Traveling Duo

TRAVEL TREASURES: FIREWORKS

2013-12-31T23:24:00.003-08:00

Gilberto and I love to watch fireworks. We love to watch the excitement on the people's faces as they prepare for the spectacular event. We love to hear the voices of the people in decrescendo as silence takes over in anticipation for the first firework show. We love to see the sparks of light turning into beautiful spectacles of images up high against the dark sky. We love the thought that we are among people, sharing the same excitement for a special celebration.

getting ready for the night's event

We hope you enjoyed looking at these fantastic shots. Wishing you, dear readers a very prosperous and fruitful New Year!

LAS VEGAS: THE FOUNTAINS OF BELLAGIO

2013-12-10T21:31:00.001-08:00

Each time we visit Las Vegas, Gilberto and I make it a point to visit and watch the dancing fountains of Bellagio. It is one of those (free) shows in Las Vegas where we soak ourselves in in enchantment to the graceful and fluid movements of the water. We get inspired by the passionate sway each string of water displays in rhythmic harmony with the music.

Gilberto and I watch in awe when the water bursts forth into insurmountable heights, seeming to catch up with the musical notes in glorious crescendo. And as the water descends and plunges back down to its source, we hear ourselves breathing out a "Wow!", unbeknownst to ourselves that the show is over.

Grazie!!!

LOS ANGELES: A DAY AT THE RACES

2013-11-19T17:33:00.004-08:00

Gilberto and I have not been to a race track. Obviously, we are not horse aficionados. But even then, we decided to drive down to the Santa Anita Park and Race Track one October day to experience a bit of life in there. During the visit, we learned that the place is not purely for racing horses but reunions, birthdays and company events are also welcomed and celebrated. That day, the big event in the race track was Octoberfest. Yes, beer and beer and beer while placing bets on the favorite horse.

Initially, understanding the mechanics of horse betting was quite confusing for us. It seemed that all horses on the list for each event were fit to win. Well, of course, the horses had been rigorously trained for the race and reading from their bio and experience, they were all sure winners.

the jockeys' colorful regalia stands out against the green background

One interesting event during that day was the race for the 4-year old horses. It was their debut on the race track, oh wow! Should we place our bets on these babies? Should we rely on their training experience? On their breed and stock? On their parents' race records? As four-year olds, they undeniably had formidable horsepower in them.

gracefully galloping to win

Bet on the jockey. This is a classic statement that Gilberto and I heard from a movie. To our surprise, a race sage whispered the same statement to our ears while we were in line to buy the ticket. "Ok, let's try it", we thought . . . and . . . it worked! Yes, it worked!
Have a lovely day!

SAN DIEGO: THE BALBOA PARK

2013-11-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

A place worth to discover in San Diego is the Balboa Park. As a cultural park, it is home to several museums, theaters and the San Diego Zoo. As a natural park, it is graced with beautiful gardens which include the Rose Garden, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Desert Cactus Garden, to name a few. For the shoppers and food lovers alike, gift shops and restaurants are also found within the park. What is most interesting and unique about Balboa Park though, is the Spanish Colonial architecture style of the buildings lining the main avenue. Although the structures were built during the late 19th century, they are reminiscent of San Diego's old colonial era.

The Casa del Prado Theater

The pond at the Botanical Building

Museum of Photographic Arts

The Prado Restaurant

The Casa del Prado with its baroque architecture

The San Diego Museum of Art

The California Belltower

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion

The Natural History Museum

Casa de Balboa

Old Globe Theater passageway

The Museum of Man

Gilberto and I learned that the exterior ornamentation style of the structures inside Balboa Park is called Churrigueresque. It is a Spanish baroque decoration popular during the 17th century.

Thank you for reading our blog and have a wonderful day!!

TEMECULA VALLEY: A CARRIAGE RIDE

2013-11-12T09:58:00.001-08:00

Gilberto and I love to visit wine countries. Besides getting a direct sample of the wineries' new lists of wines, the visit reinforces some insights on the wine's delicate qualities while enjoying picturesque views of the surrounding valley. A short drive south of Los Angeles is the wine country of Temecula Valley.

The Ponte Winery

For this visit, Gilberto and I chose to explore the wineries riding in a horse drawn carriage. We wanted to elevate an experience: touring the wineries with style and in a very slow relaxing pace.

the ride comes with a bottle of wine

Below is a picture of Pancho and his carriage. Pancho patiently took us around the vineyards and wine tasting rooms taking the road less travelled.

