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Neapolitan Riviera – Discover the Beauty of Italy

November 14, 2014

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Neapolitan Riviera – Discover the Beauty of Italy

The Neapolitan Riviera is an extremely popular destination amongst tourists looking for a vacation rich in sunshine, culture and style.

There truly is something for everything along the Neapolitan Riviera, history and culture in the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, gastronomy with all of the Italian cuisine on offer in Naples and beautiful natural surroundings such as the volcano, Vesuvius, and the island of Capri.

What the Neapolitan Riviera has to offer

Pompeii

I was completely blown away by Pompeii. I remember learning about the town at school and being told that you could still visit it today, but in my imagination all that remained was essentially a dusty blueprint of a city, with nothing much going for it. This is not the case at all. The extent to which some of the buildings have been preserved by the volcanic ash is incredible.

Some of the houses still have their ceilings and roofs and even still have paint on the walls!

There are a few examples of the petrified bodies that they found in the city and it is truly harrowing to have walked in their footsteps and imagine how terrifying it must have been to see Vesuvius erupt. You will need at least half a day to explore Pompeii properly, and it is well worth making a trip to the National Archaeological Museum in Naples to see all of the artefacts which were retrieved from the ashes.

Pompeii is easily accessible by train from Naples. Ask your concierge or the information desk in the main train station if you need help on where to buy tickets or get train times.

Herculaneum

Herculaneum is another city which was preserved after the eruption of Vesuvius nearly 2000 years ago. Pompeii is the more famous city, and although Herculaneum is a smaller site, it is well worth your time and money.

It is even better preserved than Pompeii and in the summer you will be able to see much more as there are far fewer crowds. It is well worth paying the extra few euros to hire a live guide as their knowledge is exceptional and makes the whole experience so much better.

Vesuvius

Now, I’m normally pretty good when it comes to bus rides and taking sharp corners (just take the bus ride to the Big Buddha in Hong Kong and you’ll know what I mean). But this one was pushing it. Our bus driver didn’t seem to think that braking at corners was at all necessary but he must know the road like the back of his hand by now as we made it to the top in one piece.

The hike up the volcano is quite a gentle one along a well-established path. The red dust from the walk did change the white converse to a rather fetching shade of salmon, so be wary of wearing light colors. It is really worth hiking all the way to the top to see the crater; it’s quite a special view.

And a real WOW moment!

I have two tips for any of you planning to make the hike.

Firstly, they close the volcano to tourists if it is raining, so pick a nice clear day to make the visit. Secondly, if you want to buy any souvenirs, the prices drop to a fraction of the original prices the further up the volcano you get. Ask for prices at every stall and make any purchases on the way back down to get the best deal, otherwise you risk being ripped off completely.

Where to stay

There are two very contrasting choices when it comes to picking a place to stay in the Neapolitan Riviera.

If you like being in a city, with culture, history and shopping opportunities on your doorstep, then you would probably be most at home staying inside the city of Naples. If you are more interested in an exciting beach resort holiday then Sorrento is probably more up your street.

What is certainly true is that wherever you decide to stay, you should definitely take a visit to the other place for the full Neapolitan Riviera experience.

Sorrento

The resort of Sorrento will deliver anything and everything you could possibly want from a beach-side holiday and the city of Naples is just around the corner offering the excitement of urban life. Sorrento is a lovely place to stay whether you are on a romantic getaway or a family vacation. There is loads to see and do and there is easy access to all of the major sights of the Neapolitan Riviera.

There are boat cruises, diving trips, fishing opportunities, watersports, hiking trails, azure-blue waters and sandy beaches. It is a very popular spot amongst tourists and attracts a huge number of people to stay there every single year. This means that it can be quite a busy place but you will find everything you could possibly want or need on your vacation.

Naples

Naples is the largest city in the south of Italy. It is sometimes referred to as an ‘open-air museum’ because there are so many different historic sites, statues and monuments.

It is home to the museums which house the artefacts recovered from the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, but I would definitely recommend visiting these museums after having been to the towns themselves. Naples also gives its name to a whole host of different classic Italian foods.

Naples is just two hours south of Italy’s capital, Rome. A day trip to Rome is more than feasible from the Neapolitan Riviera and is definitely worth doing if it is your first time in Italy.

Capri

Capri is an island in the southern part of the bay of Naples. It is a beautiful haven in the middle of the sea with panoramic views across the whole of the bay and the island itself.

You can take a tour of the island by boat and visit the many grottoes which mark its coastline. The landscape is stunning; it is a truly picturesque spot which is definitely worth taking the boat trip across the bay to pay it a visit.

