The Real Little Italy?

Michaelangelo's Little Italy on Arthur Ave.

Randazzo's Seafood on Arthur Ave.

Randazzo's Seafood on Arthur Ave.

Blue Moon Pizzeria on Arthur Ave.

Randazzo's Seafood on Arthur Ave.

This means laughter in THAI

In 2000, I read about the "real little Italy" on Arthur Ave in the US Airways magazine, during that awkward period where all electronic devices must be turned off. I really waned to see it, but it took me another 13 years! Alexandra was a great guide that has lived in the Bronx for a long time. Unlike the more famous Little Italy in Manhattan, you can drive in (there is cheap municipal parking and some restaurants have valet) or take the Metro North to Fordham and walk 5 minutes.

http://www.bronxhistoricaltours.com/bronx-sightseeing-tours.html

Rick Steves

I'd been watching his videos for nearly 10 years. After attending the NY Times Travel Show the year earlier, I decided my next trip to California should be when one of the big travel shows was going on. I saw that Lisa Ling would be there (I was actually looking at the list for 2012) and was thrilled that I would be able to meet her & Rick Steves at the same show. Well, it turned out that LL was a 2012 guest, but Rick was there every year. I watched his speech, some of which I've heard before and got in line to meet him afterwards. I didn't need to buy books to get autographed because I brought them from home. I'm wearing a SOUNDGARDEN (Seattle band......Rick is from Edmonds) shirt...I'm not sure if Rick noticed. Like with Jimmy Carter 3 years earlier, our conversation was brief, but it was great to meet someone who seems to think the way I do and has been an influence on my travels.

Happy New Year from Amsterdam!!

This place was not just be best deal, but it's named after a borough near the city I live in.

The line to get into the Anne Frank house

I love fish, but did not enjoy this at all.

I had not been to Amsterdam in over 7 years. I love this city and I hope to return. I didn't eat any amazing food here, but I just enjoy walking around and taking in the atmosphere. It's a city, but it's not chaotic. Nobody seems to be in a major hurry. There's a good public transportation system and excellent museums as well.

Napolean's birthplace

There's something great about visiting a place you never thought you would visit. All I ever knew about Corsica was that it was part of France and Napoleon was born there.

Graffiti in Monaco

Train just arrived at Monaco station. Easy day trip from Nice. For me, Monaco was one of those places you visit once. Yes, it's impressive looking, but if you're not a gambler or shopper, there's not much else to do.

Air Corsica

Nice Airport getting ready to go to Ajaccio, Corsica. 

Bouillabaisse!

I was always told that Marseille was the place to get Bouillabaisse, but my friend and I did not plan any time there. Our train stopped there, but we did manage to good Bouillabaisse in Nice. It was great like I expected.