Saturday, October 10, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Let's Have a Bowl of Pasta....
Being an international celebrity would probably be annoying on some levels, but if it meant I could buy houses anywhere I wanted that wouldn’t be so bad. Some famous folks have taken advantage of their wealth and bought houses in Italy (who can blame them?), but tracking them down is, I’ve found, a bit of a challenge. Now, I’m not saying I’m trying to become a stalker, or that I’m encouraging you to become stalkers, I’m just trying to compile a list of people who own property in Italy. This is what I’ve got so far, and I’m hoping y’all can help me add to this list of celebrities with homes in Italy!
I should mention that this list doesn’t include Italian celebrities, because while they are famous in Italy they could probably walk right up to you and slap you in the face and you wouldn’t recognize them. So while there are certainly more celebrities with homes in Italy than are on this list, I’m trying to restrict the list to international celebrities. So, on with the list of the famous people with homes in Italy:
George Clooney
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Anyone who pays attention to this kind of thing (and lots of people who don’t) knows that George Clooney has a house on Lake Como in Italy. He’s owned Villa Oleandra since 2002, and he actually resides there part of each year. Not long ago he thought about leaving because the town of Bellagio was contemplating putting in extra parking lots to sort of encourage people to come gawk at where Clooney lives… They put a stop to that talk when he threatened to just leave instead. Kudos to George, he likes Bellagio just as it is. And by the way, in addition to any potential Clooney-sightings you might have while on Lake Como, there has been a near-constant parade in town of George’s famous friends as well - including the entire cast of “Ocean’s Twelve” when they were on filming breaks.
I should mention that this list doesn’t include Italian celebrities, because while they are famous in Italy they could probably walk right up to you and slap you in the face and you wouldn’t recognize them. So while there are certainly more celebrities with homes in Italy than are on this list, I’m trying to restrict the list to international celebrities. So, on with the list of the famous people with homes in Italy:
George Clooney
Will George Clooney Share a Glass of Brunello w/Us?
Lake Como, or Lago di Como in Italian, is undoubtedly Italy’s most popular lake - and it’s held that title since long before the exceptionally hunky Mr. George Clooney bought his house on the shore of the lake. In fact, although there are plenty of people each year who flock to Lake Como in the hopes of getting a glimpse of George (or one of the lake’s many other famous residents), the lakeside towns can’t blame their overflowing feeling on the local celebrities. Summers on Lago di Como have seen congested roads and tourist hordes for decades.
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It stands to reason that if so many people are heading for Lake Como, there must be something there worth heading for, right? The answer is a resounding yes. There are lots of reasons Lago di Como is incredibly popular, not least being its stunning views and gorgeous water. The towns which dot the lake’s shores are picturesque and charming, and each one of them feels like it could be home to any number of the rich and famous set. Summers find these towns brimming with not only overseas visitors but also floods of tourists from northern Europe, particularly Germany and the United Kingdom, while weekends throughout the year tend to be when residents of nearby Milan take the time to get out of the smog-filled city. In other words, while the winters are certainly slower, there isn’t really a time of year when Lago di Como is deserted.
Bellagio - This beautiful town sits at the intersection of the three branches of Lake Como, and it’s a great base from which to explore the lake. Bellagio benefits from the lake’s overall temperate climate, so it’s nice to visit year-round, although it’s decidedly more popular (and way more crowded) in the summer. This isn’t a town that has a ton of budget options, especially if you’re hoping to sleep in a room overlooking the lake, but if you’re willing to stay a bit further from the center of the action you can find good deals. This is the town where George Clooney’s villa is, so be on the lookout for star sightings!
It stands to reason that if so many people are heading for Lake Como, there must be something there worth heading for, right? The answer is a resounding yes. There are lots of reasons Lago di Como is incredibly popular, not least being its stunning views and gorgeous water. The towns which dot the lake’s shores are picturesque and charming, and each one of them feels like it could be home to any number of the rich and famous set. Summers find these towns brimming with not only overseas visitors but also floods of tourists from northern Europe, particularly Germany and the United Kingdom, while weekends throughout the year tend to be when residents of nearby Milan take the time to get out of the smog-filled city. In other words, while the winters are certainly slower, there isn’t really a time of year when Lago di Como is deserted.Of course, lots of savvy travelers read about the crowds and take that as an invitation to avoid the lake altogether. This is a reasonable reaction, and while the crowds will be big enough for some people to never make the journey to Lake Como, it’s really a shame to never lay eyes on it. So if you’re one of those people who’d like to take in the natural breath-taking beauty of Lago di Como without getting swallowed alive by big bus day-trippers, I’ve got some budget hints for you below so that you can still make the trip without needing a trust fund to do it.
