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Hooked on Venice!

I am hooked! I want to come back! Despite having been here many times, we have not visited this magical place for over 25 years. This morning we walked and walked through tiny alleys, over little bridges, across the Grand Canal as the city came to life. Being Sunday morning, the church bells pealed periodically, and most of the shops were shuttered. Dogs in various shapes and sizes were being walked, many of them with doggy coats – really?? I guess it is winter, but cold it was not.

Rather than take the vaporetta back to Piazzale Roma and onward to the Cruise Ship Terminal, we decided to walk – it was actually faster! My trusted and most used little red suitcase has reached the end of her life with a life threatening crack around one of the wheels, and I wasn’t sure we’d make it, but we did!

The embarkation process and boarding was very fast and efficient, and we are now in the Adriatic on our way to Bari, Italy.

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A birthday in Venice

The ride from Piazzale Roma via water bus was not too shabby despite gloomy weather.

 

Dennis spent his 45th birthday here many moons ago, and now for my turn. Typically for the end of November, it was raining and cold, but we made a dash for a local osteria where we enjoyed a glass of wine before going to a nearby trattoria ‘San Toma’ for dinner – perfect on both counts.

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Less than 24 hours in Istanbul!

After the 8.5 hour flight from Boston to Istanbul we were glad we’d made the decision to layover for the night, despite the fact that there is now a visa requirement for US citizens! Getting one through e-visa is $20 versus $30 at the airport. We were also happy that we’d arranged for a pickup from the airport rather than slogging with luggage on public transport – we are getting soft! Anyway, we arrived at the Hotel World Heritage, a charming little boutique hotel a stone’s throw from the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet, in time to drop our bags and go explore before the sunset.

Both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are beautiful when illuminated at night, and there is something very beautiful about the minarets that reach skyward. We had not visited the cisterns on previous visits, and decided to make that our “tour” option. The Basilica Cistern (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarayı – “Sunken Palace), is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of  Istanbul. The cistern, located 500 feet (150 m) southwest of the Hagia Sophia on the historical peninsula of Sarayburnu, was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian.

Food – Turkish food is some of the best! and we had a great dinner, seated al fresco at the Old Ottoman Cafe – a spicy Adana Kebab, and Ottoman Moussaka with Efes beer to wash it down! The sweet shops are works of art with wonderful displays of turkish delight, nougat, baklava and much more.

Time for some much needed sleep! Onward tomorrow!

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An afternoon in Providence, RI

A walk around an historic district of Providence, and Brown University on a brisk late October afternoon followed by dinner at a family run Portuguese restaurant where the locals spoke both languages and local wine is served cheaply and plentifully! What we love!

 

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Two weeks in August

A photo album of some of what’s been going on in the past two crazy weeks!

Kat completely tiled more than 1000 sq. ft of flooring – with the help of her brother at times. Ian was here for a week and clear cut a swath of saplings that were completely hindering a view of the pond. GG spent many hours and steps running after two active toddlers, wiping, laughing, teaching, feeding – fun, but exhausting. Grandpa worked and worked at the camp and wrestled with the kids, took the big boys for some spins in “the red car”. We even took time out for a quick sunset paddle!

 

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Can’t leave home!

After a busy and fabulous Arts in the Park weekend (last), we’re enjoying the most glorious summer weather, the garden is looking beautiful, there’s a nice little breeze and I don’t want to go anywhere!

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Food and Peonies round out June

The peonies have been spectacular this year! Strong, profuse blooms, and very fragrant. Peony perfection!


Maine Fare has grown into a foodie extravaganza! Perfect weather made for a great waterfront event in town. I really enjoyed the cooking demos by well-known local chefs.

Melissa of Primo’s talked about how their restaurant completes the circle of farm to table principles while she demonstrated cutting up a chicken and then prepared a delicious chicken Milanese topped with fresh baby arugugula salad.

Brian Hills, of Francine’s and Shepherd’s Pie made a wonderful dish of grilled fresh grape leaves stuffed with spiced ground lamb on lovage yogurt sauce. (The photo does not do it justice!)Yummy, yummy!