Archives of Travel Writing

This is the third in a four-part series: You can read the entire journal from the beginning here.For me, the best way to figure out an Italian train schedule is to go online, pull up ItaliaRail, and check the listings. Otherwise, I end up confused and spend six hours going north just to end up one hour east. Even so, I still occasionally have a “wrong train adventure.” Such … [Read more...] about A Bit More Italy – Part 4: What? More Steps!

This is the third in a four-part series: You can read from the beginning here.I am fortunate to be staying as a guest with such wonderful people, as the Euro is worth something like $1.37 to the dollar. Compared to other trips I’ve made, hotels, restaurants, and just about everything else are incredibly expensive. It’s easy to spend $24 USD on a basic breakfast, … [Read more...] about Italy Part III: If it’s Tuesday, this Must be Ferrara

You'll find part I of my Italy trip journal here.Ancient stones beckon. After a much shorter thrill ride into the Parma countryside, we arrived safely at their agriturismo. For those unfamiliar with the term, the Italian government encourages farmers to open their homes to tourists as hotels while continuing their farming operations (they must keep working the land to … [Read more...] about Italy part II: This Tastes Like Spring Reggiano

I found God somewhere on the twelfth turn. I am seeking shelter from a stinging wind, sitting against the wall across from the cathedral in Parma, Italy. My feet ache from walking over rough cobblestones, and my muscles ache from sleeping stretched across two seats on the train from Firenze. It has been a chilly afternoon, only about 40 degrees, but therein lies the benefit: … [Read more...] about Italy Part I: My Stupor