Lake Como is easily identified on maps of Italy by its shape. You’ll find it in Italy’s North, in a part of the Lombardy (Lombardia) region that’s known as Italy’s lake district, and it looks roughly like an upside-down “Y.” It’s the third-largest lake in the country, behind Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, and although it’s narrow enough that you can see across it easily it is one of Europe’s deepest lakes. Lago di Como has glacial origins, and it’s known as a pre-Alpine lake because of its location nestled among the pre-Alps.
These are some of the better-known towns on Lake Como:Bellagio - This beautiful town sits at the intersection of the three branches of Lake Como, and it’s a great base from which to explore the lake. Bellagio benefits from the lake’s overall temperate climate, so it’s nice to visit year-round, although it’s decidedly more popular (and way more crowded) in the summer. This isn’t a town that has a ton of budget options, especially if you’re hoping to sleep in a room overlooking the lake, but if you’re willing to stay a bit further from the center of the action you can find good deals. This is the town where George Clooney’s villa is, so be on the lookout for star sightings!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Cost of Taking Extra Luggage
Check before you book....Checking two bags on your flight to Italy....? airlines are cracking down on transatlanitc luggage, dinging coach fliers $50 or more each way for a second bag!
Airline Upgrading Tricks
Everyone wants to buy a cheap economy class ticket and get bumped up and upgraded to business class or first class. Who doesn't want more comfort, more legroom, better service and the lounge access which come as standard for first and business class passengers. The current generation of flat seats in premium cabins of major carriers makes flying long-haul much more comfortable than ever before.
Every so often airlines will give out free upgrades for operational reasons. Here are a few basic tips for increasing your chances of getting that elusive upgrade and rubbing shoulder with the first class jet-set.
Learn more at
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Get-a-Free-Airline-Upgrade-on-Your-Flight---Fly-Business-Class&id=112294
Every so often airlines will give out free upgrades for operational reasons. Here are a few basic tips for increasing your chances of getting that elusive upgrade and rubbing shoulder with the first class jet-set.
Learn more at
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Get-a-Free-Airline-Upgrade-on-Your-Flight---Fly-Business-Class&id=112294
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Landmarks in Italy Website
http://www.italyworldclub.com/landmarks/
Landmarks in Italy
An inspiration for artists, writers and poets, the sheer variety of landscapes in Italy accompanied by the scents of the rich Mediterranean vegetation, the sounds of the language and the music, the pleasant warmth of the southern sun, soothen the senses of the traveller; the innumerable traces left by countless civilizations, the amazing creations of the human genius alongside with the unspeakable beauty of God's creation join in an unforgettable, unique mix. Listed by region below are some of the most interesting landmarks in Italy.
Browse by region:
Landmarks in Italy
An inspiration for artists, writers and poets, the sheer variety of landscapes in Italy accompanied by the scents of the rich Mediterranean vegetation, the sounds of the language and the music, the pleasant warmth of the southern sun, soothen the senses of the traveller; the innumerable traces left by countless civilizations, the amazing creations of the human genius alongside with the unspeakable beauty of God's creation join in an unforgettable, unique mix. Listed by region below are some of the most interesting landmarks in Italy.
Browse by region:
Aosta Valley -Piedmont- Lombardy -Trentino- South Tyrol -Veneto -Friuli Venezia- Giulia --Liguria- Emilia Romagna -Latium- Umbria- Tuscany -Marches -Molise -Abruzzi -Apulia- Basilicata -Campania -Calabria- Sardinia -Sicily
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Bellagio Trip Weekly Lineup
Bradleys, Colonnas, Fosters, Pearces,
Olszewskis, Suares, Mayeaux
Nick Colonna and Katherine Foster
Week 2 (May 29 to 6-5)
Bradleys, Colonnas, Eversons, Bauers,
Iwaskos, McAtheys, Wilsons
Nick Colonna
Xanthakis (at separate location)
Fly into Milan, Drive to Bellagio (Lake Como) or take train to Lake Como,
take Ferry to Bellagio.
