Little Italy in NYC

Taking Pictures While Travel Writing

I have gone over the hundreds of shots I took in Brazil, I was pleased. I am just always amazed when the shots you think are killers fade and a shot totally forgotten jumps. This in my case happens often. I wonder how if my fellow GN bloggers and pro shooters Pilot Girl and Shoul ever feel that way. In my case when you see so many amazing places you’re bound to get lucky sometimes.

Fowl Happenings at US Airports

There are some fowl things going on around NYC airports and it is worse than anyone thought. It’s for the birds! Thirty planes have suffered substantial hits by birds out of JFK from 2000 to 2008. I would like to think that the European Starlings and Canadian Geese have nothing personal against US, after all American Kestrels are also involved. I am sure the Laughing Gulls are taking it seriously. One cause of the rise in bird brained mishaps was NYC decision to build three trash land fills nearby the airports. Before we have more Mourning Doves, I suggest that we place some bird feeders far from the runways. I want to fly like an Eagle the next time I Duck out of New York.

View From San Juan Marriott Penthouse

American Airlines 777 First Class Cabin

Porto de Galinhas Brazil

Professor Barry Goldsmith to Joan Rivers, Howard Stern is King of Brazil

No Smoking Campaign in Brazil

In most countries cigarette packs are covered with warnings of various diseases that a smoker is subjecting themselves to. In Canada there are very scary pictures to further convey the dangers of smoking. In Brazil however they hit right in the Brazilian gut, impotence. The sensual Brazilians must quake in their Speedo suits when opening a pack of smokes. I bet that this ad campaign is working big time in Brazil.

American Airlines to Salvador and Recife. Great Job

When everything is going right with a flight it is easy to praise an airline, it is when things happen that a great airline comes through. American had a mechanical problem yesterday with its Recife flight. I watched their dedicated staff deal with it in a textbook fashion that all airlines should follow; they cared for the passengers and made things much better. Meal vouchers were given and other arrangements were made. I ended up flying to Sao Paulo and put on a straight flight to JFK, even got bumped from bizz to first. Now you may think that because I travel write was the reason everything was handled. Not so I had the chance to observe other travelers happily chowing down in great airport restaurants and heading to home in a timely fashion. I salute American Airlines for their dealing with an unfortunate situation; it is the sign of a great airline. When things are going smooth it is easy, the tough step it up when needed, thanks American Airlines for stepping up!

Northeast Brazil and American Airlines a Winning Combo

What an amazing trip I’ve had to Bahia and Pernambuco States in Brazil. Colonial cities, beach towns and city all blended perfectly and the people of Brazil friendly and warm. Brazil has jumped up the list of my favorite countries after this visit. We opened the Frommer’s Guide to Recife and to a writer disagreed with its take on this great city of Recife. It kind of said that Recife isn’t really a destination on its own, it is. I understand that at the time it was written it may not have been. Renovation and decedent decay mix into an incredible combo that will delight any traveler.

The nearby village of Olinda is colonial and back in time. From its hillside the city of Recife is on display. A better combination of places is rare and a treasure. Colorful paint turns the place into a kaleidoscope worthy of praise. This trip was done just perfectly and my writer companions an enjoyable mix. Cristina Sotolongo and the American Airlines staff did a superb job, I am now a big fan and after this trip that would be hard to alter!

Sailing in Porto de Galinhas Brazil, Brazil

Northeast Brazil's Best Beaches

Brazilian beach towns are stunning, white sand mixed with activity and then a bit of solitary coves. Porto de Galinhas is rated as one of the best in the Northeast part of Brazil. Today we took a flat bottom little wooden boat called jangadas to the Maracaipe Mangroves where seahorses mate. Better was taking a jangadas with sail out to the reefs when a low tide natural swimming holes can be explored. The profusion of swimming colors matched with multi colored sails will astound you.

There are no high tower hotels to interfere with you viewing pleasure, just some great properties that blend in with nature. The town itself only has four streets but is filled with restaurants, bars and shops. Truly Porto is a place to kick back or if wanted to kick up your inner kid. Two thumbs up for this gem about an hour drive from Recife.Thanks American Airlines for revealing this treasure!

Just Beachy in Porto de Galinhas

The wind is whipping down the coast of Brazil in Porto de Galinhas, the smell of salt faint in the air. Recife is an hour away but that is tomorrows stop, today is sailboats to the reefs and hand feeding tropical fish. From my villa I watch the waves pound the shore relentlessly as they have past time and all fells good. The buggy is getting gassed and I’m getting jazzed, Brazil pleases very much!

American Airlines to Brazil

I used to be a big fan of American Airlines, I am again. The flight from NYC to Salvador Brazil was great in everyway!

Salvador Brazil, Corner Cooking

Get the Brazilian Visa on the Quick

Taking it to limit used to thrill me now it just adds stress at least when it comes to visa stamps. I cut it very close getting my visa for Brazil but picked it up today in NYC. While a lot of Americans complain about needing a visa for Brazil I understand. In fact it is the same process that Brazilians have to go through to visit the US, down to the penny or $130. When I went to the consulate on Monday early two out of three applicants got turned away. They didn’t follow the posting on Brazil’s website stating that the fee must be with a US Postal money order, no other. Also needed are the application and tickets or letter with the flights you will be taking from a tour company. With only two days to deal with it due to a recent trip to Italy I gambled. Not as easy on the system as it used to be but it is off to Bahia in the morning! If going to Brazil click here for the things needed.

American Airlines to Salvador and Recife. Looking Great

I maybe to blame for some bad weather and things happening around the world, the evidence is piling up. In Queensland there was that cyclone, in San Juan my flight home was cancelled due to a snow storm on the mainland, my recent last trip an earthquake badly shook up Italy, a horrible thing.

