Ola's World: editor of DiverseTraveller.com the online community for women who travel, write, snap and share

Where in the world was I?

They. Whoever they are, say imitation is best form of flattery so I am flattering the Mirror online by copying their great photo idea. TEST your travel knowledge with the Daily Mirror as as will be known from now on with these virtual walls ' test your travel knowledge with Diverse Traveller.'

Each week, I'll post a photo taken whilst on my travels. All you have to do is work out where I was when the photo was taken. You'll get a clue but no prize - just the warm inner glow of getting it right.

Post your answer in the comment box below and I'll give you the answer, next week, when I post a new photo. If you would like your photo to be used, in this fun quiz, get in touch.

The photo for this week:

Clue: In Rome, a city spoilt with architectural wonders, this building is able to stake a claim as being one of its most impressive sights.To point your nose upwards is to enjoy a view of the vast hemispeherical dome, that has stunned vistors for nearly two thousand years. Natural light enters through the oculus at the dome's centre and as the sun moves striking patterns of light dance across the walls. There's many a bar less than 50 yards from the entrance, handy in winter; as I can testify having visted this building and a neaby bar last November.

 

Please provide your answer in the comment box below, there is no prize, it's all a bit of fun.

If you also want to take part in the original version of this quiz, visit the Daily Mirror website: http://www.mirror.co.uk/advice/travel/where-is-mirrortravel/#ixzz1iZUdHRvM

Advantages of sitting in the last row on a plane

If I could have a special power, it would be the ability to travel at the speed of light. No more long car journeys, or flights that seem to go on forever, especially if you have a bad seat allocation.

Whenever I book a flight, being to cheap to pay for the privilege of securing my ideal seat, I pray at check-in that the computer will be kind to me and not give me a seat at the back.  

Seat anxiety - don't give me the back row

But what if, on a long haul flight, you get stuck in the final row? How do you cope, how do you find positivity, knowing you are stuck near the galley or god forbid the toilets, for six plus hours?

 

Words of wisdom

On October 27, 2011, Caroline Clarke of business magazine Black Enterprise, wrote a great article on '6 Good Things About the Worst Row on an Airplane.' Somehow Ms Clark has found a number of ways to maintain a positive outlook, when seated where every traveller dreads - the very last row. I enoyed her witty article so much I thought I would share her six observations and tips, for embracing the silver lining when in such a situation, with you:

"...in the very last row of coach on a classic 757 that didn’t have a single available seat. I was in row 44.  ... in an effort to help all of my fellow frequent fliers, here are the results of my efforts to identify the “perks” of a situation that at first seemed to lack any.

Great Service: In the last row, you’re so close to the galley, you can smell everything happening in there (which, since airlines have given up cooking, isn’t much). You’re the first to be served a beverage and the tiniest possible packaged snack ever created. Of course, if you’re a big spender, you can buy something heartier without having to ever worry that the red wine, beer or sandwich you want is going to run out before your row is reached.

Safety First: Not only are you close to the exit without having to bear the heavy psychological burden of sitting in the exit row (are you really equipped to rip that door from its hinges, toss it from the plane, and play hero in a crisis?), you are actually sitting smack under the plane’s emergency medical supplies, including oxygen and a defibrillator.

No Room…But a View: Sitting in the back of the plane, you have a clear view all the way to the cockpit, which means that you don’t have to crane your neck to see if there’s a line for the bathroom. You can sit back (well, not really back, since your seat doesn’t recline in the last row) and relax, not bothering to get up until that little “vacant” sign slides into place.

Congeniality Corner: Not only will you get to know the flight attendants stationed in the galley right beside you really well, you’ll get to overhear all of their conversations, which could easily be more entertaining than the in-flight movie you watched on a previous flight. Also, you’re guaranteed to make fast friends with your seat mates, who will be just as eager as you are to commiserate about your shared seating fiasco.