The historic center of the town of Capri is historically very interesting and is also full of fantastic seafood restaurants and cute little bed and breakfasts should you want to stay for longer than a day. Ferries, catamarans and jetfoils leave several times a day from both Naples and Sorrento to take you across to the island.

So, whatever you are looking for from your vacation to Italy, the Neapolitan Riviera will have something to delight you. It has sunshine, sandy beaches, watersports, ancient history, modern history, cultural and gastronomical wonders and luxury hotel resorts.

Enjoy!

Outer Hebrides – Cycling in the Isles of Wonder

November 13, 2014

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Outer Hebrides – Cycling in the Isles of Wonder

An ideal way to discover these incredible islands of Outer Hebrides, is by cycling.

Me (in front) cycling up a hill on the Isle of Harris Outer Hebrides Scotland

Cycling on the calm roads of the Outer Hebrides is an astounding way to observe the many wonders that these mind-blowing islands have to offer. The activity offers a chance to witness the exceptional distinctiveness of the area including the flora and fauna, spectacular panorama and the historical reserves that these amazing islands have.

The cycling routes are easily accessible for people of all age groups. There is minimal traffic on the roads which makes it easier to cycle and enjoy the scenic beauty at the same time. Cycling holidays can be leisurely or challenging according to how you would like them to be. You can choose from the easy rides of South Uist or Berneray to the more challenging and grueling ones of the Harris Hills.

The road trip that included cycling in the Outer Hebrides is one of the experiences that I’m going to cherish forever. The weather can be fickle here in England but the Gods smiled upon us during our trip to Barra; the sun was shining brightly and warmed us to our bones.

Barra is at the southern end of the archipelago. It is eight miles long and four miles wide. I took the only road towards the little town of Castlebury which boasts the medieval fortress, Kisimul Castle.

Kisimul Castle in Castlebay Island of Barra Scotland

After a little break to visit the Castle I cycled towards the Island of Vatersay. The sea was so blue and inviting that I had to stop yet again to paddle in the sea. Good weather and the sea shore are two things that I greatly adore. And this combination of both was like a dream come true. Leaving the tranquility of the island behind me, I then took a forty minute ferry to Eriskay.

Luskentyre Beach in Outer Hebrides, Isle of Harris; Scotland, UK

This moment here took me back in time to when I was a kid growing up in New York. We used to go out to Amagansett on Long Island during the summer and my dad and I would bike along Montauk Highway and stop along the entrance ways to go swimming. Another gorgeous pace.

Upon reaching Eriskay I started cycling again. Eriskay is animated with the spirit of the Outer Hebrides – and as such has provided much stimulation to the arts. The Atlantic coast that the island has is just one long stretch of sandy beach. I stopped for lunch at the Am Politician pub before mounting my bike again and cycling past the sign which warned me of ‘Otters Crossing.’

I rode to the Askernish where I saw the remains of several Bronze Age roundhouses dating from around 1200 BC . I cycled past Loch Bi to reach Benbecula. This is where the Catholic south of the Outer Hebrides merges into the Protestant north. After taking a fifty minute ferry to reach Leverburgh I stopped at Betty Bus for a cup of coffee and an Ecclefechan cake.

The smooth ride over the Golden road was a pleasure. I moved towards Stornoway via the magnificent lone standing stones at Callanish. Nothing could be said about the confirmed origins of these stones, but they are believed to be from around 2900 BC. These are thirteen stones arranged to form a Celtic cross.

Lastly I cycled across the austere, marshy landscape of the centre of Lewis. This has been divided into two by the Pentland Road. I cycled until I came to the big city of Stornoway that has a population of 12,000. I took my sore and numb limbs and aching shoulder blades into the Digby Chick Restaurant where after a couple of glasses of ten year old Malt, the pain ebbed away.

Venice – The Ultimate Tourist Guide

November 10, 2014

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Venice – The Ultimate Tourist Guide

Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and attracts visitors from all over the world. It has a reputation of being an incredibly romantic place, full of honeymooning couples taking a candlelit trip on a gondola along the canal and can deliver a beautiful setting for a romantic getaway.

It is an art-enthusiasts heaven, with picture-perfect views down every street and galleries to visit on every other block.

What to see and do

Grand Canal

Venice is famed the world over for its complex network of canal ways. The main waterway of the whole city is the Grand Canal and it really is quite something to see it for real. I studied the books and read up on the history of Venice before going there to visit, and I had seen photos and paintings of the iconic view of the Grand Canal dozens of times, but nothing compares to standing there and seeing it for yourself.

