Cleopatra, Stacy Schiff

Stacy Schiff’s biography of Cleopatra deserves all the hype it is getting.  Extremely well written, especially given the lack of information we have about various parts of her life and unbelievably engaging.  If you like history, you will like this book.  

I realized after reading it, that I really didn’t know very much about her life.  She was a fascinating woman.  She was incredibly smart, resourceful and ran her country better than most before her.  It is not a quick, blow through this on the beach read.  However, if you are taking a vacation and just like to read a little every night before you go to bed, take this book.  If you are going to either Egypt or Rome, read this before you go.  It just makes walking through the Forum a little more interesting.

When I went to Rome I saw 12 of the 15 Obelisks that there are in the world.  After reading Cleopatra it is more clear to me when they came to Rome and why.  I am sure that the next time I go back to Rome I will see a little more of the Egyptian influence. Shiff has written a  fantastic book that will make you see Cleopatra in a whole different light than we normally see her in from any of the films or plays that have been written about her.    

I have one warning:  this book may cause a serious desire to travel to Egypt.  I have always wanted to visit and see the pyramids, now I want to go to Alexandria and see some of the rest.  Although most of Cleopatra’s Alexandria is no longer there, it still would be amazing to travel and see where all this took place.   I will definitely wait until things settle down there, but I think Egypt is now in my top 10. 

Groupon free mobile apps

Groupon, if you haven't heard of it, is a fantastic concept.  When you sign up (for free) you will get daily emails about all sorts of deals in your city.  They have everything from restaurants, to spas, gym memberships, classes of all sorts and lots more.  It varies as to how much you get off, but I find it tends to be around 50% off, sometimes more sometimes less.  Great deal, right?  They have participating cities all over the world so if you are going on vacation you can sign up to get the San Francisco deals or the London deals.  Coming to NYC?  Sign up!  You can save both at home and on vacation.  Now that's awesome!  With all this money I am saving, I can plan another vacation.

Today they announced their free mobile apps for Android, Blackberry and iphone.  This comes with a special offer.  For every different groupon you purchase with your phone app, you will get $1 of groupon bucks, on purchases through February 17th, 2011.  (groupon bucks is money that you can use towards a future groupon purchase).  So now you can purchase and redeem your groupon deals from anywhere and get money towards a future purchase.  Saving is becoming easier by the minute.

Packing lists: The do's and don'ts

I am one of those people who functions well with a list.  Though my friends laugh at my weekly schedules, (I type them up and do an hourly list when I am insanely busy) they truly help me get everything done.  The same is true of packing.  It helps you remember things you otherwise would have forgotten as well as leave behind the things you don’t need.  If I had made, and paid attention to this list while packing for Italy, I might have avoided over-packing.  Alas, that was not the case.


Don't Forget Your........

1. Undies (of course) 
2. Socks – if it is summer and you wear sandals a lot, then bring one or two pair
3. Skirts or pants (bring three, four if you must – then mix and match with tops)
4. Tops (bring four or five – mix and match)
5. Dress Clothes – bring one outfit only if you really think you might need it
6. Bathing Suit (for Summer)
7. Hat & Gloves (for winter)
8. Shoes:  Bring no more than 4 pair (and that is alot).  That includes sneakers for hikes or working out and flip-flops in the summer.
9. Travel Alarm clock – if you don’t have a cell phone and you are not staying in a hotel, they come in handy
10. Toiletries – try to get travel sizes or buy travel containers.  It takes up far less room.
11. Travel book – don’t pack more than 1 for each city/area.  Remember they are really heavy when you carry multiples!  Cross reference at home and write excess down in a small notebook.  Moleskine has a couple of great thin books that fit easily in your purse or pocket.  Moleskine City Books (include street and subway maps), or just a plain pocket notebook
12. A good book for the plane.  I never read as much on vacation as I do at home.  I always think I will and in the end I don’t.  1 book is sufficient for the plane and trip.  Or if you really are an avid reader, buy the Kindle or Ipad.  
13. Camera & accessories (battery charger, extra memory cards, lenses, & film if you are old fashioned)  If traveling abroad make sure you have you adapters for your chargers.
14. Prescriptions
15. Credit Cards
16. Xerox copy of your passport.  (if you lose it, it is easier to replace if you  have a copy)

