Sweet: There’s nothing better than sharing something you love with someone; a moment, a place, a taste, or an experience! This was my second trip to Italy, and I have shared my last trip, but this time traveling to Lake Como was special, because I was able to share it with my husband.
Sour: Driving into Italy over the alpine mountains from Austria was a journey! We were with my wife’s family, which meant our group of six was squeezed into a small European SUV like sardines. Our first stop across the Italian border was in Bolzano. I enjoyed the old city square, where there was entertainment and a more diverse population. Here I had my first taste of Italian pasta and gelato. I enjoyed it, but realized that I had eaten pasta equally as good and better back home; good thing this was the first stop…It can only get better from here!
Sweet: Within four hours from Bolzano we arrived at our destination, Bellagio. The weather called for showers, but that didn’t stop us from grabbing an umbrella and exploring charming pathways.
Sour: The road into Bellagio is not for the faint of heart; it’s narrow and curvy with many local drivers who don’t seem to mind. Take a boat, hire a driver, or ride the bus because this road is treacherous.
Sweet: Bellagio is full of steps lined with shops and restaurants. Surprisingly, many Italian goods here are rather affordable.
Sour: Our first dinner in Bellagio at Ristorante Bilacus was everything I had hoped for. I could smell the wonderful aroma as soon as we entered through the door. This was my favorite meal in Italy and I would definitely go back.
Sweet: The sporadic showers inclined us to find warm, covered hideaways, but it didn’t put a damper on our days, and made our time together even more romantic.
Sour: Although warm, clear weather would have been preferred, the hotel we stayed at, Hotel du Lac, provided umbrellas. There was still plenty of activites to enjoy. We took a nice boat ride in the rain that passed by several magnificent villas including Villa del Balbianello featured in Casino Royale, and Richard Branson’s Lake Como villa.
The video below shows Villa del Balbienello-
Sweet: This is truly a place where eating is the main event. Ristorante Terrazza Barchetta is a place of true hospitality. The delightful staff poured complimentary prosecco and brought us antipasto. Our meal was enjoyed slowly and each bite was savored.
Sour: I ordered the carbonara to compare it to how it back home. Here I think ordered the wrong thing from a great restaurant. Everyone else’s dinner was delicious.
Sweet: From Bellagio, you can catch a ferry to other villages on the lake. The ferries are all different sizes and some are for passengers, while others have ample space for cars as well. It’s only about a ten to fifteen minute ride across, but the view is nice from the seating areas.
The video below shows our departure from Bellagio, and shows the beautiful shoreline of this iconic place.
Sweet: The ferry timetables can be tricky to read, but they are easy to find online. It’s also easy to ask questions at the ticket counter as almost everyone speaks English. We rode the ferry to Varenna; a postcard worthy village equally as charming but smaller than Bellagio.
Sour: While the ferry was convenient, it was not cheap, so if you are planning on crossing the lake to just grab dinner you won’t be getting your money’s worth. Do take the ferry, but stay at the destination longer to get a better value.
The video below shows the ferry arriving in Varenna-
Sweet: From the ferry landing in Varenna it’s a two-minute stroll down Lover’s Lane, or Lover’s Walk to the central part of the village.The stairs in Varenna are steeper than in Bellagio, so you have to be careful on the way down after a few glasses of wine.
Sour: My wife insisted on dining at the famed La Vista restaurant within Hotel Albergo Milano, where the owner greets you as if you are a family member. Should we come back to Lake Como, this inn would be a delightful place to stay.
Sour: It was dark by the time we finished our dinner and I managed to drop my umbrella into the lake while taking a picture along Lover’s Lane. I was sad…it was a nice umbrella, the pictures below will be memories of my loss.
Sweet: There are so many wonderful places in Italy to visit, and I can’t wait for our return. If you are considering a visit to the Lake Como area then expect to be in for an adventure. There are so many restaurants, beautiful villas, 5 star hotels, small inns, wine cellars, and boutiques selling everything from leather goods, shoes, ceramics, cashmere, olive oil, toys, and more.
