Novella (smn.it) for current visiting hours.

    Florence’s Jewish Synagogue and Museum

    On By Travels with MelindaIn Florence, Italy, Travel, travel tips, travelling, Uncategorized1 Comment

    We are always on the lookout for hidden gems that are off the beaten path when we travel. In Florence, we took the time to tour the Synagogue and Jewish Museum, which may not be on all tourists’ agendas, but we really enjoyed our visit there. Be sure to save time to eat at one of the nearby kosher restaurants too!

    Opened in 1882, this beautiful Synagogue is the heart of Florence’s Jewish community. Surrounded by a lush garden, the synagogue’s architectural details not to be missed include exotic style with Moorish, Romanesque and Byzantine elements combined. We got the audio tour and learned all about the history behind the building. The museum is a superb collection of historical items of Jewish art. Allow about two hours at least to take it all in.

    The impressive exterior with white travertine and pink limestone, together with the central dome and the copper-clad side towers, is an iconic Florence landmark that is the heart and soul of the city’s Jewish life. Whatever religion you follow or none at all, it is always interesting to experience all sides of the cities you visit. Enjoy the journey!

    VISIT

    Check online before you go as the opening days/time change with the seasons: Synagogue and Jewish Museum in Florence | Jewish Florence. We were given a locker to secure our bags before we entered and were allowed to bring in our phones so we could take pictures (no flash). They ask for men to wear the headcover provided. To be respectful, please adhere.

    Fried artichoke
    Cheses zucchini fritters and salad

    We have eaten at Ba Ghetta in Rome known for their delicacy, the fried artichoke. Sadly, they weren’t open yet when we were there (restaurants usually close between lunch and dinner that starts around 8 pm). Luckily, Ruth’s cafe across the street was open and served us a tasty fried artichoke and cheese zucchini fritters. Neither of these fantastic foods are available back home in Idaho. Enjoy the journey!

    Siena Day Trip from Florence

    On By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Europe, Florence, Italy, Siena, Travel, travel hacks, travel tips, travelling1 Comment

    Not that there aren’t endless things to do in Florence but if you are lucky enough to be there for a few weeks as we were recently, you can afford one day to travel outside the city and explore the Tuscan countryside. In the past, we enjoyed a day trip to Lucca, riding a bike around the top of the wall, walking the quaint streets, and enjoying the local cuisine. This time, we decided to visit Siena after many friends recommended it. Why go to Siena? To soak in the stunning Gothic architecture, Italian ambience, wander the steep medieval streets, and sit at a café to enjoy the delicious food and drink.

    Siena is situated between Rome and Florence on what was the only major road in the past before trains. This location made it an important stopover and the 1300s were the golden years for Siena. After you arrive in Siena, make your way to the Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia, which is the dominant landmark in Siena. As in most Italian towns, the piazza is the heart and soul of the city. People meet here for events, games and socializing. This piazza is also home to Siena’s famous bareback horse race, the Palio de Siena, which is held twice a year. Ten neighborhoods aka Contradas (out of 17+) are selected to have riders in this race and each Contrada has its own banner. Crashes are frequent in this barely 90 second race. The prize is a banner of the Virgin Mary, not cash. The day we were in the piazza, there were local high school students practicing their art by drawing free portraits. Thom and I both took advantage of this special experience. How fun!

    While you are in the square, visit the Palazzo Pubblico, the city hall, and within that, the Museo Civicio, the civic museum, which houses a famous fresco called ‘Allegory of Good and Bad Government’, dating to the 14th century when it was commissioned by the secular government rather than the church – very unusual for its time and for Italy. Of course, there’s also a chapel inside with its own religious frescoes.

    Il Duomo di Siena is a must-see if you go to Siena. One of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe, the dark green-and-white-striped marble interior and outside the detailed facades are impressive. Walk uphill from the piazza to get there. While you’re there, you can also pop into the adjoining Piccolomini Library, which has a very impressive ceiling. She wolves are the Siena mascots and represented by sculptures throughout the city. Everywhere you look there is beauty and artistry to admire!

    There are many cafes on the piazza to enjoy or walk down one of the quaint streets to find delicious food for much less. Settling in at our outside table that was a under a tarp, luckily as it had started raining, we settled in to wait out the rainstorm and enjoy the local cuisine. So much for that “no way it’s gonna rain today” forecast! Of course, we had left our umbrellas at home-never again do we go on a day trip without our umbrellas! The food was spot on at the tiny cafe. Thom tried pasta with wild boar sauce and my vegetable panini was filled with cheese, mushrooms, and zucchini. We topped that off with pistachio cream cake and espresso. As the rain subsided, we began the long trek down to the train station for our return to Florence. Rolling through the green Tuscan hills was the perfect end to our adventure to Siena.

    BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE

    You’ll definitely want to go online in advance and buy tickets to the Duomo, so you aren’t wasting time in the ticket purchase line. Our tickets were $8 each and we purchased them through the Get Your Guide app: Siena: Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket (getyourguide.com). I typically use Viator or Get Your Guide apps for our guided tours and experiences. They have a great cancel policy, and you don’t get charged until a few days before even if you book it months in advance. Great flexibility!

    GETTING THERE

    We took the train from Florence to Siena, but you can also take a bus or go on a guided tour that includes transportation (use Viator). Whatever suits your budget and style! Do. Not. Drive. Hard stop. No need to go through that stress with easy options of either the bus or train. Then you can sit back, enjoy the view, and avoid the crazy Italian driving and nonexistent parking.

    The train from Florence to Siena costs about 10 euros one way and leaves around once an hour, with the journey taking an hour and 30 mins. Seats aren’t booked so it’s first come, first sit. You can also have the option to bring your bike into the train and hang it up for the trip. It’s a local regional train so it will make a few stops along the way. Bus trip (Rapida fast bus vs. Ordinaria regional bus that makes stops) is only slightly faster than the train and there isn’t a bathroom on board like there is on a train. You can buy your train tickets at the station or via Trenitalia but remember to validate them before boarding. If you buy tickets on Trenitalia, you just click on “check in” within their app on your phone to validate before boarding.

    Get to the train station at least 20 minutes early. There are lots of shops and cafes in the station. Your platform number will be assigned about 15 minutes prior to departure and will show on your app ticket and also on departure boards in the station. Proceed directly to the train to get a seat. Go through the gates with green signs showing and show ticket screen on your phone to attendant. Go to your platform and board. There are no assigned seats on train to Siena. Pack snacks, water, reading material and enjoy the journey! There are outlets on the train if you bring your adapters.

    It’s about a 25 minute walk from the train station to Piazza del Campo, the main square. All uphill!

    There is a taxi stand right outside the train station. To go all the way up to the Duomo, the taxi was 10 euros and worth every cent. They drop you off a block or so from Duomo. Take note of where that is and go back there to find a taxi letting off people so you can jump in for the ride back to the train station. Enjoy the journey!

    St. Paul’s Cathedral-London

    On By Travels with MelindaIn London, Travel, travel tips, travelling, UK, UncategorizedLeave a comment

    St. Paul’s Cathedral is yet another site that we had never had time to sufficiently explore while in London, once again confirming that we need to keep coming back here! You might have seen it when Charles and Diana got married there and it was being broadcast on every single TV channel in the US. On one previous trip, we walked in, turned around and decided we didn’t have enough time to adequately see it given the $25GBP entry fee. This trip we didn’t have a huge amount of time but really wanted to see it, so off we went for a quick tour before our afternoon tea reservation at St. Ermin’s.

    Walking from the Tube to St. Paul’s, we explored the lanes along the main road, leading us to historic little parks tucked in between towering office buildings. Seeking a warm public bathroom, we luckily found St. Mary Aldermary, a 17th century Gothic church/cafe, where people and dogs can hang out, enjoy snacks and use the facilities. What a haven! We even stumbled upon a very pink cake shop-Spread the Love with Cake! I can embrace that sentiment wholeheartedly. You never know what you will find off the beaten track!

    A cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has stood on it’s current site for over 1,400 years but, as our tour guide (free!) told us, the buildings have changed over the years by various events including the 1666 Great Fire of London. You can use a multimedia audio guide for your walk through or take a guided tour with one of the St. Paul staff-all free. We had a lovely lady who told us the history and stories as we walked through the cathedral. There was a statute of English lexicographer Samuel Johnson, who wrote the first dictionary of the English language published in 1755. It took him seven years to complete the work, often writing at a nearby pub, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street, where there is a monument outside the pub honoring Hodge, the cat, Samuel’s beloved pet. Fun facts!

    Make sure you take the time to go downstairs to The Crypt where the nation’s heroes are buried and memorialized. Not only are the bathrooms, café and gift shop downstairs but you can also see Christopher Wren’s tomb (he built the cathedral), Florence Nightingale’s memorial, Winston Churchill Memorial Gates (his funeral was held here but he is buried elsewhere) and the Duke of Wellington’s tomb.