Before and after trips, think of Monte Carlo, Nice, or Paris, Venice, Rome
Read past blogs w/info on side trips.
Monday, September 7, 2009
A Tour of Bellagio
The 22 hamlets scattered over the vast area of land stretching from the lakeside (229m above sea level) to the top of Mt. San Primo (1,686m above sea level) are all part of Bellagio. The “Borgo” is the town’s historic centre and was the first area in Bellagio to be inhabited. This itinerary will help the visitor to find out more about this main part of town.
Our tour starts from Bellagio’s Tourist Office (IAT – by the public boat ticket office) in Piazza Mazzini, a rectangular-shaped “piazza” with its characteristic arcades that underwent radical changes during the 18th century following the extension of the area on the lakeside where the market was held. Opposite the boat landing stage No.1, under the arcade, is a dark stone column with an inscription on it giving us details of the level of the lake’s waters in 1829 and below this, another date – 1868. Particularly abundant rainfalls caused the lake to flood in both years. Sadly, there have been other incidents of flooding - they are not recorded on this column however.
Our tour starts from Bellagio’s Tourist Office (IAT – by the public boat ticket office) in Piazza Mazzini, a rectangular-shaped “piazza” with its characteristic arcades that underwent radical changes during the 18th century following the extension of the area on the lakeside where the market was held. Opposite the boat landing stage No.1, under the arcade, is a dark stone column with an inscription on it giving us details of the level of the lake’s waters in 1829 and below this, another date – 1868. Particularly abundant rainfalls caused the lake to flood in both years. Sadly, there have been other incidents of flooding - they are not recorded on this column however.
Friday, September 4, 2009
From Bellagio w/Love
La Divina Commedia is an historical evening and night bar in Bellagio. Inspired by Dante Alighieri's poem "Divine Comedy" the bar is made of three areas: hell (an anciente cellar underground), purgatory (ground floor) with bar desk and nice sitting room with sofas and heaven at the 1st floor where you'll be surrounded by angels and baroque decorations.You may reserve for the entire bar or just for one of its levels. Snacks, italian sandwiches, italian wines and bar menu service could be requested and arranged for big groups too.
La Divina Commedia is opened all year from 9.00 P.M: till 2.00 A.M., please contact us to know the short holiday and closing period the staff will take this year. Different opening times are arranged upon request. We have experience in arranging parties for big groups and we may opened till late night upon request. Special personalized bottles can be painted upon request as a special gift to your guests. We serve "Giulio De Bernardi" Wineyards wines:Cantine Giulio De Bernardi
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Plan 6 Months Ahead!
Before You Go on Your European Vacation - Plan 6 Months Ahead!
By James Martin, About.com
See More About:
europe vacations
vacation planning
european destinations
Fly Deluxe to Europe80 Secrets to Flying First Class and Business Class to Europe.FirstClassFlyer.com
10-30% off travel couponsCoupon codes for all of the top online travel stores. Save big.www.couponpacker.com
Here are all the things you need to get done about six months before your European vacation. We'll focus on buying some guidebooks, choosing a destination, and we'll think about learning a bit of a language or two and renting an apartment. All of these things represent the first part of the travel planning experience, and can be done much earlier if you wish. Just don't plan too early and lose your momentum!
Buying a Guidebook
Most of what you need to know at this point can be gleened from our extensive travel resources. Still, having a paper based reference can make sense of you're still undecided. If you haven't picked your countries, then you should just get a big, old Europe guide. Otherwise, get country guides. You'll carry less bulk overall, and you'll get more information.
Top European Guidebooks
Choosing Destinations Part 1 - The Wish List
Europe is a big, diverse place. Are there cities you've always wanted to visit? Make a list. Write down all your favorite places. Don't worry, at this point there will be way too many of them. Haven't a clue where to start? Then read about the best of Europe below, or let us suggest an itinerary for you with our suggested European itineraries.