No-Kick Zone: For anyone who has ever endured a trip with a child kicking their seat from behind, this is a big one! For some, it might be reason enough to actually request the last row! No one is behind you. No little kickers, screamers, coughers, tappers, gas-passers or other junior travelers that only a mother could love.

Better Survival Odds: I read a statistic years ago that said you are more likely to survive a plane crash if you are seated in the rear of a plane than in the front. Of course, this is logical. As to whether it’s actually true, who knows. If you’re stuck in a last-row seat, it’s a good thing to console yourself with nonetheless. Those folks in first class, with their clean blankets and pillows, their hot meals and fresh-baked cookies, their leg-and-butt room and reclining seats, their spacious overhead bins, practically private bathroom, and drinks-on-demand… in a pinch, they’re more precariously perched than you are.

So, you see, there’s a lot to be glad about if you find yourself riding the back of the plane. Of course, this assumes you have a window or aisle seat. Back row, middle seat? The best you can hope for is that you’ll sleep through the entire ordeal."

You think?

Have to be honest, although she states her case very well, and nearly had me 'better survival odds,' my sunny disposition would not be able to fake it through the other five tips, I'm too neurotic a flyer. But now that I do know, I shall revisit her insane optimism, should God forbid,  if I ever find myself in such a situation.

Share your insights and experiences

So over to you, have you ever been stuck in the last row of economy / coach? What was your reaction? And if you have any coping strategies, please share.

Read the full article here: http://www.blackenterprise.com/2011/10/27/6-good-things-about-the-worst-row-on-an-airplane/2/

Natural traveller - bad hair days won't spoil my holiday

I love to travel; I'm not exaggerating when I say I live to travel. But when it comes to travel planning, i don't find much to love, in fact I find planning very stressful - the research, the decisions - where to go, when to go, who to go with, what to pack  and so on. But this stress is nothing compared to the hairy question, troubling many black women travellers  - "what do I do with my hair?"

Holiday stress: worrying about what to do with your hair

Constantly worrying about how to manage my natural hair, and keep it loking and feeling good, used to be a great frustration. As shallow and vain as it sounds, on many occasions, my hair has stopped me from enjoying myself, not for me cooling off in the swimming pool, messing around in the sea, and don't get me started about sand in my hair.

Hair today gone tomorrow

However, these days my hair is a great travel companion, always travelling light and very easy to get on. What changed, I hear you ask?  Simple, a visit to the barber in 2004; back then enough was enough; so while on holiday in Texas, USA, I walked in to a barber with shoulder-length and mile wide hair and bounced out with a crop, that would make a marine proud. Initial reactions were shock and horror, many telling me I would regret it, having cut off my 'crowning glory'. But I was pass caring, for the first time in years, I felt free and somewhat empowered; and seven years later I feel the same and my hair is still as short.

Cropped in Bangkok, Thailand (2004)

Hair tips and tricks

Word of warning, before you 'badly' follow in my footsteps, it would be wise to check your face shape, and check you don't have a lumpy head, doesn't lead to a good look. But if short hair is a step to far, there are other, less drastic ways, to control your natural tresses. And you don't have to have short, or even natural hair, to be able to leave behind your four-hour hairdressing routine, multitude of hair gadgets and now spend that time actually enjoying everythng your holiday has on offer. Years of travelling, home and abroad, have taught me  a thing or two about keeping my hair looking good with minimumal fuss. So, whether you're travelling for a few days or a few months, I hope my tips and experience will help you too.

1. Decide on a hair style: Choose a style that is easy to manage i.e. low maintenance. Styles like:

Crop it: The easiest style for travelling is to have your hair as short as possible, this is a true wash and go style.

Cornrows: Tiny or large, short or long these are great for a few weeks. 

Locs or Braids: Very versatile. Don't make them too long and heavy; you don't want to leave a trail of fallen braids as you sashay your way along the beach (caused by tension at the root of your hair that may pull your hair and braid out). This style is great for long trips in many countries.

