Luv2wander

Cinque Terre, The Italian Riviera

2013-04-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

Cinque Terre (CHINK-weh TAY-reh ) which translated means "five lands." The region is a remote mountainous section of land that clings to the coast of Liguria between La Spezia and Levanto Italy. Once five peaceful fishing villages; Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarolo and Riomaggiore are known as the Italian Riviera. Steep terrain serves as a geographical barrier that isolates the villages from a more vehicle accessible Italy.

In 1997, Cinque Terre became a Unesco World Heritage site which includes a protected marine area, Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre.

Manarola at Sunset

Overlooking the Ligurian Sea on Italy's west coast are steep terraced olive groves and grape vineyards where locals farmers use a monorail system to access the crops making the harvest easier. In some cases boats are also used. Pastel houses adorn the jagged cliffs making for picturesque photos of these charming seaside towns.

Vernazza at Dusk

Residents and visitors are able to reach Cinque Terre by taking a short train ride from La Spezia in the south or Levanto in the north. Visitors can leave their cars parked at the train stations for a fee.

Ferries are offered during peak season. A schedule is available http://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it

Hiking paths are also popular as a means to explore and enjoy the unique beauty of this region. The paths can become quite crowded in summer and are subject to closure if too many hikers are present. For more information http://www.parconazionale5terre.it The park's famed Sentero Azzurro or Blue Trail (sometimes known as the no. 2) is the the easiest along the 11 km path from Monterosso to Riomaggiore. In October 2011, much of the area experienced major flooding and many of the paths were closed due to landslides, so check prior to arriving. The trails get progressively steeper as you climb south to north with Corniglia to Vernazza and Vernazza to Monterosso being the toughest. Along the path are incredible views of the villages and the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea. For non-hikers who still want to experience the dramatic scenery a stroll on the Via del Amore, the "Lovers Lane" from Riomaggiore to Manarola might be the best bet. Either way, if at anytime you get tired you can always hop the train to the next village.

On my trip in March of 2013, two of the segments of the trail were closed due to a recent landslide in January of 2013. My friend and I stayed two nights in the village of Vernazza at a lovely bed and breakfast. The double room included a ensuite bathroom and small terrace. Accommodations were clean and comfortable for the price of 75 Euros a night. Rooms book quickly even in the shoulder season. Reservations are a must in the high season. We set out to climb (sale, sale, sale---up, up, up)the hillside (mountain!) to Madonna di Reggio. The owner of the B & B told us it is a short climb about 45 minutes. Not regular hikers and totting backpacks filled with camera equipment the climb took much longer, but we paused constantly to take hundreds of photographs and enjoy the amazing scenery. On the third night we stayed in Manarola, like Vernazza, Manarola also had small half moon harbor filled with small fishing boats, restaurants a few hotels and B & B's.

Given its seaside proximity, the cuisine of the Cinque Terre region is a seafood lovers delight. Fresh caught mackerel, anchovies, squid and octopus are caught each day and on most restaurants menus by evening. Pesto, pine nuts and pecorino cheese are also locally grown or made. Two local wines, Cinque Terre and the Sciachetrà are both made using Bosco, Albarola, and Vermentino grapes.

My visit to Cinque Terre was certainly a unique and memorable experience and I hope to return again.

2013-04-26T12:14:00.001-07:00

Southeast Railroad Museum, Duluth, Georgia

Situated on 35-acres just 20 minutes north of Atlanta is one of the metropolitan areas best kept secrets. The Southeast Railroad Museum is an indoor-outdoor museum with 90 retired trains, cabooses, diesel locomotives, steam locomotives and historic pullman cars. The original depot constructed in 1871, served as a hub for the cotton commerce. Later a passenger depot was added and that depot is now part of the Southeast Railroad Museum.

My husband and I visited in August and took many photographs. The museum is quite popular with photographers.

In addition to trains there are a few vintage buses and trackless trolleys.