European Vacation Planning Directory
The Best of Europe
Suggested European Itineraries
Choosing Destinations Part 2 - Considering Distances
Once you've listed your dream destinations, chances are that you'll need to pare it down. I'd start by considering distances between places. I usually don't want to go more than 200 miles in a normal travel day. (There's plenty of great places within 200 miles anywhere in Europe, don't worry!) Use our Flash based Travel Planning Map to see how far 200 miles is by dragging a circle over the map - the radius is 200 miles. Use our calculator to find the distance between European capitals
Travel Planning Map
Europe Distance Calculator
Europe Distance Flat Map
By James Martin, About.com
See More About:
europe vacations
vacation planning
european destinations
Fly Deluxe to Europe80 Secrets to Flying First Class and Business Class to Europe.FirstClassFlyer.com
10-30% off travel couponsCoupon codes for all of the top online travel stores. Save big.www.couponpacker.com
Here are all the things you need to get done about six months before your European vacation. We'll focus on buying some guidebooks, choosing a destination, and we'll think about learning a bit of a language or two and renting an apartment. All of these things represent the first part of the travel planning experience, and can be done much earlier if you wish. Just don't plan too early and lose your momentum!
Buying a Guidebook
Most of what you need to know at this point can be gleened from our extensive travel resources. Still, having a paper based reference can make sense of you're still undecided. If you haven't picked your countries, then you should just get a big, old Europe guide. Otherwise, get country guides. You'll carry less bulk overall, and you'll get more information.
Top European Guidebooks
Choosing Destinations Part 1 - The Wish List
Europe is a big, diverse place. Are there cities you've always wanted to visit? Make a list. Write down all your favorite places. Don't worry, at this point there will be way too many of them. Haven't a clue where to start? Then read about the best of Europe below, or let us suggest an itinerary for you with our suggested European itineraries.
European Vacation Planning Directory
The Best of Europe
Suggested European Itineraries
Choosing Destinations Part 2 - Considering Distances
Once you've listed your dream destinations, chances are that you'll need to pare it down. I'd start by considering distances between places. I usually don't want to go more than 200 miles in a normal travel day. (There's plenty of great places within 200 miles anywhere in Europe, don't worry!) Use our Flash based Travel Planning Map to see how far 200 miles is by dragging a circle over the map - the radius is 200 miles. Use our calculator to find the distance between European capitals
Travel Planning Map
Europe Distance Calculator
Europe Distance Flat Map
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Opera Houses In Italy
1. Teatro Alla ScalaEurope for Visitors
Milan's famous opera house, Teatro Alla Scala, reopened in December, 2004 after an extensive renovation. It has a bookshop, bar, and history museum, too. The original opera house, designed by neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini, opened in 1778 and many famous operas were first performed here. La Scala was badly bombed during World War II but reopened in 1946 and quickly regained its reputation as a top Italian opera house.
Theater Web Site
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2. Teatro La FeniceLa Fenice (the Phoenix) in Venice, is one of the most famous theaters in Europe. La Fenice first opened in 1792 but was twice badly damaged by fire. It has recently been renovated and reopened. La Fenice is in Venice's San Marco Sestiere (see Venice Sestiere map)
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2. Teatro La FeniceLa Fenice (the Phoenix) in Venice, is one of the most famous theaters in Europe. La Fenice first opened in 1792 but was twice badly damaged by fire. It has recently been renovated and reopened. La Fenice is in Venice's San Marco Sestiere (see Venice Sestiere map)
Theater Web Site
3. Teatro San CarloThe Teatro San Carlo in Naples is the oldest opera house in Italy, founded in 1737. Some of the first ballet productions were also performed here during the opera intermissions. Opera, ballet, and short comic opera are still performed at Teatro San Carlo. A museum is in the planning stage.
3. Teatro San CarloThe Teatro San Carlo in Naples is the oldest opera house in Italy, founded in 1737. Some of the first ballet productions were also performed here during the opera intermissions. Opera, ballet, and short comic opera are still performed at Teatro San Carlo. A museum is in the planning stage.
