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 jump on the internet, pull up Italia Rail, and look on the site. Otherwise, I end up confused and spend six hours going north to end up one hour east. Even so, I occasionally have a "wrong train adventure." This … [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 with such wonderful people, as the Euro is worth something like $1.37 to the dollar. Compared to other trips I have made in the past, hotels, restaurants, and everything else is incredibly expensive. It is easy to spend $24 US for a basic breakfast, especially in the … [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 who aren't familiar with the term, the Italian government encourages farmers to open their homes to tourists as hotels along with their normal farming operations (they have to keep working … [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 across two seats while on the train from Firenze. It has been a chilly afternoon, only about 40 degrees, but therein lies the … [Read more...] about Italy Part I: My Stupor