What not to pack:

1. If you have used the words, “Just in Case”, “I might need this”, “What if?” then you ABSOLUTELY should not pack it.  Put it back!!  I can almost guarantee you will not wear/use it.  If you have forgotten something important, there will be a store where you can buy it.   What better reason to go shopping!
2. Remember Less is more!!!!  Leave room to buy stuff.  You will be happier in the end and you will not run the risk of getting charged for a heavy bag.  I just had to unpack my suitcase in Italy because they wanted to charge me the flat rate of 150 Euros for a bag that was 4lbs over weight.  In Europe they are really sticking it to you.

Ravello

In my opinion, Ravello is one of the most beautiful towns of the Amalfi Coast.  Gore Vidal used to have a home near the town center and claimed it was the most beautiful place in the world.  Overall, Ravello is less touristy than the very popular Positano, and therefore, more tranquil.  We stayed in Ravello, but we stayed in lower Ravello, at a villa that is on the ocean and not up in the mountains, which means we had the benefit of the ocean to swim in as well as the view.  And it's a short but steep bus ride up the hill to center Ravello, which has many great things to explore.

First off there is the Ravello Music Festival.

Concerts take place at Villa Ruffalo (the villa is open to the public daily) where you will sit and watch the sunset over what is possibly the most extraordinary view available and listen to classical music.   I can’t imagine a more lovely evening.

Villa Cimbrone, a historic building with gardens and a hotel is worth the short but steep walk. Even as you approach, you feel as if you are entering some sort of magical secret garden.

Gore Vidal famously wrote that in all of his travels he had not seen a place that surpassed the view from Villa Cimbrone.  He's right: it has some of the most breathtaking views available on the Amalfi coast.  The “Terrace of Infinity” is truly spectacular.

The gardens are beautiful. I can't imagine how gorgeous it must be in the spring and summer when all of the flowers (including a full english-style rose garden) is in full bloom. We were there in September and most flowers had gone by.  If you only want to see one of the two villas (either this or Villa Ruffalo), definitely choose Villa Cimbrone.  The views are unbelievable and there's more to see.

There are also some great little stores to check out in Ravello as well as the church in the town square.  There was a wedding going on when we were there, but the inside is supposed to be beautiful.  All in all, if you want to feel as if you are viewing the Amalfi coast from a cloud, visit Ravello.  It is worth the trip.  It's also very pretty at night, we walked around the square after dinner and met some locals who invited us to a BBQ later that week (stay tuned for that story!)

Ischia: A lesser-known secret of the Amalfi Coast.

If you are taking a trip to the Amalfi Coast, I am sure you want to go to Capri.  It is written about in literature, referred to in movies and basically just a site that you won’t want to miss.  And, I am not trying to talk you out of your day trip to Capri, BUT, I am definitely saying that if possible, you should try to spend a couple of days on Ischia.  

You need a couple of days to really explore it.  We were only there for the day so we really only got to see one aspect of it, the Thermal Spas.    Ischia’s big claim to fame is that it is home to many thermal baths and spas.  We chose to spend our day relaxing and pampering ourselves at one of them.  There were two big ones that both seemed great.  We chose Negombo.  It was September, so although it was still somewhat crowded, I'm sure it was less so than if we had gone in July & August.  We had a great time.  The other big spa on the island is Giardini Poseidon Terme. We met a really lovely couple from Naples (they live in England now but vacation in Italy annually).  They told us Giardini Poseidon Spa was owned and run by Germans, and therefore much more organized (that’s really funny!), but Negombo had the most spectacular views.  Having not been to Giardinii Poseidon Spa, I can't compare the two, but I can say the views at Negombo are indeed spectacular.  You are right on the ocean in a small cove and you feel as though you are in a tropical resort.  