The Wien Winery tasting room

vineyards

capping the day with a delightful dinner at the South Coast Winery restaurant

the moonlight illuminating Temecula Valley

SAN FRANCISCO: ONE MORNING AT THE FARMER'S MARKET

2013-11-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

It was sheer serendipity that led us to the farmer's market while in the city of San Francisco. Gilberto and I wanted to visit the City Hall and the many government buildings and museums surrounding the square. As we headed down toward the area, fortunately for us that day was the Farmer's Market day. The place was so overwhelming as we have never seen a Farmer's Market offering different varieties of fresh (yes, fresh) produce, olive oils, orchids, greens, herbs, spices, fruits, nuts - all sorts of ingredients needed in the kitchen for simple cooking, gourmet cooking, dining and entertaining guests in the comfort of homes.

colorful and fresh

the color purple

pretty orchids in vibrant colors

the color red

the color green

the city hall dome viewed from the farmer's market

Gilberto and I had so much fun strolling around the market, hopping from one booth to another curious as to what was being offered. And those fresh produce and flowers were just so vibrantly colorful!! We could not resist taking snap shots of them. It was indeed a morning well-spent for us.

PHILIPPINES: CANIGAO ISLAND, PRISTINE AND HUSHED

2013-10-29T08:50:00.001-07:00

Canigao Island is situated in the island of Leyte in the Philippines. It is a 20-minute boat ride from the town of Matalom. The white sand beach paired with the uncorrupted island view have made Canigao our favorite place for unwinding in this side of the world. The island is so pristine, so hushed, so raw, so humble. . . . so far from the madding crowd . . . . . It is purely enchanting!

Canigao Island viewed from the jetty

steamed rice wrapped in coconut leaves

the white sand bar

clear skies and the azure sea

our boatman

the island

the north end tip of the island

grilled shellfish

fresh catch of the day

pondering over the beauty of his surrounding

Note to the adventurous travelers: to get to Canigao Island, take a boat from Cebu City to Hilongos, Leyte. Then take a public transportation bus from the town of Hilongos, to the barrio of Itom in the town of Matalom. Get off at the Canigao jetty for the boat ride to the island. Don't forget to bring your own food and drinks to the island. Since the island is practically raw, facilities are still very limited. Most important of all, please help keep the island clean. Life is a beach . . .

FRANCE: LYRICAL PARIS

2013-10-21T19:36:00.002-07:00

Paris has always been described as beautiful and romantic. Yes, it's true. But to our hearts, Paris is lyrical. Paris evokes poetry. Paris evokes music. Poetry and music evoke romance. Poetry, music and romance evoke loveliness. Somehow, Gilberto and I felt this way when we travelled to and wandered around the streets of this most visited city in France.

a view of the Eiffel Tower

The Arch of Triumph

a panoramic view of Paris from the Notre Dame Cathedral

the Seine River

interior of Galerie La Fayette

the Louvre

Enjoy your day, au revoir!

SAN FRANCISCO: THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

2013-10-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

The cliche goes on to say that you have never been to San Francisco if you have not been to the Golden Gate Bridge. Not only that the Golden Gate Bridge is an engineering feat, the entire bay view itself is a wonder. The ambience of the surrounding bay varies with each season, even at different times of the day. There's the fog, the sunlight, the clear skies, the clouds, the moonlight, the rain . . . natural backdrops that highly enhance the mood of the bay.

Gilberto and I somehow managed to carve out our own viewing niches within the city and around the bridge. They are a bit distant from the tourist crowd so we get to feel the fresh air while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the North Vista Point

Crissy Field - Now a park, the area was originally a military airfield and part of the Presidio military base. The park offers splendid views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city and Alcatraz.

Fisherman's Wharf - below is another view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the second floor of a restaurant at the Fisherman's Wharf.

Fort Point National Monument - Located under the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge, the area offers splendid views of the city, the bay opening and close up views of the bridge.

Marin Headlands - Located on the northwest side of the Golden Gate Bridge. On clear days, the hillside offers beautiful views of the bay area and the bridge due to its elevation.

late afternoon views of the bridge from the hillside

Point Bonita Lighthouse - The lighthouse is the last manned lighthouse in California. Quiet and serene, the surrounding area offers splendid views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, the coast and the ocean.

the Golden Gate Bridge engulfed with fog

sunset view of the lighthouse at the Point Bonita scenic byway

TRAVEL TREASURES: AUTUMN

2013-10-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

There's something fascinating and luscious about autumn. The smell of fresh air begins to loom as the atmosphere slowly turns mellow, a great contrast to the garishness of summer.