The museum hosts several events throughout the year including car shows, music festivals and train rides for a fee.

The museum is open Thursday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for Seniors and $5.00 for children (2-12 years).

For more information http://www.srmduluth.org/default.shtml

Anna Ruby Falls near Helen, Georgia

2012-06-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

York Creek Falls At Anna Ruby Falls

Driving less than 2 hours from Atlanta is scenic Anna Ruby Falls. Anna Ruby Falls is a unique double waterfall that cascades and flows into Smith Creek below. The Curtis Creek falls plummets 153 feet, while York Creek Falls drops 50 feet. Visitors can stand on large wooden deck platforms to view the falls. During our visit a young couple was married as the falls provided a memorable background.

Curtis Creek Falls At Anna Ruby Falls

Unicoi State Park

The falls are accessible by a paved path that ascends half of a mile from the visitors center. The climb is shady and moderate; there are benches and fence rails along the way. The last 100 feet to the summit of the falls are stone steps and could be slippery in wet weather. My husband an amputee, walked with me up the short trail to the platform at the base of the falls. During the hike visitors are serenaded by the sound of water tumbling over the rocks, logs and smaller waterfalls as it heads to Lake Unicoi and eventually the Chattahoochee River.

The falls are located in the Chattahoochee National Forest just outside Helen, Georgia. To get to the falls you will drive through Unicoi State Park. The fee for entrance is $3.00 per person.

At the base of the falls is a gift shop and restrooms.
Anna Ruby Falls is located a short drive from the Alpine village of Helen.

Meersburg on the Lake of Constance

2012-02-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

Meersburg, Germany

One of my Favorite places on the Bodensee (Lake of Constance)

Leaning against mahogany rails on the bow of a meticulously restored 1913 paddle wheel steamship the Hohentwiel, as it approaches the small medieval town of Meersburg, you see Altes Schloss (The old Castle) built in 628. Majestically towering over the steep terraced slopes and surrounded by orchards and grapevines; the castle overlooks the lake. A massive medieval fortress with walls that are up to 10 feet thick in places, and four round towers that survived many an onslaught over hundreds of years, the castle gives the impression that it is still today guarding the town of Meersburg.

Not the only castle in Meersburg, and by stark contrast is the new castle Neuse Schloss, a Baroque marvel and elegant in design. Built for Bishops in 1750, it’s salmon colored facade with ivory columns now houses a few museums.

The picturesque town of Meersburg, in the state of Baden-Wurtemburg, is located in the southwest of Germany. The Germans refer to the region as the “Bodensee.” The lake, the third largest in all of Europe, spans three countries. On its north shore is Germany, to the southeast Austria and on its southerly shores Switzerland. The Rhein River enters and exits opposing ends of the lake.

Walking up the dock towards the treelined cobblestone seepromenade which runs parallel to the great lake are several charming hotels offering bed and breakfast for reasonable prices. Meersburg is not overly crowded with foreign visitors. The hotels are inviting and the smell of food begs the traveler to sit at a lakeside cafe and delight in local German specialities including many types of fresh fish caught daily in the lake, a hearty beer or glass of wine while appreciating spectacular views of the Swiss shore, and the Alps provide a dramatic backdrop against the horizon.

Lining the narrow pedestrian-only street in the town’s center are several upright rectangular muted pastel homes adorned with meticulously cared for flower boxes filled with hanging vines and pink and red geraniums.

Linking the upper and lower town is the charming Steigstrasse, with several well preserved half timbered homes, tourist shops and quaint cafes. Following either the street or one of two stairs you ascend to the upper town (Oberstadt) where you are greeted by Altes Schloss and Neuse Schlossboth of which dominate the old town with their historic presence. The view from the upper town overlooking the lake is breath taking and vast.

Traveling to Meersburg is simple and there are many choices: By boat, ferry, rail, bus or car. Public transportation in this region is efficient and on-time.