If you want the best photo opportunities then I would definitely recommend going there early in the morning, before all of the days’ crowds arrive and block your view. It can get very busy during the daytime.

St Mary of the Friars

Santa Maria dei Frari is an iconic Venetian church constructed during the mid-13^th century. The architecture is in itself a masterpiece but the church is also home to many important renaissance works of art. Titian’s “Pesaro Madonna” is perhaps the most well-known of these, and Titian himself is actually buried in the church as well.

Teatro La Fenice

The Teatro La Fenice is Venice’s Opera House and dates back to the year 1789. Since it was built it has burned down twice, but the restored theatre is definitely worth a visit today.

You can take a guided tour to find out all about the history of the building and the performances which take place there. If you like ballet, opera or classical music then you should have a look online to see if you can get tickets to see something while you are in Venice.

I can assure you that the overall experience will not disappoint.

Dorsoduro

The Dorsoduro is a neighborhood in Venice which is home to most of the city’s renowned art collections. It is a great place to stop for a drink to enjoy the view as there are usually a few less people wandering around this part of town.

The area is also home to the Peggy Guggenheim collection which is a must-see for any art enthusiasts as it houses works by Picasso, Mondrian, Pollock, Miró and Marini. As a keen photographer I easily spent a whole day walking through the beautiful and picturesque streets.

Where to stay

Venice is much less relaxing than I had expected. For a city with so much water and from all of the picturesque photos that I had seen, I actually found that it was quite a shock to arrive in such a busy and bustling city.

If you are looking for a relaxing, romantic getaway, it is probably a good idea to choose a hotel which is a bit further away from the manic city center.

Staying in the center

The Bauer II Palazzo is located right on the Grand Canal itself and offers luxury 5 star accommodation within walking distance of all of Venice’s main attractions. It has a roof terrace which offers breakfast with stunning views out over the city and the canal.

If you are looking for something a little less expensive, the Ca’pisani is another city center hotel and is decorated following the art-deco style of the first half of the 20^th Century. I absolutely loved the fact that every room is different, it felt much more special to feel that the room was in some way unique.

Staying away from the center

The Ca’dogaressa hotel is still on the canal front so the center of the city remains easily accessible, but the hotel itself is removed from the intensity of city center life. There is a canal side café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee ‘al fresco’ and definitely embodies the perfect compromise between the price you pay and the service you receive.

Getting around

Getting around the city of Venice can end up costing quite a bit of money. The cheapest and best way of seeing the city itself is to walk from site to site, and although Venice is quite a small city, this can get a bit tiring after a day or too.

The canals act as roads in Venice, and the easiest way of getting from place to place whilst resting your feet is by water bus. You can buy a ticket to let you travel for a single journey of up to 60 minutes, or a travelcard which will allow you to have unlimited travel around the city for a given number of days.

Unlimited travel over a 24 hour period will cost you 20 euros (about $25) and 48 hours will cost 30 euros (roughly $37).

If you have somewhere to be at an exact time, the fastest way of getting from A to B is via private water taxi. These are not cheap by any means, and will charge extra if you book them over the phone and for any journeys taken after 10pm or on Sundays, but they are quick and efficient.

Where to Eat

If you are in Venice for a special occasion, why not celebrate by eating at one of the best restaurants in the world. Antica Osteria Cera is a restaurant which has been awarded two Michelin stars and serves traditional dishes served to an exceptional standard. It has a particular reputation for being a fantastic place to eat fish and seafood.

Quadri is a restaurant with one Michelin star and is one of the places to eat in Venice. It is much more creative with the food it serves and the restaurant itself screams decadence and luxury.

Whatever you are looking for from your trip to Venice, just be aware that it is an extremely expensive city, and whatever you choose to do will probably end up costing you rather a lot of money (it doesn’t help that the value of the Euro is still high).

If you are at all worried about how much your trip will cost you, I would recommend choosing a hotel in the city center and walking to most of the attractions that you want to visit. This, honestly, is the best way to see the city.

When looking for places to eat, choose the restaurants on the side streets which are a bit further from the tourist hoards and you will see that the prices are often significantly lower. And if you’re looking to learn more enjoyable ways of using the water ways, check out my post here.

Enjoy!

Famous England Sites – From History to The Beatles

November 9, 2014

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Famous England Sites – From History to The Beatles

England could easily be one of the most diverse places to visit. Among many other geographical and political factors, England is famous for a great deal of things that we may relate to. Being one of the richest places in culture and heritage, they don’t call it the Kingdom for nothing.