The colors of nature become subdued seeming to connect with Mother Earth.

The red and golden hues of the foliage are stunning beauties of a passing season.

the last lonely leaf of fall

Gilberto and I always find every autumn scenery timeless. Whether in the park or in a place graced with the beauty of deciduous trees, even a quick glance of the scenery is something we dearly add in our travel treasures.

PHILIPPINES: SAMAL ISLAND, SERENE AND HUSHED

2013-09-30T14:43:00.001-07:00

While in Davao City in the Philippines, Gilberto and I decided to spend a few days at the Pearl Farm, a popular resort situated in the island of Samal. The resort is about a 30-minute boat ride from the city. We consider Pearl Farm a perfect hideaway - an ideal haven for pure rest and relaxation. The noise polution inside the resort is limited only to the chirping of the birds, the lapping of the waters, the voices of the staff and the guests and the whizzing of the golf carts that take the guests inside and around the place. The resort atmosphere reminds us of a line from Kenny Rankin's song which goes, "Oh, it's so peaceful here". . . . .

Welcome to the Pearl Farm Resort

the pier

our cottage in stilts

Pearl Farm at dawn

fresh fruits on sticks

a floating dining hut

swimming pool view

jet skiing

the Garden Island

Davao City skyline viewed from Samal Island

Happy travelin'!

LAS VEGAS: THE RED ROCK CANYON

2013-09-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

Although the city of Las Vegas connotes fun and casinos, on its other side is also nature and wildlife. Fifteen miles to the west of the city is a natural park called the Red Rock Canyon. It is a small canyon yet it boasts beautiful colors and shapes of red rock formations. The canyon is our simple respite when Gilberto and I do not want to drive any farther out from the city but still want to feel nature to our side.

ARIZONA: ADVENTURES IN FLAGSTAFF

2013-09-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

The family's Easter holiday event for this year was spent in Flagstaff, Arizona. Flagstaff is a beautiful mountain resort north of Phoenix. It is blessed with abundant views of nature. The air is so fresh and crisp and generously infused with the scent of pines that breathing it in and breathing it out rejuvenates one's spirit. Tucked underneath the canopies of ponderosa pines in Flagstaff is a tree-top adventure park where the braves dare them all and brevity is not the word. . . .

an outdoor aerialist?

imitating Spiderman

zip lining off onto the next level of adventure

doing ocular estimates of the heights of the trees

scaling up the pine tree

this little missy breezed through the three levels of adventure, wow!!

For the weak in spirit though, being one with nature is already in itself an adventure. Have a wonderful day!

CAMBODIA: BANTEAY SREI

2013-09-17T12:59:00.002-07:00

Gilberto and I travelled to the exotic city of Siem Reap in Cambodia to tour and explore ancient temples. One of the temples we visited in the city was Banteay Srei. Built during the 10th century, the temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Although smaller in size compared to the other Angkorean temples in Siem Reap, Banteay Srei has its own unique charm. It is a very beautiful temple, enhanced by the color of the red sandstone. Like the other temples found in Siem Reap, it is elaborately decorated with carvings and bas reliefs that tell the story of Hindu gods and goddesses.

site map of the Banteay Srei Temple

The Banteay Srei Temple

the Hindu god Shiva

fine carvings of a column

Kala and Shiva

group of tourists listening to the guide

details of one of the pediments

group of towers

For shutterbugs: it is best to visit the temple at about 3:00 in the afternoon to capture the intensity of the terra cotta color of the sandstone.

LOS ANGELES: THE FLOWER MARKET

2013-09-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places in the Los Angeles commercial district is the Flower Market. I always grab the opportunity of having to be dropped off at this place each time Gilberto attends a business meeting downtown. It is an opportunity that I get so excited about. The aroma of fresh coffee wafting through the air and the sight of people buying and carefully selecting flowers and greens for their special events are the few things that I look forward to immerse in inside the marketplace. I get so excited watching people picked up their favorite bouquets of flowers, mixing colors and greens to come up with that perfect look.

these bunnies are so cute . . .

orange sunflowers

these lilies are my favorite

pink finger tips . . .

these rainbow roses are absolutely charming . . .

lovely bicolored rose bulbs

pretty in red

The flower market is a labyrinth of colors, fragrances, textures, shapes, freshness and nature, all contained in one place. Just being in the midst of them is simply refreshing.