I would absolutely put this on your list of places to stay for a couple of days.  I am looking forward to returning and exploring all the things I didn’t get to this trip.  In the meantime, if you do go, here are some things that you should check out while you are there:

Spa day in the Mediterranean

Negombo Spa on Ischia is fantastic and super relaxing.  Here are some tips for you that will make your experience even better.

·      When you get off the boat, take the bus to Lecco Ameno.  It will cost you 1.50 Euro and will take you approximately 15-20 min.  Tell the bus driver where you are getting off and he will let you know when you get there.  When you get off, ask the locals to point you in the right direction.  You basically walk through town and up a little hill, but it isn’t exactly clear.  It will only take you 10 min to walk.

·      The cost to get into the spa is 29 Euros for the day.  Towels are not included and they don't rent them there, so if you don't have one you will have to buy one for 12 Euros.  They do have lockers, which are included in the price. 

·      There are several boats per day from Naples and Sorrento but only 1 from Amalfi.   So if you are leaving from Amalfi you will get on the Alilauro line leaving at 8:25 and returning at 4:20.  The ticket window doesn’t open till 8am so don’t rush to get there any earlier.

·      We have compiled a list for your trip of things you will want to have.

Don’t forget your…….

·      Towel

·      Cover up – it is good to have one for walking around or eating at the restaurant

·      Flip-flops

·      Sunblock

·      Undies – then you can change out of your swimsuit for the trip back if you choose.  We forgot them….lol

·      Sweatshirt for the boat

·      Camera

·      Guidebook or simple map

Other places to see while you are there: (these are on our list for the next trip)

Ischia Porto

There is a castle that is worth seeing called Castello Aragonese, which you can see from the boat when you are coming into port.  Our friend Ethan has been there and says it is really cool. 

Forio

Forio is the location of many great things.  First it is where the other thermal spa Giardini Poseidon is located.  Run by Germans and apparently very well organized.  (It makes me chuckle.  I couldn’t help mentioning it again)www.giardiniposeidon.it. 

Giardini La Mortella are the spectacular gardens created by the Argentinian wife of the famous British composer William Walton.  It is now open to the public and has stunning views of the vistas on the bay of Forio.  In addition to the gardens there is Greek Theatre (where they still occasionally hold performances) and a museum.

The other great thing to do in Forio is taste wine.  Ischia is home to many wineries producing fantastic wines and most of them are located in Forio.  

Capri....more of a hike than you think!

When going to Capri I recommend two things:  wear sneakers & definitely go on a hike.  Capri has some of the most breathtaking views you will ever see.  Of course you will have climbed up and down some unbelievable paths to see them.   

Literally when I say you are climbing a mountain that is what you are doing.  Skye & I did it last year and she wore flip-flops.  I could see her calves’ spasming by the end of our hike and she is in good shape!  I was really glad I had worn sneakers.  Fodor’s guide (5th edition) has a remarkable hike that is listed in their Naples & the Amalfi Coast guide-book.  It is pretty explicit in its directions and the walk itself was well worth the time.  It took us 5 hours to do, but the views are unprecedented.   I would highly recommend following the Fodor's hike.   Another tip for the hike:  take water and a sandwich.  There are a couple of places in Capri town where you can buy lunch and drinks.  Once you get on the path, there isn’t anything around.  We had bought lunch before we got started and boy was I glad we did.  It was great to be able to stop and eat something half way.  You really work up an appetite!

Some other great hiking tips:

There is another book out there that I was unable to get.  The latest edition hadn’t come out yet and the last published was no longer available.  It is called the Sunflower guides.  I have seen it listed in several sites and guidebooks and was disappointed that I was unable to get it.  It apparently also has a guide to the “Walk of the Gods” that goes along the Amalfi Coast from Positano to Minori that is meant to be unbelievably beautiful.  (Hence the name “Walk of the Gods”)  We had it planned to do it this year, but a huge storm came in.... and lasted three days.  Supposedly the hike is a little difficult at certain points, and not one that you want to do when it is slippery or rainy, so we didn’t get to go.   However, I am going to get the next edition of the Sunflower guide for when I do go back.  Rumor has it, the Sunflower guide is available for great scenic walks and the Amalfi Coast is an ideal place for that.

