Travel, Shoot, Write
A friend of mine quoted this famous line from J.R.R. Tolkien to me years ago when I was traveling in NYC. I really did feel lost at the time though and like I was wandering with no direction, though I did have a purpose. This was back when I knew I had to make some … Continue reading Not all who wander are lost
After two and a half years, a pandemic, a pregnant sister that I never got to see, a new nephew that I hadn’t met yet, two cancelled flights, and three failed attempts, I finally went back to the USA and got back to Rome last week. For the last seven years of living in Italy, … Continue reading Going back home: the differences
Lipari Sicily is hands down one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. A small island that at first glance appears to be easy to explore on one trip, yet so vast in natural features, historical value, and cultural characteristics that I believe it’s better to divide the island up into sections and focus on … Continue reading Sicily: The North Coast
Today while I was at work, I started crying all of a sudden. Shortly before, I read that Italy had reached 15,000 new cases that day and my sister texted me saying that Europe was getting 1 million new ones a week. As the pandemic is starting its second wave across Europe and will soon … Continue reading Positive Effects of this Pandemic
One of the main characteristics of Italian culture is without a doubt coffee. With so many coffee bars in Rome, how does one choose? Well, having travelled, explored, and worked all over this city and being an avid coffee addict, I’ve had coffee in just about every neighborhood of the city and I always like … Continue reading My favorite cafés in Rome
To travel or not to travel...to share or not to share... During Lockdown, I wondered if we’d be able to travel this summer or even go to the beach. As soon as borders opened up, I realized the only place I wanted to travel to this year was actually Italy, more specifically the beautiful island … Continue reading To travel or not to travel…
Santa Marinella, Lazio When I first came to Rome, I didn’t know that there were beaches near. I hadn’t even thought about it really. Growing up in Miami, I didn’t usually seek out beaches; I grew up and always lived near one. Then, for ten years I lived in Fort Lauderdale, ten minutes from pristine … Continue reading Beaching near Rome
Colosseum "Ci sono troppe cose da vedere per restare a casa!" I saw written somewhere once...There are too many things to see to stay home! This is especially true in bella Italia. Italy offers everything you could possibly want for travelling, enjoying yourself, and indulging in the pleasures of life. Each region provides its own … Continue reading Italy in a Nutshell
When news hit that the Coronavirus emergency had become a worldwide pandemic, Italy was at the top of the headlines everywhere and at the top of the cases and deaths lists. It seemed like the worst place to be in. Countries started banning flights from Italy and Europe and everyone I know contacted me or … Continue reading The Best Place to be in during a Pandemic
Koh Samui From Hanoi, we flew back to Bangkok, where we had a few hours to kill before taking a night train to Surat Thani. As it was very hot and rainy, we escaped to the air-conditioned Siem Place, a big, modern, fancy mall with lots of good eateries. Although there were so many tempting … Continue reading Thai Islands
Monica's Travels 