Meersburg’s intriguing old warm charm and small romantic streets, is truly a gem that should not be missed.

Snorkeling and Stingray City, Grand Cayman

2012-01-29T13:33:00.000-08:00

Snorkeling off Grand Cayman Island in the British West Indies was more than a spine tingling experience. Arriving by boat, we immediately saw many very, very large southern stingrays. Stingray City is nicknamed for a shallow reef and sandbar that attracts dozens and dozens of these spiny sea creatures who know exactly when the boats arrive.

Friendly Southern Stingrays

The crew on our boat delighted to show us how to feed and carefully hold stingrays, gives a brief speech about safety, then brings out a bucket of “fish food.” Stingrays of this kind can grow up to four feet wide and are very friendly. The water here is clear up to one hundred feet below the surface. Visitors to the sandbar and reef are instructed to "scuff" their feet along the bottom so to prevent anyone stepping directly on a ray or most importantly their barb.

Everyone remembers the tragedy of Steve Irwin, of Australia, who was fatally stabbed by a stingray’s barb in the heart while filming an episode for a television show. Several people on our boat are unnerved by their size and their boldness including my sister-in-law who almost panicked. The crew threw her a life raft just in case. She remained in the water, but was very cautious.

Me and a VERY Large Southern Stingray

The boat’s crew hands us "chum," we are told to hold it out flat in our palms. The rays waste no time seeking out their lunch. I was nudged several times on my side by a large ray. Soon, his friends come over to see if I have more. They are surprisingly soft, and slippery but NOT slimey. We also saw many different fish while snorkeling and a lone Eagle Ray, (creepy!) who swam by with his jaws wide open. Eagle Rays are not as common as the friendlier southern ray and they are also quite large as well. This Eagle Ray doesn’t look so happy to see us. I follow him around for a bit, but with reserve. After Stingray City, we head to Coral Gardens. A pretty offshore reef good for snorkelers. Outcrops of coral clusters make great hiding places for marine life and we are fortunate to see many varieties of fish that include: Blue Tangs, Trunk Fish, Sergeant Majors and my favorite Fairy Basslets. Fairy Basslets are small, but their purple and yellow colors are very pretty. Just before leaving, I spotted a Hawksbill Turtle swimming by. Not quite as large as the Green Sea Turtle, he is just as interesting to watch.

A Large Eagle Ray--He is Looking a Little Hungry!

The excursion was a success and we learned a lot about marine life and how they live. Snorkeling is always an adventure and you never know what you will see. Seeing the marine life first hand is something everyone should explore one time. I am definitely ready to explore my next destination under the sea.

FYI-SNORKEL TIPS--Since I have snorkeled before, I prefer to use a "dry" snorkel rather than a regular snorkel that can let water in the end. The dry snorkel is much easier to use and water does not splash in when you are swimming, or if waves are present. The dry snorkel is easier to dive underwater with as it will not take in water. A slight bit more expensive, I find it much less of a hassle. Also, if your mask steams up easily, you want to smear a bit of toothpaste on the glass. Wash it off well and things should be better. Renting equipment is a good idea, if you do not want to do the maintenance of the equipment or carry it on airlines. Buying your own equipment to custom fit is better for some people especially if you want your prescription lens added to the mask glass.

My First Dive---Grand Cayman

2012-01-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

Grand Caymans
Recently my travels took me to Grand Cayman Island in the British West Indies. A small Caribbean island southwest of Haiti.

Seven Mile Beach December 2011

After only a two hour direct flight from Atlanta, GA, my plane circled the small island and landed at Owen Roberts International Airport. Sounding like a impressive size airport, I was very surprised when I saw only one landing strip. Not only was it tiny, but we also made a u-turn at the end of the runway. (I have never flown anywhere and have done that before!) The plane Taxied towards a small a-frame shaped building that looked more like it belonged at a ski resort than in the Caribbean.