PHILIPPINES: BUCOLIC BOHOL

2013-09-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

one of the places that lands in a traveler's itinerary to the Philippines is Bohol. Secluded from glitz and glam, Bohol has metamorphosed into a world-class vacation destination. It is hard to believe that tourists flock into this tiny place for their lazy days. But why not? Gilberto and I explored the place and amazingly, Bohol has plenty of natural wonders and deep cultural heritage to offer.

the Bellevue Hotel

modern-day scarecrows

the Chocolate Hills in Carmen

the view from our hotel room

this butterfly is a darling (Butterfly Sanctuary)

napping Tarsier... he is sooo cute!!! (Tarsier Conservation site)

Kinampay, a delicacy in Bohol

the historical Baclayon Church

the interior of the church

children chasing dreams

Thank you, come back again.
A sign of Boholano genuine hospitality

For diving aficionados and sun worshippers: Bohol is about an hour away from Manila by plane. The airport is in Tagbilaran City.

FLORENCE: CHARMED

2013-09-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

When Gilberto and I set foot on Florence in Italy, I immediately fell in love with the place. Perhaps because Mother Rain had just brushed the whole city with mists, unveiling thus a beautiful canvas of subtle tones and stillness. Yet, there is something in Florence that beguiles every visitor to the city. Its charm, perhaps? Yes, there is this old world charm that the city evokes, living memories of the great artists who collaborated and shared incredible talents and creativity for the city that they loved.

The Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Baptism of Jesus

painting on the dome of the Duomo

the view of the walled city of Florence from the belltower

the bellower and the panoramic view of Florence

the Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River

Michaelangelo's "Last Pieta"

the Arno River

the fountain of Neptune and historic buildings

the Duomo and the city viewed from San Miniato

Church of San Miniato

Florence at dusk

Ciao Firenze!

PISA: ITS LEANING TOWER

2013-08-31T07:13:00.000-07:00

While in Florence, Italy, Gilberto and I decided to take a day trip to Pisa. It is only an hour away from Florence by train. In our minds, we should not miss this most talked-about leaning tower of Pisa. We heard about the Tower of Pisa from our science teacher when the topic of discussion was gravity and gravitational fall. Our arts teacher discussed in great length the Tower of Pisa. Our history teacher touched on a topic about the Tower of Pisa. World travelers have their own exciting tales of their visit to Pisa. What makes this bell tower so famous and unique?

the baptistery, the Church and the bell tower

the leaning tower

the dome of the Church

a panoramic view of Pisa from the tower

old frescoes

the bells in the tower

the facade of the Church

the Miracle Square viewed from the tower

The tower has 296 steps. Gilberto and I challenged ourselves for a lifetime experience so we bought tickets to climb the leaning tower. It was a well-worth experience for us for the view at the top was very rewarding.

LAS VEGAS: IN BLACK AND WHITE

2013-08-27T01:57:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite fun place for a week-end getaway is the city of Las Vegas in Nevada. Gilberto and I just love the bright neon lights at night, the oversized margaritas, the various buffets with their eye-popping desserts, trendy shops, fabulous shows and the different casinos with their unique themes. Las Vegas is totally a different world from the bustling life of Los Angeles. Its energy is centered on seemingly endless fun, fun and more fun.

These are our favorite evening shots of Las Vegas in black and white . . . .

the shops at the Venetian

Paris Hotel and Casino

the fountains of Bellagio

the Eiffel Tower Restaurant

steel art

the campanile

the Palazzo Hotel and Casino

the Venetian Hotel and Casino

floor tiles in 3D

SAN FRANCISCO: A WALKING TOUR

2011-08-14T00:24:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite urban destinations in California is the city of San Francisco. Gilberto and I have visited this place numerous times in the past, yet there is always the insatiable mystical aura in the city air that allures us to come back. Is it the magnificent bay view? The challenging hilly streets? The delectable cuisine? The melancholic sound of the foghorns?

San Francisco skyline

view of the Trans-America pyramid

our walking tour route

Gilberto and I decided to do a walking tour of the city this time. We started our walk on the corner of California and Mason streets. Heading west on California street, our first stop was the Grace Cathedral, located on the corner of California and Taylor streets.

The Grace Cathedral, with its imposing Gothic architecture.

The Grace Cathedral

The Gates to Paradise

Heading north on Taylor street, Gilberto and I enjoyed peek-a-boo views of the Trans-America Pyramid in between streets, rendering different perspectives in viewing this famous icon. Also on Taylor street are rows of Victorian houses, all equipped with emergency escape ladders. The fear of heights is not an issue so it seemed, for those living on the top most floor of the building.