The landmarks, the bridges, the towers, the museums, the lakes and palaces, castles and cliffs are all part of this great whole. Not only is England rich in culture and history, the English people are take pride in being a civilized and productive nation. I have travelled through Europe thoroughly and I see the major differences that help make England well… England.

Famous England Sites: History

David Beckham, Fish and Chips, London and Tea, all may have contributed to the image of the country, but the thing that lasts long has a firm foundation. The English have one of the richest backgrounds in terms of history.

Witnessing The Dark Ages, The Renaissance and many other later art movements, the country evolved as a major tourist destination for historians and art enthusiasts around the world. From DaVinci to Michelangelo, England is the home for many great sculptures and art pieces.,

Famous England Sites: Education

Offering some of the finest education systems in the world, universities like Oxford and Cambridge have set the bar up high for many competitors. The universities are some of the oldest in the world and were born out of the Dark Ages when a growing need for proper education was understood.

Famous England Sites: The Land of the Beatles

Britain has had the honor of producing some of the biggest musicians history has seen; David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Queen are all among the lords of Classic Rock. What I enjoy most about the music culture of England is the quality that differentiates the English from the rest.

And be sure to check out the rooftop location in London where The Beatles last played together as a group.

Rock is the staple form of music in England

Famous England Sites: Greenery

The frequent rains and storms keeps the countryside lush green and fertile. Beautiful hills and thick forests, the mountain trails and the open plains will never lose their charm.

Cheeses

The Romans introduced different types of cheeses to England. Since then, the land has a variety of around 400 different kinds of cheese; Cheddar, Stilton, Cheshire and Red Leicester are among my favorites. The English love Heavy Cream and Cheese, it is one of the most widely-consumed food of the country, and also, the tastiest.

Strawberries

Who doesn’t love Strawberries? And that too English Strawberries! The English have a taste for rich and good food and they are not afraid to show it. I remember walking down the fruit markets back in London inhaling the mixed scents of peaches and strawberries, mangoes and guavas, watermelons and kiwi.

One of my favorite dessert till today is chocolate-covered Strawberries, and also, my fondest memory of England.,

Famous England Sites: William Shakespeare

There is not the slightest doubt that a place with delicious food, stable weather, good education, rich culture and a history will always produce geniuses. Among so many other great names, William Shakespeare was a prominent Actor, Playwright and Poet in history that evolved as an enigma and changed the face of literature and performing arts.

I have never been much into literature myself, but seeing Shakespeare Fans line up at The Church of The Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon, paying their respects at deceased artist’s tomb, reminds me of the greatness of Britain and its culture.

I have always found it amazing that there really is so much to do in this country. Amazing landscapes to see, amazing architectures, and incredible sites in London alone are worth it!

Enjoy!

Business Travelers in Rome – Accommodations to Food

November 7, 2014

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Business Travelers in Rome – Accommodations to Food

For business travelers in Rome, or anyone visiting at all, it is easy to be sidetracked by the architecture and history of the city. If you have never been to Rome before, take a couple extra days, if you can, and visit the parts of the city that interest you most. In this way, you can be completely attentive to business when the time comes.

Business Travelers in Rome: Accommodations

Many hotels in Rome are suitable for the business traveler. You can book your hotel on your mobile device, and it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance of your trip, since this is such a popular tourist destination.

Business hotels are a good choice over traditional hotels. Business hotels are designed with you in mind. They have good Wi-Fi signal and provide quiet areas where you and your associates can take on the task ahead of you without being disturbed. You will find 24-hour business centers in business hotels. They are valuable for photocopying, printing and faxing. Take advantage of the free coffee available at most business hotels in Rome to keep you alert for meetings.

Video conferencing will allow you to remain in close contact with your company back in the United States. Meeting rooms are available, if you are negotiating at your hotel. Whether you are traveling alone or with co-workers, there is plenty of space to accommodate your needs.

Business Travelers in Rome: Getting from Place to Place

You can easily book your transport from the airports in Rome to any business or hotel destination. Choose a transport company that offers prices that are all inclusive, and fixed. Drivers who speak English make it easier to get around the city, especially if they have experience in and around Rome.

Rental car companies offer you large fleets of the best names in car manufacturing. Their English-speaking representatives have experience, and they will take your reservation and hold a suitable car for you. Drivers and guides take you to and from airports, stations and destinations in and out of Rome.