Twists - free, flat, gel:  These popular two strand style can last two to four weeks. Free twists are particularity great for travelling as you can do it yourself. I used to twist my hair at night, wrap with a scarf, then untwist for a day of loose curls. Gel twists are great for very short hair, but don't leave more in for than a month or your hair may loc.

Two-strand twists look great and are so practical

Wigs, weaves or hair pieces: These are great for not only providing a quick hair fix, but also for changing your look. Thankfully you can now buy natural, afro hair pieces or wigs. Before you go try different styles, lengths and colours, find what suits you and flaunt it on holiday. Word of warning, make sure you secure your wig or piece - the wig of a friend flew off while we were enjoying a theme park ride.

2. Pack lots of hair accessories: This is my favourite tip. Once you have decided on the clothes, shoes, and bags you'll be taking, have fun selecting matching hair accessories, fortunately they don't take up much space.

Sleeping cap or scarf: I always travel with a silk scarf, satin is just as good, to either wrap around my pillow or to wrap my hair at night (a satin or silk sleeping cap or pillowcase does the same job). I've been told by many hairdressers that silk and satin are kinder on the hair because of their smooth fibres, unlike fabrics like cotton, wool, etc. that can snag hair fibres, and cause hair friction when we toss and turn.

Scarves: Travelling with scarves is one of my favourite travel tips, and my luggage always contains scarves or all colours and textures. They serve many purposes, to cover my head and shoulders when visiting a religious building, used as a sarong when on the beach, to keep me warm when at the mercy of intense air conditioning, or to simply brighten up an outfit.

Covering up a bad hair day in St Louis, USA 2009

Hats: Along with my scarves, I travel with lots of hats. Looking through my travel photos, you'll find that I'm wearing a hat in many of them. In the sun I tend to wear caps e.g. baseball caps are a great solution to a bad hair day, plus they protect my hair and eyes from the sun. Hats also help to cover up aeroplane hair, when the back of the hair goes flat due to the hours spent with our head against the headrest or on a pillow.

 

Hats off to The Great Wall of China (2007)

Scruchies, hair pins, slides and bands: All these come in different textures and colours. You are on holiday, so go wild and spice up your look and style. My tip - don't stock up on these from home, buy at local markets. They make great souvenirs, and when people ask you where you got them you can launch into tales about what you did on holiday.

Essential: Don't forget to take a small version of your favourite brush and / or comb

3. Leave the gadgets at home: As tempting as it may be, leave hair dryers, tongs and flat irons at home. Anyway, hotel rooms have hair dryers; OK it may not be as powerful as the one at home, but why take up valuable packing space with this bulky item. If you must travel with tongs / flat iron opt for the travel size versions, and remember to take a travel plug. If you want a cheap and heat-free way to vary your style, try two strand twists or a pipe curlers dry set .

4. Carry 100ml versions of your favourite hair moisturiser, shampoo and / or conditioner: Most airlines now restrict us to only 23Kg luggage, and 100ml of liquid in our hand luggage. This leaves the question - 'how do I take my many essential hair liquids, creams and solutions?' Ladies, this is the time to decide what an essential hair product is. For me? Only three hair products, a shampoo containing conditioner, a moisturiser and beeswax. Once you have decided on your essentials, pack the larger size in your suitcase or use travel-size (100ml) bottles and containers. Travel-size containers can go in your hand luggage, or take lots and distribute around your suitcase (wrap in plastic in case they spill) thus saving space. 

Take your favourite hair potions in travel-friendly containers

5. Finally Enjoy yourself: Follow my tips and you'll find yourself swimming, playing in the sand and trying new experiences without a 'hair' - care in the world; after all taking liberties with India Arie’s, “I am not my hair”, travelling is not (about) your hair. 

Don't let hair worries ruin your holiday

I am sure there are many more hair control travel tips out there; so it's your turn to share  and please send in pictures of you in hats, scarves or your favourite travel hairstyles.

