This is a hotel, but not the same ‘hotel’ as we know. It’s an elegant townhouse for the aristocracy in Sete (pronounced ‘set’) in French.
Monaco from the Seaview.
In the fictional story of the Count of Monte Cristo, this is the island used in the book
The ground beneath Cathedral Square is composed of rivers and canals, which the architects were unaware of when constructing the church, cemetery, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. As a result, both the church and the tower are sinking, and nothing can be done to save them. The tower serves as a bell tower for the church.
Etruscan burial structures are known as funerary urns for cremation.
These chamber tombs were carved by the Etruscans at the request of the aristocratic Greeks and influenced by Eastern cultures, well before their deaths.
Tuscany coast.
Piazza del Plebiscito is Naples most important public square, located in the heart of of the city in Campania, Italy.
We’re in a hilltop in Sicily where the film ‘Godfather’ was filmed. This pathway is the church (Santa Lucia) where the wedding of Michael and Apollonia took place in part 1.
The church behind me was where Vito took refuge.
We ate canola and margarita pizza at a local restaurant.
We went wine tasting at an organic winery, where we enjoyed charcuterie, cheese, wine, and their organic olive oil. Since Johnny doesn’t drink, he opted for their refreshing orange juice made from 90% oranges and 10% lemons.
Šibenik, Croatia (pronounced “Sweeeberneek”), is a city with a rich history, having experienced significant changes over the years. From 1991 to 1995, Šibenik was affected by the Croatian War of Independence, which marked its transition from a period of communism to becoming an independent nation.
Key Facts about Šibenik:
• Population: Approximately 43,000 residents. • Tourism: Attracts around 300,000 tourists each year.
• Cultural Note**: Croatian surnames often end with “ićh,” similar to the “Tadićh” in the name of the Tadich restaurant in San Francisco.
Natural Attraction:
• The Skradinski Buk waterfall, located in the nearby Krka National Park, is a stunning natural site that is particularly popular among visitors. Interestingly, this park is known to be a favorite of notable figures like Bill Gates.
Noteworthy Location:
• Bill Gates and Michael Jordan own a property near a lake called Slradin, in a prestigious area characterized by its cleanliness and absence of graffiti.
[6/8/26, 9:08:04 AM] Joy: It was 32 degrees centigrade and humid in Venice. I can’t imagine July and August!
Venice is a city made up of 120 islands linked by bridges. In 1970, about 178,000 people lived there, but now only around 48,000 remain. Residents typically avoid living on the first floor due to heat and humidity. Air conditioning and elevators aren’t allowed because they would ruin the buildings’ exteriors. For elderly residents, it’s common to use a rope and basket system to send groceries up and down, allowing them to communicate with someone on the ground for help.
The Carnivale Italians take place from January to February. The Bridge of Sighs in Venice, built in the early 17th century, connects the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison. Known for its Baroque architecture and small barred windows, it symbolizes the sorrow of prisoners who sighed as they glimpsed their last view of the city. Today, it’s a popular romantic landmark.
In the morning, you drink espresso, never with sugar. From 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., you may have a cappuccino. In the winter, cappuccino is also acceptable in the afternoon, between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. You should never drink cappuccino or espresso with pizza or spaghetti.
This is George Clooney’s house, and at the end is the guest house. Movies such as Casino Royale and Ocean’s Eleven (and its sequels) have been filmed here.
Bellagio is believed to derive from the Latin word “Bellacium,” meaning “two legs,” referring to its position at the junction of the lake’s two branches. This location has made it a strategic and attractive spot for centuries.
Lake Como’s original name is Lario. The area was historically known for producing some of the finest silk, and today the population is around 50,000.
Lake Como sits at an elevation of about 1,500 feet above sea level. Minor flooding can occur several times a year, while more significant floods tend to happen every few years.