Victorian houses

view of the Oakland-Bay Bridge from Russian Hill

Walking downhill on Taylor street, Gilberto and I headed west on Lombard street toward the famous Crookedest Street.

cars going down easy on the crookedest street

view from the top of Hyde and Lombard streets

Going east on Lombard street, Gilberto and I walked our way toward the Fisherman's Wharf. We turned left onto Mason street from Lombard and walked all the way down to its end. Mason street ends on Fisherman's Wharf. It is also the final stop point of the cable cars. As shown on the picture below, a cable car is manually turned around for its next trip.

cable cars

the Fisherman's Wharf

bike rental shop

souvenirs

cool ads

walking down Post Street to Union Square

After lunch, Gilberto and I were revved up for the second segment of our walking tour. From the hotel, we walked south on Post street down to Union Square, the shopping mecca of San Francisco.

Old St. Mary Church

From Union Square, we took Grant street heading north to Chinatown. On the corner of Grant and California streets is the Old St. Mary Church, the first Catholic church built in San Francisco.

Wandering the undulating streets around Chinatown took us to the world of dimsum, herbs and spices, teas of all kinds, temples, pagodas and fortune tellers.

lamp posts and pagoda

a lively street

architectural harmony

Gilberto and I felt that we had covered some of the important points in the heart of San Francisco. It was time for us to head back to the hotel for a good rest. Our legs were awfully tired!

wall art

kite flying - Crissy Field

CALIFORNIA: THE WINDMILLS OF PALM SPRINGS

2011-06-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

No, the time was not Spain's Golden Age nor the place La Mancha. Gilberto and I were cruising along the Interstate 10 in the Golden State of California, passing through the San Gorgonio Pass in the city of Palm Springs. Rising up from the desert plains and foothills were giant windmills with arms outstretched, shimmering relentlessly under the unforgiving sun.

The San Gorgonio Pass is one of the windiest areas in California hence it is home to several wind farms.

Balmy as its name may sound, Palm Springs is also a haven to world-class golf course, luxurious resorts and spas and casinos.

pitching tent in Thermal

the classic trees in Palm Springs

SPRINGTIME IN ARIZONA

2011-06-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

Arizona has been the family's favorite springtime destination for over two decades. Not only that the climate is at its best during this season but also because it is a time for family bonding.

as the sun rises

saguaros

red yuccas

desert flora

orange lantana

We may think of the desert as flat, arid, boring landscape embellished with sand dunes, sparse vegetation and very little rainfall. Contrary to this line of thinking, Phoenix and its surroundings are home to beautiful mountains, canyons, rivers and lakes which in turn, offer a spectrum of activities from simple nature trips, archaelogical tours to thrilling adventures - thanks to its geography and geology.

orange beach

tubing

camping

Sparse vegetation? Not really. Flowers and trees abound the area that is unique only to the Sonoran desert. They come in various species, colors and forms and amazingly, are attractive to the eyes.

cactus with yellow flowers

cactus

ocotillo

cactus with red bloom

So, who thinks that desert life is uninteresting?

a rattler

a natural sculpture

palo breas in bloom

twilight in Phoenix

PHILIPPINES: BORACAY, AN ULTIMATE ISLAND DESTINATION

2011-05-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

One of the most visited islands in the Philippines is the island of Boracay. Situated in the central Visayas region, Boracay enjoys 365 days of sunshine. Besides the beautiful tropical climate, Boracay also offers a myriad of activities for the tourists to enjoy. So, with sun and fun in mind, Gilberto and I moved on to our next vacation destination, the island of Boracay!

the port of Caticlan

the alluring sea

After settling in at the Hotel Alice, Gilberto and I immediately explored the island on foot:

Day 1: A lazy stroll along the beach gave us the beautiful view of the sea, the endless horizon and the colorful sail boats.

massage center

body painting

as the sun set

Day 2: Gilberto and I joined the island hopping tour. The tour package includes snorkeling, a visit to the beautiful Crystal Cove island, a lunch buffet and a panoramic boat tour of Boracay.

snorkeling

banana boat

the view of Station 1 from our boat

Day 3: Gilberto and I hired a tricycle and explored the whole island of Boracay. We went to Mt. Luhu, the highest point of the island where we saw Boracay at its best - the beautiful seascape, the wind-surfers, the fishermen, cargo boats that were passing by, the golf course, the zipline park, the whole life of the island and beyond.

zip line

Alta Vista de Boracay Golf Course

windsurfing

Taking last glimpses of the turquoise sea, feeling the white-sandy beach beneath our feet, we bade a sad farewell to the unhurried life of the island which we would surely miss.