Finding the beauty in winter

Hate is such a strong word, but it decribes pefectly my feelings towards winter, especially here in the UK.

This is the time of year, when like sensible animals I hibernate, stocking up on food, sealing my windows and doors, and making sure my take-out menus are up-to-date. Thank goodness for on-line banking and grocery shopping.

I hate the dark days; days so short of sunlight, that my mind is convinced it's 10pm when it's only 5pm; then there's the relentless cold rain, and don't get me started on the bitter ice-laden wind intent on biting off my nose.

So, every November, after another day of housr spent hugging a radiator to thaw mind and body and mind, I announce to family and friends, ignoring the eye-rolling and loud esapperated whispers of "Not again!" "As soon as I ... get that large contract / win the lottery / my megrea savings turn into a city bankers bonus, I am off; it'll be see you suckers."

But I am still here, hating the UK winter; As much as I hate the winters here, it's rare for me to travel anywhere where the winter could be colder. Yet somehow in 2010, I did. For the first time in my travels, I got caught in a Baltimore, USA, snow storm. Being far from home and crucially far from my many fashionable hot water bottles, my first instinct was to run back to the back to the warmth of hotel, but instead a funny thing happened. While trying to turn me into a snow woman, the thickening snow flurries gently dropped, covering the street and it's furniture with a soft, crunchy white blanket; I was awed by the beauty and purity of winter spread before me.

Now don't get me wrong, that was not my road to Damascus moment, all it did was to give me some insight into why those crazy people can't do without their skiing and other such winter holidays.

So, while I stiil hate Winter, I have learnt to appreciate that it's not all bad. My new found slightly positive feelings towards winter, are best ilustrated in this quote from the great Russian playwright Anton Chekov:

"Let us learn to appreciate there will be times when the trees will be bare, and  look forward to the time when we may pick the friut."

Snow covered Baltimore (2009)

Is there a season you hate, if so which one and why? Has anything or can anything make you change your mind?

Destination Maryland - America in miniature

If you haven’t heard about Maryland, you're not alone. But I bet you know more about this eastern US state that you think. The star-spangled banner, Alex Haley (author of Roots), Babe Ruth, swimmer Michael Phelps, Baltimore, or the breathtaking beauty of Chesapeake Bay, all have Maryland ties.

Introducing Maryland

Maryland, a historic, cultural and natural melting pot, remains undiscovered by many travellers. Bordering Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington DC and Virgina, the sprawling state of Maryland was once described by National Geographic, "America in Miniature.

Annapolis - Alex Haley, author of Roots, memorial

Nature

Located  on the mid-Atlantic corridor, Maryland, benefits from moderate summer temperatures, fall views that rival New England, and  ski perfect snowy winter landscapes; this makes for great all-year travel, where you can indulge in every out-door activity you can think of, especially those that take place in or on water.

You can literally smell the salt water from and in most parts of the state. That's not an exagerration, as Maryland is very much about the sea shore, boasting nearly 4,000 miles of shoreline, which includes over 30 miles of Atlantic Coast. And Maryland is home to America’s largest estuary, Chesapeake Bay, and according to the residents America's best crabs. 

But if water is not your thing, travel up the coast and behold the rugged mountain peaks. For example, check out the Allegheny Mountains, it stretches ver 3,300 feet above sea level and at its highest point, Backbone Mountain, you can take pause awhile to appreciate the breathtaking views as Maryland lays out before you.

History and culture

Named after Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I, Maryland is steeped in English history. And its capital is Annapolis, is a dream for a history buff, as in a day you can spend your time  exploring and learning about its English links.

Georgian style house in Annapolis, Maryland USA 

However, as attractive as Annapolis is, it is to Baltimore I go for my  cultural fix.  Roaming the streets and neighbours of Baltimore, brings to mind the city's history as a major maritine and manufacturing centre. There is no denying its historic and strategic role as a major American port, bet you didn't know that many European immigranmts entered the USA through Baltimore, in fact the city was the second largest point of entry for immigrants to America from Europe.

