Dear Italy,,,,

In Italy, they add work and life on to Food and Wine
— Robin Leach

Gubbio Palace

It’s an experience living in another country one that surpasses even the words at times. But the experiences are what make up the hours, days, and months and years.

I wander the streets and passages of the city here and get lost looking up, or peeking around a corner. Sometimes I trip over the stones beneath my feet because of the distraction that the art on the wall brings or the smell of the coffee from the bar.

Yes, here you go to the bar everyday if you want because this is where you meet up, catch up, or take a lesson in Italian.

You hear words around you, some you understood some sound like babble, but the gestures that’s what tells more of a story than even the words.

This is what it is like to learn a new language, to feel a culture.

I came here to experience this feeling of being surrounded by people, of living life each day moment by moment, of forcing myself to learn, to grow, to be. There are so many writers, who escape into a place not knowing how to connect with others, I wanted to learn how to be okay with being disconnected.

Ferris Wheel in Gubbio

I have learned that I am a strong independent woman who can feel the quiet, not just sit with it, but live it and that makes me who I am.

So often it is said, one needs to learn how to be happy with yourself and who you are but in order to make this statement true you have have to know yourself.

I have that here. Change is hard and leaving what you know is even more difficult, but when it happens whether by force or choice one must adapt.

I often think of it in cooking terms.

The fire is hot under the pot and in an instant you can start burning the food. So a good cook knows, by observing, and with experience, to be patient and waits and watch and then to adapt. Sometimes the you have to turn the heat down, sometimes you have to remove the pan, or stir the ingredients, but regardless of what you do, something has to change in order to adapt. Sometimes change has to happen in increments, little by little.

Perugia Morning Sky

The sky here in Perugia reminds me of how often change happens. Almost everyday it is a different color from morning to afternoon. The sky can be Blue and sunny like the puffy white clouds of the Carolina Blue skies, or it can be gray, misty, and wet like the skies of Seattle, then by late afternoon the sun pops out and creates golden gems in the sky reminding me of the sunsets of California.

skys of perugia.jpg

Often at sunset I see others walking the street bundled up, it’s December after all, and they are returning from the market, bag and umbrella in hand, but still they stop a moment, and glance at the skies, because you just can’t help it.

The beauty takes my breath away. I know very cliche, but it truly does.

I often try to grab my camera out of my bag and grasp the moment, but other times, I stop, I look, and I pause. It’s not all about the scenery or the lifestyle here though, it’s about learning everyday with your eyes,ears,nose, etc.

Stay tuned, and sign up to follow my italian adventures in Italy. There will be more on what it’s like learning a new language in a foreign country… Have you learned a new language? Lived in a foreign country? Send me your comments and stories below, I am waiting to hear about them!

Until then, to Italy with love.

Top Ten Seattle To Do, Eat and Drink

Hovering over me was the Chihuly chandelier. Chihuly’s are the pigeons of Seattle. They’re everywhere and even if they don’t get in your way, you can’t help but build up a kind of antipathy toward them.
— Maria Semple, novelist

Museum of Glass Seattle

Everyone knows about the most famous spots Pike Place Market, the Space Needle and even the Glass museum (featured above) is becoming one of the top places for tourists to visit thanks to its location next to the Space Needle and drop off from the Monorail.  But sometimes when visiting a city it's nice to find out more of where the locals might go to relax and hang out.  Yes, I take my visitors to all of the places I mentioned but there are a few more places on my list that I think shouldn't be missed on your next visit to Seattle.  I hope you come in the summer because that's my favorite time here.  It's warm and sunny, I know you don't believe me because we try to keep it a secret but picnics are planned in July and August because rain is unlikely to fall.  That being said, still no guarantee. 

