Bits by Ree (page 2)

Italy is known for its coffee, and rightly so. I don't know what the secret is, but I suspect it's something in the water, the atmosphere, or possibly the technique involved in ordering and drinking it because try as I might, I cannot replicate the perfect espresso experience anywhere else. Follow these simple guidelines and you too can discover the joy of drinking coffee in Italy...

Read the rest of: "How to Order / Drink Coffee in Italy "»

When we asked around in Sainte-Rose, someone told us about the springs at Sofaia, a half-hour drive outside the city. So away we went, along a steep road that got progressively narrower, and eventually wasn't even paved...

Read the rest of: "The Hot Springs at Sofaia"»

Moments that should be documented photographically throughout one's life: birth, kindergarten graduation, prom, marriage, first ride in a glass-bottomed boat. Of all the days to forget the frickin' camera....I did. So, this time you're just going to have to rely on distant views and verbal images of the Jacques Cousteau nature preserve, off Guadeloupe's western coast.

Read the rest of: "Jacques Cousteau Reserve"»

The second waterfall at Carbet is the most accessible, a fact made obvious by the tour buses parked by the side of the road. The waterfall is visible even from the parking lot, if you're just there for a photo oportunity. Otherwise, there are a few kilometers of well-maintained boardwalk through the forest, down a valley and up the other side. 

Read the rest of: "Les Chutes du Carbet"»

When (or if) you ever get sick of all those remnants of the Roman Empire and that over-rated Michelangelo and you really want to forget where you are, check yourself into the Zoo in Rome. It's also one place in Rome where you probably won't run into your neighbors from Nebraska, your roommate from the hostel, or anyone other than Roman grandpas with little kids in tow.

The entire Zoo is in a gentle state of decay, and the reptile room was vaguely "under construction" when we visited (that is to say, Not Open). A few peacocks wandering around adds to the general mêlée, and the surrealistic atmosphere is sad but pretty...

Read the rest of: "Monkeying Around in Rome "»

I've always wondered what it would be like to walk around inside a cloud. I thought it would be fluffier, and somehow softer. More like a cartoon, really. I didn't think it would be so...damp. Anyhoo, if you want to find out for yourself, the best way is to go to a cloud forest, not stick your head out an airplane window...

Read the rest of: "Postcard From The Cloud"»

Monteriggioni is a thirteenth century fortified town on a hilltop in Tuscany. It was founded to defend the city of Siena against invaders from neighboring Florence, hence the high walls interspersed with towers and only two entry gates.

Read the rest of: "Postcard from Monteriggioni"»

If the pace of Guadeloupe becomes too frantic for you then it is time to visit Marie Galante, a smaller offshore-offshore island where you will find even quieter beaches and towns, reminiscent of Guadeloupe as it might have been fifty years ago...

Read the rest of: "Marie Galante"»

Whale watching in British Columbia was not what I imagined. My reverie of Free Willy frolicking in the sun was replaced by a freezing reality as we set off from the harbor.

Read the rest of: "Whale Watching in British Columbia"»

This very civilized hotel cannot escape from the wild island on which it stands.

The Fairmont Empress, a landmark hotel in Victoria B.C., stands beside the city's inner harbor. It is a restored turn-of-the century hotel, complete with rose gardens and a special lobby where high tea is served every afternoon.

Read the rest of: "Fairmont Empress, Victoria, B.C."»