Theater Web Site
4. Teatro MassimoTeatro Massimo in Palermo is the foremost opera house in Sicily as well as one of the finest in Europe. Its opening in 1897 signaled the beginning of Palermo's belle epoque. Year-round performances include opera, ballet, and music.
5. Teatro Comunale di BolognaBologna's opera house is one of the top theaters in Italy. It is a stunning example of 18th century baroque architecture. Located in the heart of Bologna's historic district, the Teatro Comunale di Bologna holds opera, musical, and symphony performances.
6. Teatro VerdiTeatro Verdi in Pisa is one of the most beautiful theaters in central Italy. The 900-seat auditorium, inaugurated in 1867, has a beautiful ceiling fresco and today houses opera, dance, and drama performances.
7. Teatro Regio di Parma - Teatro VerdiBuilt in 1829, Parma's neo-classical theater is rich in gold and stucco work. The theater holds opera, dance, and drama performances as well as concerts and special events.
8. Teatro Regio TorinoTurin's prominent opera house, in Piazza Castello, was rebuilt in 1973. The original 19th century theater was destroyed by fire in 1936. It is a popular spot for musicals and plays as well as opera.
9. Teatro dell'opera di RomaRome has a beautiful opera house and holds many classical dance concerts. In the summer, opera and dance performances are held in the ancient Baths of Caracalla, a spectacular setting for opera under the stars.
10. Arena di VeronaAnother fantastic historic setting for opera is the Verona's Arena. The opera season starts in June but there are other performances during the year.
4. Teatro MassimoTeatro Massimo in Palermo is the foremost opera house in Sicily as well as one of the finest in Europe. Its opening in 1897 signaled the beginning of Palermo's belle epoque. Year-round performances include opera, ballet, and music.
5. Teatro Comunale di BolognaBologna's opera house is one of the top theaters in Italy. It is a stunning example of 18th century baroque architecture. Located in the heart of Bologna's historic district, the Teatro Comunale di Bologna holds opera, musical, and symphony performances.
6. Teatro VerdiTeatro Verdi in Pisa is one of the most beautiful theaters in central Italy. The 900-seat auditorium, inaugurated in 1867, has a beautiful ceiling fresco and today houses opera, dance, and drama performances.
7. Teatro Regio di Parma - Teatro VerdiBuilt in 1829, Parma's neo-classical theater is rich in gold and stucco work. The theater holds opera, dance, and drama performances as well as concerts and special events.
8. Teatro Regio TorinoTurin's prominent opera house, in Piazza Castello, was rebuilt in 1973. The original 19th century theater was destroyed by fire in 1936. It is a popular spot for musicals and plays as well as opera.
9. Teatro dell'opera di RomaRome has a beautiful opera house and holds many classical dance concerts. In the summer, opera and dance performances are held in the ancient Baths of Caracalla, a spectacular setting for opera under the stars.
10. Arena di VeronaAnother fantastic historic setting for opera is the Verona's Arena. The opera season starts in June but there are other performances during the year.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sunset Beach 12th Annual Chili Cook-Off
TheBellagioBlog proudly presents...The Sunset Beach 12th Annual Chili Cookoff!
Cook off date is Saturday, Sept. 19th 2009
Booth #2
Set Up Time 7 to 8am
Cooking Time 7 to 12:45pm
Open to the Public 11am
Judging 1pm
Sponsored by the Sunset Beach Woman's Club.
Judging will be based on taste, color, consistency, and aroma.
Place: Sunset Beach Fire Station
Music, Bands, Chili tasting booths, "zucchini,bikini, linguini, martini,
I don't know...."
All of the Bellagio Travelers and their families are
invited to participate!
Mary Forbes has a "kick ass" recipe...and we ask for your participation.
And Yes we will be using Everson Spices!
Please send the name you would like for consideration by Friday Sept. 4th 3pm
The Bellagio Chili Society,
is one of the names we are looking at....please send your ideas to
BestBeachBuys@aol.com or Call Mike Colonna
More info to follow....stay tuned!