However, as attractive as Annapolis is, it is to Baltimore I go for my  cultural fix. Roaming the streets and neighbours of Baltimore, brings to mind the city's history as a major maritine and manufacturing centre. There is no denying its historic and strategic role as a major American port, bet you didn't know that many European immigranmts entered the USA through Baltimore, in fact the city was the second largest point of entry for immigrants to America from Europe.

Modern day Baltimore City Skyline

Strange but true

Like many US states, Maryland has it fair share of quirky symbols. As a lover of cake, I was destinited to love Maryland as its official dessert is the  Smith Island Cake, made for many years by the ladies of Smith Island. Smith Island cake, a decadent layered cake is eaten all over America, and I can vouch that it is rich and delicious. Hunt it down when you visit.

Maryland - Original Smith Island Cake

Like other US state, Maryland has a number of nicknames, which come from history and  / or notable locals, it is reffered to as “Old Line State,” General Smallwood’s “Maryland Line” stood firm against British troops during the 1776 Battle of Long Island, ) and “Free State,” during the Prohibition a Baltimore Sun editor argued against prohibiting the sale of alcohol.

You would think as the birthplace of Babe Ruth, the state sport would be baseball. Well it is not, it's jousting. Strange I know! A visit to any big Maryland shopping mall, is not complete without taking part in a faux-medieval event run by Medieval Times. But be warned there are usually long queues, as this is a favourite for tour companies.

Time for a visit

I hope I have peaked your interest, and you will leave here and find out more. Here's a radical thought, instead of automatically booking trips to Florida, or New York, think about trying something new and visit instead, or as well as if you are on the East Coase, to Maryland. Experience its coastal life, parks and mountains, seafood, and diverse arts and culture.

Since my first visit to Maryland, in 1997, I have been back so many times and on each visit I still find something new to do and see. Beleive me, no matter your travel type or tastes, I am sure, like me all, all it will take is one visit, and you to be hooked on this miniature version of America.

For more information about visiting Maryland, travel along to the Visit Maryland website

Have you been to Maryland, or do you live there? If so, please share your travel experiences and tips. If there other US states you have been to that are of little known to travellers

Calling all women travellers - DiverseTraveller.com wants your short travel stories

Fellow women travellers - share your travel experiences on Diverse Traveller and on this blog.

By lighting the way, by sharing our stories, we can inspire and encourage one another." ~ Elaine Lee. Author of Go Girl: The Black Woman"s Book of Travel

We want more contributions from all types of travellers, business, pleasure, solo or with others, we don't care. Share your short stories, non-fiction & fiction and poetry, and help us improve our travel knowledge and experiences, making us smarter travellers.

Your story, etc, will be published on the Diverse Traveller website and on our social media platforms, thus exposing you to a wide audience.

It is said, don't ask me by who, that we all have a story within; if you believe this, as I do, I look forward to receiving your short stories on all aspects of travelling, whether it's at home and / or away.

To thank you for your valuable experience, each month two published contributors will win one £5 Amazon voucher each.

You don't have to be an experienced writer to contribute, Diverse Traveller is here to help you craft your story. And that's not all. Click here to learn more.

Win a pair of tickets to The Telegraph Adventure Travel Show! - Closed

Discover a journey of your lifetime

28-29 January 2012, Olympia, London

The Telegraph Adventure Travel Show is a world of extraordinary discoveries, all under one roof. It is the UK’s foremost travel event for people who like to travel outside the mainstream – whether it be on small-group adventures, exclusive expeditions or epic journeys.

The Telegraph Adventure Travel Show is packed with inspirational travel advice, travel photography and travel writing seminars, and talks from experts, explorers, tour leaders and writers who will help you uncover your perfect adventure. Plus, the best specialist travel operators will be on hand to offer guidance on everything from walking and trekking to exploratory journeys, safaris, overland trips, life-changing volunteering projects and much more.

