Travel Theme: Entertainment

There are many different kinds of entertainment and music is probably my favourite. I've attended some formal concerts in wonderful settings, like St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London with its amazing acoustics.  I've also come across some memorable musicians playing outdoors.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London

The Best Views of Venice

No visit to Venice is complete without seeing one of the world's great squares, Piazza San Marco. It's said that Napoleon once described the piazza as "the most elegant drawing room in Europe" and its grand cafés were frequented by the likes of Casanova. But it's not the only spot for scenic views.

Piazza San Marco, Venice

Venice, on Our Own

As much as I appreciate all the sights that are squeezed into an organized tour of Italy there were times when I wished I could wander off down a picturesque alleyway or stop for a closer look through an intriguing shop window. Our tour was over but I wasn't ready to go home yet. It was time to slow things down a bit and explore the city of Venice on our own.

A Quiet Canal in Venice

Insight Coach Tours

How lucky am I? I’ve been to Italy not once, but three times. On my first trip in the 1980s I travelled alone with a Eurail youth pass and a copy of Europe on $20 a Day. I saw some amazing things but the memories, like my old photographs, are fading and there’s no one who can fill in the blanks. My daughter came along on my most recent trip and now we can reminisce together for many years to come. The escorted group tour with Insight Vacations was also much more carefree than that first solo journey.

Oh, Paris

I'm shocked and saddened by the tragic events in Paris last night.

I remember the city in happier times...

At Last, the Venice of My Dreams

When I was planning my first trip to Venice a few years ago I dreamed of sitting on Piazza San Marco at twilight, sipping on a fruity peach Bellini while I listened to a café orchestra. But my dreams were squelched by an unfortunate spell of rainy weather. Where were the sunny skies I’d envisioned for my Italian holiday?

Rainy Day in Venice (2010)