Vadiaperti Winery

So if you want the experience of a lifetime try to request a visit at Vadiaperti Winery.  Raffaele Troisi, who is the owner, showed us one of the most spectacular tours of a winery I have ever had.  

He does not do many tours so if you are planning to come to Avellino email ahead to see if he is available to show you around.  We tasted Colle de Volpe, Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Aglianico as well as an “experimental port” and an exceptional grappa.  It was one of the highlights of this vacation and if you are lucky enough to be able to go and visit this winery and taste some spectacular wine, you should put this on the top of your list.  Any extra effort in getting there is worth the experience 150%.

info@vadiaperti.it

The Lightest Luggage With the Highest Quality

I have been to several luggage stores around town, talked to the knowledgeable sales people, read reviews online and have come up with some great light suitcases for every travelers needs.

Just to give you a scale of what you are looking at, Tumi’s LXT 28” upright weighs in at 22lbs empty.  Rimowa weighs 6 lbs.  Now that there are weight restrictions, our luggage needs are different.  Airlines will allow you up to a 50lbs bag and 51 lbs they will start charging.  Why would you want 22lbs of an empty suitcase?  Here are some great lightweight, yet high quality options.

Rimowa Salsa Air
I think hands down everyone said that the lightest suitcases on the market are the Rimowa Salsa Air.   They are the leaders in this lightweight Polycarbonate material suitcase and apparently also the best of that kind.  The suitcase is not only light as a feather (weighing in at 6 lbs) but is available in a great array of sizes to suit just about anyone’s needs.  The 26” ($475) and the 28” ($495) seemed to make the most sense for what my travel needs are.

They also have a great travel size.  They come in bright colors so that they are easy to spot at the airport and apparently the lock is very secure and hard to break into.   They are available at Amazon as well as luggage stores.  I have not seen them in Department stores yet.  Other manufactures are coming out with lines similar to this, but most sales people have told me, not as successfully.  I am sure others will improve with time.

Eagle Creek HC2 Hovercraft Luggage
Another brand that was suggested to me was Eagle Creek.
The construction is light yet extremely durable.  The largest Bag is 28” and weighs in at 10lbs.  The 25” bag weighs 8 lbs 8oz.  Suggested retail is $275.  It was available on Amazon for $193.78.  It comes with a life time warranty.


Victorinox Swiss Army Werks Traveler
Victorinox not only makes great watches but also apparently great suitcases.  They are incredibly durable and should last you a very long time.  The 24” expandable bag offers great room inside.  I was told that part of the reason this bag has more room is because there is one pole for the handle which ends up taking up less of your inside luggage space.
It weighs in at 11lbs and prices at around $349.00.  It is available on Amazon and at most major department stores.

T-Tech by Tumi  (Exclusively for Crate and Barrel)
Tumi just came out with a line for Crate and Barrel.  The largest bag is 27” and weighs in at 10.56 lbs and will cost about $345.  Tumi makes excellent bags so I’m sure these are no exception.  It is too soon however to get real reviews on them since the line just came out but it is certainly one to watch.

Al in all, if you are going with a bag larger than a carry on, I tend to think that the bags between the 24” and the 26” are you best bets.  If you have more space you will generally use it, and it is so much easier to travel lighter!

Getting to and from the airport in Barcelona

There are 2 ways of getting to Barcelona from the airport.  Barcelona has excellent public transportation to and from the airport.  First there is the Subway.  It is easy, it will drop you close to your apartment and it is cheap.  However, there are tons of stairs, and if your suitcase isn’t as small as Skye’s you will hate the subway option.  

The second is the bus.  You can get the A1 bus right to Placa de Catalunya for 5 Euros.  It runs every six minutes and takes a ½  hour to 45 min.  (45 min in traffic).  There are no stairs and it is super easy.  I personally think this is the best option if you have a relatively heavy suitcase.  From Placa de Catalunya you can get on the subway, walk or jump in a cab to your accommodations.  We didn’t find out about this bus until after we had taken the subway in when we first arrived.  I felt it was definitely the way to go with a suitcase.