Getting outdoors is pretty much a given when 8-9 months of the year you have rain, everyone is dying, not quite literally, but very close, since the Vitamin D is extremely low from gray cloud cover and unfortunately depression levels run high. So take it from me when I say when the sunshine comes out so do the people.  Neighbors you didn't know existed open their windows and doors and say hello, shorts and t-shirts are worn even with 50 degrees because well the ball of fire in the sky is blazing.  Personally, I didn't appreciate the sunshine as much coming from California and then North Carolina until I moved here.  Now my walks include sun, rain and sometimes an occasional snowfall but it is those sunny days that make it all worthwhile.

Not to digress on and on about the weather although it is the hottest topic in Seattle right up there next to how bad the traffic is for the day but what you want to know is where to go right?  So here is my hotspot list and if you don't make it I understand it just means you have to come back next summer.

Top Ten Seattle List

1.Hiram Chittenden Locks

Ballard Locks

Ballard Locks

What's a Lock? 

"A lock is a device used for raising and lowering boatsships and other watercraft between stretches of water of different levels on river and canal waterways. The distinguishing feature of a lock is a fixed chamber in which the water level can be varied; whereas in a caisson lock, a boat lift, or on a canal inclined plane, it is the chamber itself (usually then called a caisson) that rises and falls.

Locks are used to make a river more easily navigable, or to allow a canal to cross land that is not level. Later canals used more and larger locks to allow a more direct route to be taken." -wikipedia

 

Uncanny and not like anything you have ever seen. People, boats, kayaks, water and you can even take a free tour from the lovely people that run the visitors center and you will learn all about how the locks are run, and some amazing details about salmon that you never knew. The locks run 24-7 so that people can pass from fresh water to sea water and vice versa. Besides the locks often on Sundays they have free summer concert on the lawn! A great place to see after having gone to the Ballard Sunday Farmers Market down the street. Find out more about the history of the locks here.

2. Colombia Tower

Colombia Tower

Colombia Tower

You want the view of the space needle without the sky high price this is the place to go. 73 stories high with sweeping views 360 degrees it doesn't disappoint. It still has a cost but is much less than the space needle. The best part is you can include the Space Needle in your photos!  You get mountains, city and water all in one.  And if you are not up for a visit to the top just hang out on the 40th floor where you will be in the highest Starbucks in the world is located.  Who knew?!

3. Rachel's Ginger Beer

Rachel’s Ginger Beer

Rachel’s Ginger Beer

Hip, Delish, and with two locations now this place is for both youthful and mature. The original flavor is still one of the best but the caramelized pineapple give it a run for its money.  Oh and you can go for happy hour if you are wanting to add a little something to your day before the evening gets started.  Happy sipping!

4. Cat Cafe

No you don’t eat cats here! Rather it is for relaxing and getting your blood pressure down after a day of Seattle traffic! Trust me you will need it. The idea I believe started in Japan and now Seattle has jumped on the bandwagon. It’s pretty cool to see cat’s chilling, playing and some will even sit in your lap the whole hour that you are just hanging out drinking your coffee or hot chocolate. And for true cat lovers you can even get cat marshmallows on top. Who said cafe’s were boring?

5. Volunteer Park Conservatory and Volunteer Park Cafe

Not directly next to each other but very close are these two hidden/not so hidden gems in Volunteer Park.  Especially good if it happens to fall on a drizzly day have some carrot cake and coffee at the cafe or lunch and then walk it off by heading up the hill to the conservatory and prepare to be impressed by the orchids, flowers and even desert plants that the friends of the conservatory manage to pack into a beautiful stunning glass building.  If you want you can head over to the cemetery behind the conservatory (you have to walk around) and see Bruce Lee's grave and his son too if that's your thing.  Don't be surprised by the people driving by and snapping photos it's a popular spot.


6.  Fremont Sunday Market and the Troll

Visiting on a Sunday in Seattle and you have a few options but one of the few you can do year round is in the Fremont neighborhood. Seattle has many farmers markets and two year round markets not including Pike place Market. Fremont Market is unique because well so is the neighborhood of Fremont. Take a walking tour in Fremont and you will see the famous Troll under the Bridge, the Lenin Statue and a piece of the Berlin Wall to mention just a few but the Fremont Market stands out not only having local vendors selling everything but also crafts and antiques and food. You are sure to find a treasure and the locals love it! To get a real feel for the market ride a bike on the 26 mile Burke Gilman Trail to arrive there and skip the parking. You will truly be considered a local.