E-Mail Bellagio Gang Update
Bestbeachbuys@aol.com; sherb3@verizon.net; EversonTom@aol.com; janiem@tiempoescrowinc.com; hiwasko@yahoo.com; michael.mayeaux@wfadvisors.com; nfpolomom@yahoo.com; rocky.suares@wachoviasec.com; ODAVE3@aol.com; foster@fosterlawandsports.com; jcrawford@crowellweedon.com; Spanglesmom@aol.com; MForbes997@aol.com; judyever@yahoo.com; deborah-wilson@socal.rr.com, j.mayeaux@verizon.net, JXanthakis@gmail.com, MariaXanthakis@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Lakes Region Day Trips
The Travel Itinerary
You are most likely to fly into Milan Malpensa Airport. Malpensa is located northwest of Milan, and is actually closer to Lago Maggiore than central Milan. From Malpensa, you can take the shuttle to Milano Centrale train station (Malpensa Shuttle departs every twenty minutes from early morning to late at night) to start your journey or to find a hotel (there are many around the train station). If you're coming from the smaller Linate, which is east of Milan, you can take the shorter shuttle to Milano Centrale.
Milan Travel Resources:
Milan Malpensa Airport - Suggested Lodging
Milan Travel Information
Milan Lodging
Brescia - (1 day) Brescia is often overlooked, but it's worth a night. From its Roman ruins to the civic museum inside the Monastery of Santa Giulia with its three churches, you might be surprised at Brescia's charm.
Verona - (2 days) known for Shakespeare's setting for Romeo and Giulietta, Verona has been called the Florence of the North for its art. Get tickets for anything at the 2000 year old Arena (but get them in advance) and rub the right breast of bronze Juliet for luck before heading to Vicenza.
Vicenza - (1 Day) Famous architect Palladio is from here--you can see his work in town and out.
Padua - (2 Days) One of my favorite smaller towns on this route, Padua is one of the prettiest cities in Italy, with the oldest botanical gardens in Europe. I sometimes stay in Padua and take day trips by train to Venice.
Venice - Everyone knows Venice. You could spend a month here, but I'd recommend 5 days minimum. Better to rent an apartment and stay a week, with day trips to Treviso or Ferrara. If you're on a budget and like peace and quiet, while still living in a city with canals, you might try staying in Treviso and taking the short train ride into Venice.
Getting back to Milan
The EuroStar Italia makes the journey from Venice Mestre station to Milano Centrale in two hours and 45 minutes or so, which is probably faster than a flight from Venice to Milan, considering the time to get to the airport and the hassles with luggage. If you still have some time left before your flight, you can take the train to Como or Stresa on Lago Maggiore in about an hour. Malpensa can be reached from Stresa. Take the train from Stressa to the Gallarate station, then taxi or bus to the airport. Or, you can do the whole trip by "ALIBUS" which departs from Milan Malpensa Airport - Terminal 1 - bus stop number 12 every day.
Rail Resources for the Milan to Venice Itinerary
Trenitalia has information on all state run trains in Italy. You can do this itinerary by buying point to point rail tickets along the way. Italian trains are fairly cheap, although the Eurostar Italia is a premium train--if you want to go fast you will pay a supplement and the required seat reservations. For more on riding Italian trains, see How to Travel on Italian Trains
Related Articles
Suggested Europe Itinerary - Venice - Vienna - Prague - Nuremberg
Milano Centrale Picture - Milan
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Monte Carlo
Tucked inside the Maritime Alps between the French and Italian Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco has long been associated with glamour and exclusivity, and has price tags to match, but it also makes an ideal summer weekend escape. Prince Albert II has promised to make Monaco cleaner and greener, and the principality is on the way to improving its image. Earnings from its famous casino and other gambling outlets now account for only 4 per cent of Monaco's income and they have been overtaken by money generated by luxury hotels, conferences, multi-million-pound yachts in the harbour, and of course, the annual Grand Prix, when crowds descend to catch a glimpse of the race and drivers, and hotel rooms are booked months in advance. http://www.cntraveller.co.uk/Guides/France/Monaco/
Monte Carlo Live Web Cam
Monte Carlo city webcam MonacoThis Monaco webcam is overlooking Monte-Carlo in the Principality of Monaco. Nice webcam view looking over the Monte-Carlo harbour and Marina. Watch the luxury yauchts moor up for the Monaco F1 Grand Prix
Monte Carlo webcamThis Monte Carlo live cam is located at the Hotel de Paris in the small Principality of Monaco. Enjoy this webcam view overlooking Monte Carlo’s Casino Square in Monaco. Also check out the live weather conditions at Monaco by viewing this weather cam in the small Principality of Monaco.