    Before walking up for a view, consider how many steps you want to take. The Whispering Gallery is 259 steps up. Supposedly you and a friend can whisper to each other at opposite ends facing the wall and your voice will travel around the curved edge and reach each other. We didn’t try it because my knee was acting up. You can arrange in advance assistance if you have disabilities but there is no public elevator.  If you are in better shape than me, you can keep on climbing about 100 more steps up and visit the Stone Gallery, which is the outside area around the dome where you can take some nice photos. If you are really ambitious and physically fit, go all the way to the top and see the Golden Gallery, a total of 528 steps from the cathedral floor. Good views of London landmarks including the Thames but remember you are taking those 500+ steps up and down again.

    Opening times may vary so check online before you go:  St Paul’s Cathedral | St Paul’s Cathedral (stpauls.co.uk). When there are services going on, you are not allowed to take pictures on the Cathedral floor. You can attend services at the Cathedral for free. I would recommend taking in an evensong service. We went to one of these services at Westminster Abbey and really enjoyed it. Enjoy the journey!

    Victoria & Albert Museum-London

    On By Travels with MelindaIn art, London, Museum, Travel, travel tips, travelling, UK, UncategorizedLeave a comment

    If you want to visit a museum in London where the building itself is a piece of art, then visit the Victoria and Albert Museum aka the V&A. With over 2+ million objects in their permanent collection, those who are interested in applied arts, decorative arts, and design will be delighted. Founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as with other national British museums, the entrance is FREE though some specific exhibits and events may have a fee. Check online and get tickets in advance for these types of temporary exhibits. This is a “must see” museum when you are in London!

    Wear your comfortable shoes because the branch in South Kensington (there are a few small branches other than this one so make sure you go to the main museum) covers 12.5 acres with 145 galleries. Overall, it is one of the largest museums in the world. You won’t be able to cover it in one day so plan on coming back a few times. On our latest trip to London, this was my second visit to the V & A and Thom’s first. On the Girls Trip last year, we focused on the fashion/apparel collections because Patti had an interest in costumes and textiles and the exhibits at the V & A are huge for these areas. This trip, we wandered through the ceramics, glass, ironwork and sculpture galleries.

    VISIT THE MAIN CAFÉ FOR AN ELEGANT BREAK

    After you have walked a few miles to see the exhibits, take the time to find the Main Café. Opened in 1868, this opulently decorated café reflecting the Victorian era was the world’s first museum café. Grab a seat (turnover is quick, so wait and be speedy to take over a table when a patron leaves). Once you have a member of your party guarding the table, you can take turns going to the various food stations to pick out a salad, sandwich, hot or cold main course, dessert and beverage before taking it to the cashier to pay. Be kind when you are done and bus your own table, taking your dishes to the wait stations around the perimeter.

    BEST MUSEUM GIFT SHOP IN LONDON

    In my humble opinion, the V & A has the best museum gift shop in London. In addition to offering merchandise for their temporary exhibits, they have a wide selection of goodies for all ages. Their jewelry collection is my main interest because their items are stylish and well-priced. They even carry pieces from one of my favorite Italian designers, Angela Caputi. We are currently in Florence where Angela’s workshop and showroom are located, and you know I went there on our second day here! Now is the time to think not only of yourself but those on your Christmas/birthday lists. Unique and well curated, you can find something for everyone here at the V & A gift shop. Enjoy the journey (and shop)!

    National Gallery Museum-London

    On By Travels with MelindaIn art, London, Museum, Travel, travel tips, travelling, UK, UncategorizedLeave a comment

    The National Gallery Museum in London is celebrating its 200th birthday this year, which is yet another great reason to visit London soon (as if you needed a reason). Though I’ve been to London a few times, I’ve never had the time to enjoy this museum, so this trip we made it a priority! Located in Trafalgar Square, I recommend you spend some time walking around the square and soak up the atmosphere outside before entering this magnificent museum. The fountains, the lions, and statues are all great back drops for picture-taking. Climb the museum steps and be ready to walk amongst the vast amounts of art from Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Rubens, Raphael, and so many more. Seriously, there is a whole gallery for just Rembrandts, one of the biggest collections of his art that I’ve seen, and I get around! Of course, Monet is my happy place and they had enough of his art to make me happy including one very large piece. Having been to his home and lily ponds in Giverny several times, I just connect with his calming pieces. We only had a few hours to enjoy the art but look forward to going back next time we are in London!