Travel Photography Seminar

Learn about travel photography from some of the leading exponents of the craft. Hosted by the team at Wanderlust magazine, organisers of the UK’s largest amateur travel photography competition, these two half-day seminars will give you the inspiration and skills to take your travel photos to the next level.

Bradt Travel Guides together with The Telegraph Adventure Travel Show will host two travel writing seminars on Saturday 28 January and Sunday 29 January.

Speakers of interest include:

Lois Pryce - www.loisontheloose.com - Lois Pryce is a British travel author, freelance journalist, speaker and presenter. She is also a co-founder/curator of the Adventure Travel Film Festival.

Frances Gordon - www.franceslinzeegordon.com - Frances Linzee Gordon is an award-winning travel journalist based in London, UK. She writes and takes photographs for travel features, pictorials and guidebooks, presents and produces for TV.

Belinda Kirk – www.belindakirk.co.uk - Belinda Kirk has 16 years experience managing adventures in hostile environments and was skipper of the first women to row around Britain.

The Telegraph Adventure Travel Show – it’s where your adventure begins, and with our help you could go free.

Prize Draw*

We are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show!  Just answer the question below, and hopefully your name will be the first out of the 'hat':

Q. Where is The Telegraph Adventure Travel Show being held?

a. ExCel

b. Olympia

c. The O2

Please provide your answer in the comments box below by 11pm, Monday January 23rd, 2012.

**Reader Ticket Offer**

We are also offering Diverse Traveller the chance to purchase tickets to the show for just £6 – that’s £4 off the door price! (tickets £10 on the door).  Just quote code “DIVERSE” when booking tickets online at www.adventureshow.com or when calling 0871 230 7159 (calls cost 10 per minute plus network extras).

*Prize Draw Terms and Conditions

• Prize draw open to UK residents only.
• Only one entry per household; entrants must be aged 18 or over.
• Acceptable correct entries are only valid when posted in the comments box below or posted on the Diverse Traveller Facebook Fan page.
• Closing time and date is Monday January 24th, 2012.
• Responsibility cannot be accepted for any lost entries.
• The ONE prize consists of ONE pair of tickets to The Telegraph Adventure Travel Show 2012
• The winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 by an independent person.
• The winner will be notified by a Diverse Traveller representative, via email, no later than Wednesday January 25th, 2012 
• The prize is not negotiable and cannot be exchanged for cash in whole or in part.
• Volunteers or employees of Diverse Traveller and members of their immediate families are not eligible to participate.
• The decision of Diverse Traveller is final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into.
• Promoter: Diverse Traveller, 72 Bannerdale Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S7 2DP

Click here to return to the Diverse Traveller website

New year new experiences - horse riding

I blame a DVD marathon of Mad Men. In season three, Betsy Draper, spends most of her free time horse riding. Why do I mention this, well Betsy Draper is played by the beautiful January Jones, and January is the month where I am at my most impulsive, basically anything is possible.

I get this way, because I spend Decemeber in the dark, literaly, lots of reflection about life as the darkness of early afternoons brings my spirits low, and then there is the mess that is Christmas. So when January, finally gets here, it's time to replace somber thoughts with crazy ones, especially is it entails a new experience. So I was in seventh heaven today, when on scanning through my emails, I saw a Groupon deal for a half-day horse riding. Now do you get the Mad Man reference?

Aside from watching people on TV ride horses, or standing next to the ones at Horse Guards Parade, London, I have never been near a horse, not to talk of ridden one, and to be honest I have never thought about riding one either. I am not even an animal person. But this is January, and the price was so right, so the little devil on my shoulder told me to book it, and I did with minutes to spare. 