I got my final itinerary today for Brazil and things are looking great. The trip was put together by American Airlines to get the word out about the routes they fly to Salvador and Recife and their Next Generation Business Class. Class of service that begins with Z or U on American is a very good thing! The online video about it made me anticipate even more.

First hotel on the itin is the Pestena Convento co Carmo Hotel, a winner praised by all. Starting with some free time is just an added treasure. It may rain or even pour, but it looks like things are looking up, way up.

Thoughts of Rome, Jerusalem and Easter

This Easter morning the news shows have reports from cities such as Rome and Jerusalem. These cities are called holy and eternal. They indeed have held events sacred and profound in so many ways, historically, mythically with vibrancy that can appear in a supernatural way in even today’s fast paced world. Rome and Jerusalem are places that even the unreligious will get a jolt from, I love both. Today Lil and I are heading into NYC to meet up with our son and a new friend. A trip to the Met is on the plans and paintings depicting Christian beliefs done by masters are the theme. I am not particularly a religious man following a structured faith but I do think there is more than just human emotion in charge. What ever your beliefs, may this day be one of joy and family.

Traveling with the Travel Show, WABC and Erik Hastings

I had a wonderful chance to travel with a travel wizard through La Marche, Italy, Erik Hastings. Erik is the travel host on the Travel Show on WABC radio in NYC. He is also involved in several other venues and no doubt successfully. His is funny and down to earth and a pleasure to watch at work. It was funny because I have only been on Facebook for about 3 weeks and just before leaving on this trip I became a fan of the Travel Show on WABC. It was a good move as I am now a fan of Erik as a person, his humorous demeanor demands it. I would also be remiss if I neglected his videographer Harry Watson. Harry was as polite and funny as anyone could hope to work with. They will prove to be a team that rises like cream and I am a fan.

Fermo, Italy's Best Lodgings the Palazzo Romani Adami

There are places I’ll remember isn’t just some Beatles lyrics, some places deserve to be remembered. Palazzo Romani Adami in Fermo, La Marche is just one such place. The Palm Sunday lunch there was fantastic and the Palazzo offers up some great lodging options. The place offers rooms and apartments in a stunning setting in the middle of an old hillside town. The 18th century building has Roman roots and a stunning setting and room are also available on a B&B basis. It however are the apartments that will astound, done up with such style. One could only dream about a few weeks in La Marche based at the Romani.

Rome to Home to Brazil

Its time to roll out of Rome. Rome is a fantastic place to be and I have enjoyed my stop over, it has been a few years. Still I 've got only a few days at home before it is time to go to Brazil. As my buddy Max emailed, when it rains it pours!

Pizza Capital of the World, Rome

The Romans love to eat and that I can get onboard with. Pizza may have been first made in Naples but Rome has the most pizza joints per capita in the world. There is a famous academy here where just pizza is covered. The pie here is crispy and thin. I maybe crispy after a blow through Le Marche, but the thin is hard to maintain here in the Eternal City.

Feet Flying Through Rome

It has been an exhausting week and I am now in Rome on my own! The pace is slower and I choose my steps, always a good thing. I walked miles today through a decaying city that is simply gorgeous. Rome moves the heart in directions unknown and a map unnecessary, especially in the old part. I have just let my feet go where they want. Still the beauty of Marche lingers and Italy is a complete package. The moon over the little villages was a pleasure and this picture will remind me how lucky I am.

Earthquake in Italy, Makes You Think

I am sitting in the little town of Recanati looking at the olive groves and hill town as I sip a glass of vino rossa. I didn’t sleep well last night as I was awoken by a shaking bed; yes I knew something was wrong… I was alone in that bed! An earthquake hit near Ascoli and it rocked the old stone palace, now a hotel. Luckily La Marche Region was only rocked. Unfortunately the next Region over was in bad shape with people dead and buildings down. My glass of wine and view look wonderful and Italy and a visit a must, do it before your world is rocked, why wait. Time is short and fleeting make the most out of it!

Caving in the Grotto di Frasse

I have been in museums that I’ve been able to explore after closing before but never a cave system. Yesterday we were able to crawl around Europe’s most extensive hypogeum or underground caverns, the Grotto di Frasse. One room alone was bigger that the Dumo in Milan. The classical music provided by harp was peaceful and soothing as light bounced off of the crystal creations. Pure magic by any standards, especially when allowed to shoot pictures.

Urbino, Raffaello's Works Return Home

The pace is brutal but balanced with the chance to see Raffaello's works in a new exhibit in the city of his birth was a thrill. Urbino is a delight to behold. It street serene and its people warm.After we cruised through some of the best looking wine country evey seen by these eyes. I look forward to hopefully getting time to post some picts and videos tonight, if a meal isn't in the way!

Marching Through Marche

Traditions run deep in Urbania and that is a great thing. The name of the town dates back to 1636 and to the Pope Urban VIII. The hillsides are dreamy and almost fake looking. The Church of the Dead and Place of Delights meld in the Marche Region!

Dallas Hot Wieners, Hudson River Valley's Best Restaurant

The hottest cuccina in Kingston is a hot dog shop that has fans far and wide, Dallas Hot Wieners. Never has the lowly hot dog been brought up to the culinary heavens like these babies! It has been my first and last stop when I lived far away and would come home for a visit. You will hear the same from many. Now that I live in the area it is a stop when I leave or return from places all around the world. Even as a child my dad would take us there on a Saturday night and then take my mom out for a fancy dinner. We always felt that we had the best of it. It is a family business now going through generations. Let Bush Beans keep their secret recipe, the only one I want is Dallas’s!