    Having just been to the British Museum where there were no seats to sit and appreciate the exhibits, I was happy to see a variety of benches and even leather chairs spread out through the galleries so you could spend time just sitting and appreciating the art on the walls. The art was all hung from chains off poles near the ceiling, making it probably easier to move pieces and not hurting the walls. Make sure to look up and appreciate the beautiful ceilings and skylights throughout the museum.

    We did see lots of tour groups with their guides giving lectures at the various major pieces of art. Because you can’t possibly see all the art on one visit, next time we plan to perhaps take a tour with someone who can bring the art to life with stories. We did try the app Smartify | A World of Art and Culture, Just for You – Smartify and were very impressed. You just scan the art, and it immediately pops us a few paragraphs about the artist and that particular piece. A great collaboration between art and technology. Give it a try next time you visit a museum!

    CAFÉ IN THE CRYPT

    After you walk miles around the museum, take a rest across the street in the stunning crypt of St. Martin-in-the-Fields cafe. The original brick-vaulted ceilings and historic tombstones lining the floor provide atmosphere and the food is tasty and well-priced. Check on their website for special events that turn the crypt into a music and cabaret venue.

    ENTRY TO MUSEUM

    While the museum is free (like most British museums!), we went online the day before at The National Gallery, London to get timed entry tickets, which allowed us even quicker access into the museum. If you don’t have timed tickets, go to the entry on the left of the columns and you’ll probably have to wait in line for a little while. If you have tickets, you can go in the entry to the right without the line. Either way, there is a security check as you get inside.

    Unlike the British Museum where maps are free, you have to shell out $2GBP at the National Gallery to get a map but we did because it is useful to find your way around. It’s so big you could get lost! With two floors of galleries, they are grouped into three clusters: 17th, 18th century and Impressionist paintings and Renaissance, Dutch and Flemish paintings and finally medieval paintings. There were several temporary exhibitions that were all free.

    GETTING THERE

    Definitely a tourist magnet and meeting place, events can be happening at Trafalgar Square that can really be crowded, so check online sites like this one https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/283774-trafalgar-square before you go. Be aware that protests also commonly march here to gather and make a statement, especially on the weekends. Proceed cautiously around these large crowds to enter the museum.

    The National Gallery is located just steps from the Charing Cross tube station making for an easy commute from wherever you are staying in London. Enjoy the journey!

    British Library-London

    On By Travels with MelindaIn London, Travel, travel tips, travelling, UK, UncategorizedLeave a comment

    Libraries are my happy place so when we stumbled upon the British Library after exiting St. Pancreas Tube station, which is one of the most beautiful buildings in London, it was a no brainer to change our day’s previous plans and instead finally take the time to go see it. This national library of the UK is one of the largest libraries in the world with 14+million books and other items dating as far back as 2000 BC. and while you can’t access a large part of it without a resident library card, there are lots of open spaces to relax and literary artifacts to see. Definitely worth a visit!

    First up we checked out the Treasures Collection which, of course, is free and chock full of over 200 treasures as the name indicates from Beatles lyrics to the Magna Carta to Leonardo da Vinci drawings to a Gutenberg Bible (the second we’ve seen!). Original music scores, maps, religious manuscripts, autograph letters, diaries, notes and other manuscript material from famous people such as Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin, J.R.R.Tolkien, Alan Turing, Jane Austen, and many others are all beautifully displayed.

    In the middle of the building is a six-story glass tower inspired by a similar structure in the Beinecke Library, containing the King’s Library with 65,000 printed volumes along with other pamphlets, manuscripts and maps collected by King George III between 1763 and 1820 (Wikipedia). Picture above is this tower from the outside, but the public is not allowed in there. Darn!

    Depending on how much time you have to visit, there are special exhibitions, cafes on every floor, and lots of seating to relax and enjoy the free Wi-Fi. Check it all out here: Visit us in London and Yorkshire | The British Library (bl.uk) All these spaces were busy with students, people having meetings, and eating/drinking. Clean bathrooms are plentiful, including multi-gender ones, and, available on every level. Why is it so hard in the US to find multi-gender bathrooms when they are everywhere here in Europe? The gift shop has lots of fun items including pillow covers, which haven’t been easy to find, so I got a great one with a map of London on it. Enjoy the journey!