Sour: I had my first taste of Italy, and realize that it was only a small slice of the pizza pie called Italy (insert Italian accent). I especially look forward to visiting the Mediterranean coast of Italy. Leaving was bittersweet, as we headed out of the province of Como and back up into the Italian Alps on our way to Switzerland and eventually back home.
There is so much history to be discovered in Prague. My 
I’ve never visited a more charming and picturesque location as Portofino. This once fishing village turned celebrity and tourism hot spot is home to just 493 people, making it a hard place to find a hotel. My parents and I stayed in 
I stopped in Parragi for a dip in the Mediterranean at 
The hue of the water here is a perfect shade of teal, making for postcard worthy views everywhere you look. Local men swim in their underwear, and older ladies ride Italian mopeds. Locals offer up free rides to young ladies, but I wouldn’t suggest this…
Sweet: One snack not to miss in Bali is babi guling (roast suckling pig), and the best place to try it is at 
Sour: When lighting the lanterns, completely let the body fill with hot air, so that it doesn’t take off only to crash into the ocean after a few seconds of flying time. Good thing we had two!
Sweet: I can’t rave enough about the amazing pools in Bali, which brings me to my favorite pool at Ayana, the River Pool. Here you can lay on the edge, jump down into another pool, and enjoy complimentary watermelon brought over by the staff.
Sour: To get to Ayana’s 
Sweet: Singapore is doing something right…it started with our arrival at 
Sour: There are way better places to eat than the Supertree, however, a trip to its rooftop bar is worth a visit for a great view of 
Sour: Unfortunately, there were forest fires in South Sumatra, which was literally choking out Singapore. Even though we tried to spend most of our time indoors, we suffered sore throats, congestion, and headaches.
Sweet: Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street are all great neighborhoods to grab a cold drink and try something new. The culture here felt diverse and rich, and the fact that everything is in English makes visiting here so easy.
Sweet: Singapore is known for its hawker centers. Here you can find local food, much like that of a street vendor, in an 
Sour: Most of the neighborhoods, and residential buildings have their own hawker center. 
Sour: Singapore’s climate is EXTREMELY hot and humid, so I didn’t mind strolling through the many connected 
Sweet: I wanted to check out my first beach in Asia so we took the metro to 
Sour: We wanted to see as much of Singapore as possible in 5 short days, so we headed to the Chinese & Japanese Gardens in the Jurong East side of town. I was even coerced into climbing up seven floors to catch a view.
Sweet: It started to rain, so we hailed a taxi to 
Sweet: Other places that we visited were 
Sweet: We saw a lot of Singapore, and were able to see many happening celebrations, Singapore’s 50th Anniversary as a free country, the Chinese 
Street vendors offer up the typical french crepes, and many stands slang kabobs. Everywhere you look there is a street facing cafe, set up with outward facing chairs, perfect for a cappuccino and people watching. The pace is slow, and the food is savored.
Our first stop at 
Since we had only an assortment of cheeses at Le Pure, we ventured over to my all-time favorite Parisian cafe Le 
A good night’s rest is very important when you are touring Paris, whether for the food or the sights. In the morning, we headed over to Notre-Dame de Paris, but only after a memorable brunch at 
Paris is special because no matter where you are, you will be in awe. A simple walk along the river will provide you with the perfect backdrop.
Time really does fly when you’re enjoying yourself, and next thing you know, it’s time for an afternoon treat. 
The best free view in Paris is from the rooftop of 
Croissants are a French staple, but it is not the only quick breakfast option. The croque madame is a brioche ham and cheese sandwich, topped with an egg. Yum! 
Jardin du Palais Royal
Located in in St. Germain neighborhood, 
Although touristy, each 
Sour: Since it’s in the middle of the summer, of course it is hot! So expect people to dress accordingly. Water and cold beverages are a vital part of being able to hang out for hours in the desert. Also, my girlfriend couldn’t get enough of the fluff ice. 
Sour: I joke that the best part of EDC was leaving, but I really enjoyed relaxing on the grass, listening to music, and experiencing something where so many people come together to have a good time.