Juana banana

fresh seafood galore

ITALY: IMPRESSIONS ON SIENA

2011-05-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Siena is three hours away from Rome by bus so Gilberto and I decided to pick this famous medieval city as our next vacation destination.

The she-wolf with Romulus and Remos

a morning view from our hotel room

The things that attracted us most to Siena are the following:

Spirituality: A visit to the Church of San Domenico and the house of St. Catherine of Siena. The church contains the incorrupt head of St. Catherine. Frescoes depicting the life of St. Catherine adorn the walls of the church interior.

the chapel of St. Catherine inside the Church of San Domenico

a painting of St. Catherine of Siena

The Cathedral of Siena is one of the most beautiful cathedrals we have ever seen. The bands of black and white marble outside and inside the cathedral make a unique form of artistry. The church interior contains sculptures, paintings, frescoes and mosaic works of renowned 15 th century artists.

The Duomo

gilded mosaic and sculptures

the black and white marble in the interior of the Duomo

Il Palio and the Piazza del Campo: Remember the opening scene of the James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace"? The horse race is Siena's most famous festival, Il Palio di Siena. The race is held in the huge Piazza del Campo on July 2 and August 16. Because we visited Siena in January, Gilberto and I contented ourselves by gazing in awe at the immensity of the medieval structures surrounding the piazza: the towering Torre del Mangia, the gigantic Palazzo Pubblico and the lovely Fonte Gaia.

the Piazza del Campo, Torre del Mangia and Palazzo Pubblico

a rooftop view of Piazza del Campo

back view of the Torre del Mangia

Enoteca: Wine bars and wineries... What a lovely journey into the wine country of Tuscany!

a vineyard in Chianti

the Fonteruntoli winery in Castellina in Chianti

the Fattoria dei Barbi winery in Montalcino

Nature: The countryside of Tuscany truly offers splendid views of nature. We came across small villages, farm houses, churches, villas, vineyards, cypress trees and olive groves scattered all over the area, each niche offering its own unique natural beauty.

a tri-colored scenery in Chianti

the golden hues of Val D'Orcia

Arts and architecture: Exquisite works of arts are spread throughtout Siena.

a fresco

St John the Baptist in bronze by Donatello

an etched art on marble

Little shops line the streets of Siena, selling quality leather goods, ceramics, hand-made paper, clothes, spices, different kinds of wines, shoes, souvenirs - you name it. On the gastronomy side, Gilberto and I learned to savor the Tuscan cuisine with gusto and the famous bisteca fiorentina became our favorite.

ceramic souvenirs

Siena is essentially a place where antiquity thrives graciously with the modern spirit. One must spend two or three days in this tiny little place to understand the meaning of this unique harmony. And tiny as the place may be, Siena's rich heritage surely reverberates into the heart of each passing tourist.

TRAVEL TREASURES: A SALUTE TO WINE DRINKING

2011-05-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

There is always something mysteriously elegant about wines that Gilberto and I cannot seem to understand. How they made their way to the glitzy tables of the wealthy from their humble beginnings at Papa's tiny cellar is quite so amazing! Is it perhaps because of their delicate taste? But how could the sensory descriptors "robust, leathery, tobacco, earthy" be delicate? Or the fruity and spicy aroma, "lime, cinnamon, citrus, raspberry"?

the symbol of Bordeaux, France's famous wine country

a lovely name

The Maison du Vin in Bordeaux

mosaic art of Bacchus, the Greek god of wine. Bordeaux, France

cheese, bread, spicy salt and Cab

Well, we may have to consider first the five basic steps in tasting a wine: color, swirl, smell, taste and savor, in that order. Would this truly help us determine the wine's delicate flavor? We wonder....

driving towards the region of Chianti, the wine country of Italy

beautiful morning view of the valley

a vineyard in Chianti

the Fonteruntoli winery

our gracious host

a contemporary sculpture in Greve in Chianti

Aroma. Flavor. Color. Texture. Expressiveness. Whew! The ritual now becomes more intricate. Wine tasting appears to be a complex process of allowing the senses to judge a good wine. "Apple, pear, honey, strawberry"? Well.... our olfactory senses dictate that the wine is earthy, not fruity! Or is judgment based on sheer common sense?

a vineyard south of Siena

a wine bar in Montalcino, Italy

the Fattoria dei Barbi winery

our host at the Fattoria dei Barbi