kotor montenegro

Montenegro is for the Cats

When we started planning our Balkans road trip, Montenegro was a non-negotiable destination. I think it was the first place we added to the barren itinerary. Why you ask? Over the past several years, a few things had...

Braving the Crowds in Croatia thumbnail

Braving the Crowds in Croatia

We decided to brave the crowds. The last time we visited Croatia we explored lovely Istria, and we were virtually alone, the sole English speakers in a region that doesn’t draw many visitors. It was beautiful and...

Big Berry

The Local Connection with Big Berry Resort

We sat back in our bubbling, soothing jacuzzi, shielded from the pouring rain by our covered terrace. As the last bit of travel stress evaporated into the night, we opened a bottle of Modra Frankinja from local winery...

Venice from Rialto Bridge

Why Does Venice Exist?

It’s the question I couldn’t shake. Why does Venice exist? Why did a whole group of people decide that building a floating city, in the middle of a vulnerable lagoon, with limited access to fresh water,...

Barolo Wine: The Nebbiolo grapes on the vine

Drinking Barolo Wine in Piedmont

Barolo wine is my favorite red of choice, the king among a legion of legendary Italian wines. But what is it about Barolo and the Barolo region that makes it so special? The Basics Barolo is a red wine made in the...