7. Coyle's Bakeshop

Coyle's Bakeshop

Coyle's Bakeshop

Cretzels? Croissant mixed with a Pretzel...yes, please. This owner started out at as Pop up in a nearby neighborhood store and opened up her own delicious bakery. In the Greenwood neighborhood next door to a post office that looks like an original. So go have a coffee, a cretzel or an amazing croissant and write a few letters then mail them next door. It will be a morning well spent.

8. Bainbridge Island and the Bloedel Reserve

This island is just a hop skip and a jump away from the city and the views on the return are worth the ride alone. But don’t miss out on some of the beauty found on the island as well has food that is fantastic. One of the best pizza joints is found right in the downtown of Bainbridge with a not to be missed homemade Tiramisu that will knock your socks off. Bloedel Reserve gardens is a haunt through the woods that leads to a spectacular home of the family that once called the gardens residence the Bloedel family. History and nature and beauty all come together. It is lovely in all seasons but summer is especially amazing. Take the late ferry after a late night and you just might catch the sunset if not the blue skies of summer in Seattle will blaze as you take in the sea air and the fresh breeze with views of the city made popular by tv shows. You will wonder if people in Seattle are secretly telling you the truth about the winter rainy weather.

9. Washington Arboretum and Japanese Gardens

This Arboretum is so beautiful in spring, summer, or fall that I hate to tell you about it’s secret but alas local spots for runners, walkers, nature lovers and more will have you wondering how you missed this unique spot in Seattle. Located on the eastern side of the city bordering Lake Washington instead of Puget sound the pathways here will make you ponder life’s beauty. The Japanese gardens although not free unlike the arboretum are not to be missed especially if you are visiting in fall or during the cherry blossom season. Color radiates and the tranquil peace of sitting by the small waterfalls built will make you forget you are in a large city. The minimal pricing keeps up the gardens and is worth the entry for an afternoon of peace and quiet and reflection.

 

10.  Woodland Park Zoo

Last but not least the zoo found just north of the downtown of Seattle is well kept, large, and keeps a well balance of both natural habitats and visual appeal for the visitor. Children of course love it here and families bound for the zoo especially when the sun is shining. In the summer there are even Zootunes or music at the Zoo and special Wine events after hours that brings people of all ages to picnic and enjoy the liveliness of the animals who come awake at night. Get in the know on the Zoo website before you visit and you may find yourself drinking a glass of wine and staring at a wolf in the woods.

 

 

space-needle-the-white-radish.jpg

I love visiting my own hometown but I also love exploring new cities and finding out what locals love to see and do. So tell me your secrets about your city or town? What should I not miss where you live? Or if you want to know more about Seattle and places to see or restaurants to not miss send me a message or leave a comment?

What do you want to know about Seattle next?

Montréal,Quebec

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.
— Marcel Proust

Montreal to New York Fall Color

French and English, good food, fall colors, crisp air and time away. I don’t know if I fell in love with Montreal but maybe it fell a little in love with me. The people are kind especially if you speak French and I found myself admiring the old buildings the water and who knew it’s an island? I think more than one person told me that.

Hello, World!

The fall color, food and french were my biggest draws and none were a let down. It’s not France so please don’t go expecting that. I found the city to be full of character, history and interest.

Montreal/New York landscape (2 of 3).jpg

The Jean-Talon market selling fruits, vegetables, fish,flowers,cheese you name it I saw it there. It’s an old market and people were shopping on Sunday for there weekly goods.

I bought a few things to have a simple dinner of wine, cheese, bread and salami and olives. A little appetizer dinner that I l had to have in order to try some of the goods.