Beginning a week long vacation with my sister-in-law and her friend, we took a taxi to our resort the Grand Caymanian Resort on the east side of the island. We had decided not to rent a car since most of our planned activities were going to involve the water nearby and the island only being 21 miles long, we figured we wouldn't need one. I may re-think this again if I go back.

The Iguanas are everywhere especially the Golf Courses

My purpose other than to get out of the cold weather was to snorkel and possibly dive as in scuba dive! I admit, I am not one to lie on a beach more than a hour or so. The water a azure color so beautiful it was almost surreal. Walking to Seven Mile Beach we were like kids going to Disney. Excited to see the famed beach. We settled on the beach in front of the Westin Causarina. After spreading out our beach towels on the white sand we headed to the Westin for Sunday Brunch. I highly suggest you include this in your itinerary. Though not cheap, it is one of the best brunches I have been to. That coupled with a fabulous beachfront view while we dined on Tuna Ahi, Sushi, Jerk Chicken, Shrimp, pasta, fresh fruit and every possible breakfast item you could dream all cooked to perfection and a waitress pouring free champagne--- I was in heaven. After two hours and probably 5 pounds heavier we joined our towels on the beach.

The water in December is 80 degrees and sometimes a little breeze blows from the east. The west side of the island where Seven Mile Beach is is less windy than our eastern side resort. Nonetheless, the weather was much better than Boston or Atlanta this time of year.

On Wednesday, I decided I would try the scuba resort course. So, at 9:00 a.m., I joined 4 others (a family) in the resort pool for my introduction to diving. During the next two hours I learned scuba is an acronym for self contained breathing apparatus. I also learned the scuba gear weighed nearly 50 pounds out of the water on my back! The instructor said, "if I passed the pool class I could try diving a wreck off of Georgetown, Grand Cayman the next day."

Thrilled I was going to finally try scuba diving, I figured I would lie out in the sun all day poolside with my number 70 sunblock that same afternoon. Being very fair skinned I kept applying it freely all day. It was fairly breezy, so getting hot was not a issue lying in the sun. At 4:30 p.m., the three of us went upstairs to the room. By 7:30 p.m., I began to feel the effects of sunburn and by 8:30 p.m., I was getting sick, very sick. Chills were not the even close to describing how I was feeling. My body shook uncontrollably for several hours and I was getting nausea. I really thought I would be making a trip to the ER. that evening. Apparently, only some of the sunblock I applied made it on my skin. The rest took a trip in the wind. Thinking I would be too sick to go scuba diving in the morning only made me feel worse.

The next morning I awoke and felt better. Not 100%, but better than the previous night. I decided I would go to Georgetown and dive the wreck of the Calli. Jumping off the pier that looked out to a few Cruise ships we started our dive. Hoping I would not see anything bigger than me in the water, I let the air slowly out of the flotation vest and we gently dropped to the bottom. Our instructor a middle age dive master with lots of personality began checking our buoyancy, made some adjustments to our weight belts and we were off. Only a few kicks with our feet would propel us and pointing our heads in any direction kept us going in the right directions. Arms were not used, only to pick up our respirator, adjust the mask or check the oxygen gauge.

The first fish we saw were small and swimming in between some coral. In about 12ft to 15ft of water we saw some large Tarpon, yes they were bigger than me, but I was so caught up in the beauty of the marine life I was more interested than afraid. We continued diving in and around the wreck, a 1940, cargo ship that sank in a storm just off shore. The ship carrying rice was traveling from Columbia when it sank. Now it was home to dozens of species including fish and turtles. Since I only had a cheap underwater camera and it was only good for 10 feet I decided to leave it ashore. Our dive lasted 45 minutes, but I could have stayed down for much more. I was so excited and fascinated I have decided that this is something I would truly love to do more of. I only wish I hadn't waited all these years to get up enough courage.

I am planning on doing more dives in the future. Maybe not ready for the Barrier Reef, but I am anxious to do another dive and hey those fish that are as big as me are really not that scary!