Faced with the confirmation page, reality set in, what had I bought? Before panic could take hold, I read the details again, I have purchased a half day equestrian experience for £39 at Trent Park Equestrian Centre, at a whopping 61% discount - kerching! That's more like it.

A quick canter over to the Trent Park Equestrian website informed me that ...

"Horses were once considered man’s best friend, but after the invention of the dog, they were re-branded as man’s eccentric, oat-obsessed uncle.

Proudly trotting out their status as a British Horse Society Equestrian Centre of Excellence, Trent Park is home to over 100 impressive beasts, all experienced in hosting hacking and riding lessons. The centre teaches horse lovers from London and the Home Counties, and provides activities ranging from cross country riding and pony days, to horse riding parties and impressive dressage competitions." Uh ah Mrs!

Thankfully, they welcome riders of all skill (or lack of) level, and before the lesson begins, my ability will be assessed. My half day involves lessons on a horse-shaped bandwagon, lasting up to three hours, and a learning session on caring for new pals, not that there is any room for a cat never mind a horse in my tiny Sheffield flat.

Thankfully, as a beginner, I will receive basic riding lesson, while watching intermediate rider canter, or "go for a hack" in the woods. After the introduction, assessment, and riding experience, all riders get a group session to learn about the fine art of grooming a horse's sleek coat.

The more I read about the day the more excited I get. I plan to book my lesson late spring, so I work on my wardrobe; it just wouldn't be right to turn up in a polo neck jumper, jeans, puffa coat and Ugg boots.

Picture: Inspiration for my horse riding wardrobe, the ever stylish Betsy Draper (January Jones). Source: http://aplusbinthesea.blogspot.com/2010

Horse riding website: http://www.trentpark.com

***

I am dying to know what new experiences you're planning for this new year, have you been as implusive as me, or have you taken a more adult approach?

Amo l'Italia (I love Italy)

Back from Italy and it lived up to all I have heard and read, and yes I fell in love ... with the country. And I've told I haven't seen anything yet.

While I adjust to my dull life at home, and sort and edit the 100s of photos I took, here is are a few pictures of me in Central Milan 1 an 2) in front of the Duomo 3) inside the The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and 4) Singing outside La Scala.

I promise more soon. Ciao miei amici!

On the way to la doce vita in Italy

This is a quick post, because i am so excited. Why? Well, in two days I finally going to Italy, my first visit.

When poeple find out I have never been too Italy they are very surprised given my love of history and culture. And on racking my brain, all I can say is that each year I plan to go, but either it's mid summer and I am told not to go because of the crowds, or somewhere captures my attention.

Fortunately, this time, my friend Tracey decided she wanted to go and being an excelent project manager planned the whole thing. Once I read her schedule for a seven day trip, my only response was count me in.

There was a slight hiccup in the planning as we are due back on 27th, and I have to be in London for an appointment on November 24th.

I'll do anything for love

Nothing was going to keep me from Italy this time. so ever the resourceful traveller, I made plans to travel to Italy earlier, i.e on November 17th. I will arrive in Milan, take the train, two and a half hours, for a day trip in Venice. I'll meet Tracey and her friend Nicola on November 20th, in Rome, travelling from Milan by train, three and half hours.

We will spend three days in Rome, then take the train to Florence, one and half hours, where I will spend one and half days before flying back to London.

Nicola and Tracey will stay in Florence for two more days then end their Italian odessy with one and half days in Venice.

We are all excited, for Tracey and I this will be our first trip to Italy, while for Nicola, this will be first trip back since a youthful budget trip to Venice over a decade ago. 

Admittely there is a little of me that fears Italy will not live up to the hype, but I have a sneaky feeling it will. 

Catch you on my return. Grazie per aver letto! Sarò in contatto presto! (Thank you for reading! I'll be in touch soon.)

What do you think? If you have been to Milan, Venice, Rome and  / or Florence, share your experiences and insights. What should we do, see and experience?

Read more about travelling around Italy by visiting the Italian Tourism Website