Monaco live webcamEnjoy viewing this live Monaco webcam overlooking part of Monte Carlo. Great web cam view in Monaco
Hercules Port marina webcamsEnjoy this live Monaco web cam overlooking the Hercules Port, the largest deep-water port on the French Riviera. Watch cruise ships and cruise liners arrive and depart this famous Monaco Port
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Wine and Food Lake Como Area
What about food?In this part of Lombardy the cuisine is divided into three main sectors. The lake cuisine specializes in fish with some local favorites such as dried shad. The area around Tremezzo is known for vegetables such as asparagus. The mountain cuisine is based on polenta, a sort of corn bread often flavored with cheese or cheese, butter, and garlic.
Other mountain specialties include free-range chickens, kid, and game. The third category is valley cuisine based on cattle and cheese, especially Taleggio and various goat milk cheeses.Let's suggest a sample menu, one of many. Start with Fettuccine con Funghi (Fettuccine with Mushrooms.) Then try Agnoni all Comasca (Lake Como Fried Fish with Anchovy Filets). For dessert indulge yourself with Torte Paradiso con Mascarpone (Sponge Cake with Mascarpone Cheese.)
Be sure to increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal.We conclude with a quick look at Lombardy wine. Lombardy ranks number 11 of the 20 Italian regions when it comes to acreage devoted to wine grapes and the total annual wine production. The region produces about 62% red and ros?nd 38% white wine, but there is little ros?
There are 15 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. Over 47% of Lombardy wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. There are three DOCG wines: the sparkling Franciacorta said to compete with French Champagne and priced accordingly, the red Sforzato di Valtellina, and the red Valtellina Superiore.Interestingly enough no DOC wines originate in the vicinity of Lake Como, Lake Orta, or Lake Maggiore. However, Bergamo is home to two DOC wines, Valcalepio and Scanzo/Moscato di Scanzo.
The Valcalepio DOC is vinified in several styles. The dry red and the dry white come from international grape varieties such as Merlot and Chardonnay. The sweet white wine comes from a local grape and has recently been classified at the Scanzo/Moscato di Scanzo DOC.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Lake Como Forum
Lake Como Destination Experts Great InformationRE: Lake Como A to Z Kat_Testarossa
82 forum posts .....Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions
http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-forums/Kat_Testarossa
Eating in Lake Como
A Lake Como restaurant is more than just a place to eat your meal...in fact, it could become more like your sanctuary...a place where you let your thought float away......where you can enjoy stimulating and relaxing conversations with other people...
...and where happy and cheerful waitors cater to your every need.
Read More....
Wine Tasting In Lake Como
If you will be visiting Lake Como or the surrounding area and are considering a private wine tour, than this excursion may be just right for you. We have designed these private, luxury tours for the leisurely gourmet traveller who is looking for a solid mix of food, wine and culture. On this tour, you'll visit an ancient castle, taste wonderful wines, dine in an authentic Trattoria off the beaten path, and finish the day by visiting a delightful medieval town, shopping or sipping on a glass of wine in a charming piazza.Read More....
http://www.cellartours.com/italy/wine-tours/lake-como-bergamo-tasting.html
Legendary Lake Como
The beauty and allure of Italy's Lake Como are legendary.
"Unequalled on earth for its loveliness," gushed Henri Stendahl. "I do not know of any land so conspicuously blessed by heaven," declared Franz Lizst. "I want nothing more than to live here and die here," exclaimed Gustave Flaubert. When you experience the magic of Lake Como you'll understand these lofty sentiments. For me, the lake represents the ultimate convergence of nature and art - pristine lake and mountain environment together with old world villas, classical gardens, and picture postcard villages.
Add to this pleasant summer weather, pedestrian-friendly villages with few cars, ferryboats as the main form of transport, ancient mountainside hiking trails with stunning views, and we have ingredients for the perfect holiday.
Most of the villas, gardens, and picturesque villages are in the central area of the lake, near Bellagio.
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