The olives are on my list of scrumptious. Almond filled, garlic filled, hot peppers you name it they stuffed it. I am still tasting the salt and crunch in my mouth from the olive filled with marcona almonds. The best of both worlds.

A morning spent on a food tour gave me a layout of the “Mile End” district the hip and up and coming artsy neighborhood that mixes French and English. Cross the street and boom you are in the “English section” although everywhere both languages are required by law on signs which makes it easy for a tourist who doesn’t speak French.

The Local food tour guided my small group through the tastes of the streets. Everything from Vegan Falafel sandwiches, montéal style bagels (my favorite) and hot chocolate to gnocchi and vanilla brioche.

A stop at an old theater gave us a rest for our stomachs and feet until we were back out again tasting, chatting, and learning the best spots to go for coffee, dinner, etc.

Although I liked the food tour I wondered if my research would have brought me to some of the places on my own.

The foodie in me typically does more research than necessary on where to go and eat and a few of the places I was already in the know about.

I will say I liked the personalized tour, small samples and tidbits on the area.

montreal view from mont royal.JPG

After food touring I decided I needed to make my own dinner at my 150 year old airbnb and relax on the couch. Potato soup for the blustery day was calling my name so leeks, potatoes and butter were purchased. Comfort food at it’s best. A small baguette and I was set. Small Grocery shops were everywhere I found and with the US dollar to Canadian dollar ratio I was eating on the cheap everywhere so even purchasing a bottle of wine with the higher tax rate wasn’t a problem. Now is the time to go to Canada if you are a US Citizen.

More highlights not to be missed included :

  • A few great eats include Tommy’s a cafe with greenery hanging everywhere, upstairs seating, and Greek avocado Toasts…I am so going to copy this and make it at home!

avocado toast with feta..JPG
  • Mont Royal especially the fall color if you have an opportunity. This Large Park on a mountain (you can take a bus to the top) was designed by the Olmsted brothers the same guys who designed Central Park and for those living in Seattle, Volunteer Park, a very cool spot if you haven’t been. The view from Mont Royal is fantastic. One looks down onto the city and trails are all over leading in different directions. Photos of the yellow and gold leaves don’t do it justice although I tried ;)

  • Montreal Botanical Gardens and Festival of Lights in the fall. The lights are gorgeous and surrounding plant life and water features was very calming and made me slow my foot pace.

  • On my last night I ate at this place called Pizza Napoli and had lasagna the good old fashioned kind. The kind your mama makes you or at least what you imagined your mama making for you in case you didn’t have that growing up;)

I ended my trip on a train ride headed down to New York so that I could pass along the Adirondacks and see the blazes of color along the lakes. (It’s not just about the chairs, it is a real place.)

The train leaves at 10 am and it’s a long ride but spectacular. I recommend it highly and if possible prior to daylight savings time so that you can get the golden hour as you pass by the lakes.

Breathtaking.

You feel like you are passing all of it to quickly.

The camera click is constant, and the left side is best for the lake views and color so grab a seat and take it all in.

Customs can take a while but goes faster when you can interpret as it turns out I had to do, kind of a funny fluke.

Poor guy who got me…LOL Who knew US customs agents don’t speak French at the border?

But after that we were back on track and flying down the tracks.

If you have the time this train trip is a must for the fall. Check out the photos below and you will understand.

I have always loved trains and the sound of them I guess because I grew up listening to them at night. They would pass by and the whistle blew always as it crossed nearby, maybe I should try listening to that to fall asleep too?

They make a white noise of everything now a days:) Who knew I had such nostalgia for trains.

Adirondacks landscape (3 of 3).jpg

So for a fall holiday would I recommend Montreal,….

yes.

Next time I’m going to go see Quebec City as well, not quite enough time to do it all. However, there will be a next time:)

So tell me what should I put on my list for Quebec City?

Have you been?

What did I miss in Montréal?

Love hearing your thoughts.