Airport shuttles offer you speedy transport from the airports to your hotel or business venue. Most cars used for this service are air-conditioned. Cabbies in Rome often speak good English, since they serve the tourism industry, as well as business travelers. Many offer door-to-door services not just to hotels, but from airports to residences, too.

If you have negotiated a deal and want to have a celebratory dinner, there are limousine services available for your needs. They include service to airports, hotels and meeting places. Larger coaches are available for groups.

Business Travelers in Rome: Dining

Roma Sparita

This restaurant is tucked into a beautiful piazza in Trastevere, where you are surrounded by terracotta and fading ochre buildings. It is a wonderful choice in an area where exceptional restaurants are difficult to find. In good weather, business dinners can be held in the piazza, where it’s easy to relax with wine and some of the simple dishes.

Vascello

Located high in Rome’s Monteverde area, this restaurant is managed by two Sardinian couples. The outdoor tables in summer are in a breezy area, which helps in escaping the heat. They serve a variety of tasty foods and you will be pleased to dine here with your co-workers, after a negotiation has been successfully concluded.

Business travelers in Rome can be sure to expect some of the best services in the world, from transportation to accommodation. There is a feeling of pride when traveling in Rome and it is very common for restaurants to cater specifically to clientele there on business.

Enjoy!

England Beer Enthusiast – Your Guide Part 1

November 5, 2014

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England Beer Enthusiast – Your Guide Part 1

My last travel was one of the most inspiring experience to date, visiting England and completely immersing in their culture was truly an emotional ride which I felt was worth documenting for the rest of the world. Though I have written on the pub scene in England, I feel like the need to dedicate a few pages simply to the English beers.

It’s hard to distinguish between the pub and beer experience, but I felt a dedicated guide on English beers had to be done. So if you plan on visiting England anytime soon, my blogs would certainly help you in figuring how to go about experiencing the splendor of English beers.

England Beer Enthusiast: Bitter

The bitter pale ale is much more than just a style of beer, it holds much more significance than one might understand at one glance. The name bitter represents a whole family of beers popularized in the 19^th century England. All of these beers are golden to copper in color, with a toasty or caramel maltish flavor along with the presence of strong and earthy English hops.

Three different distinctions exist in the world of bitter: ordinary bitter, special bitter and strong bitter. The strength is the primary difference between all three types – standard being the weakest of the batch with 3% alcohol in volume. Special bitter is relatively stronger with 4%, while the strong bitter is usually pushing towards 6% ABV.

England Beer Enthusiast: India Pale Ale

The IPA has become a nesting ground for beer historians. Not a single beer on the planet has such a strong historical background, while some even claim it was invented for the British troops serving in the British colony of India.

The India Pale Ale has significantly evolved over the years, with many American craft beers developing numerous variants of the hoppy drink. Though there is a stark difference between English and American brewed IPA. Most English India Pale Ale are bordering between medium amber to golden in color, but bear little semblance to its American version which are dominated with hop and citrus.

England Beer Enthusiast: Brown- Mild Ale

Most American drinkers are quite familiar with the Americanized India Pale Ale. However, the mild ale is still restricted to England. During the 18^th century milds was a strong drink but this was changed during the 19^th century wartime needs, thus setting a precedent for the modern brown ales. Milds currently reside between 3 to 4.5% ABV range.

The term mild refers to the freshness of the drink rather than its strength. These malty drinks have little hop if any and a fruity yeast flavor bordering towards buttery and toasty nut and caramel, with a bit of fruitiness. Those hoping to try it for the first time should expect a decent amount of flavor packed in a small bottle.

England Beer Enthusiast: Strong Scotch Ale

We all know and love Scotland for their Scotch Whiskeys, but the Scottish beer deserves just as much love and recognition. Wee Heavy is the most commonly available Scottish styled beers in the US. These strong ales pack some strong malt, while the flavor has some fruity sweetness, along with a caramelized and thickly dense body. Though some less strong versions of this beer also exists, these have a similar taste but are much lighter in body and alcohol.

England is certainly known for being one the countries of the world and it certainly holds on to that title! Be sure to check back for part II of this awesome take on England Beer Enthusiast!

Business in Italy: Learn a Few Choice Phrases

November 4, 2014

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Business in Italy: Learn a Few Choice Phrases

The ethos of Italian business is family-focused. Management structures are usually hierarchical, and most decisions are made at levels above middle management. Take time to find out at an early stage in your business relationship where the real decisions will be made. This is easier to accomplish if you can understand and utilize a few Italian phrases, spoken in their tongue.

Business Dealings in Italy

Traveling to foreign countries to conduct business is often daunting. This is especially true when you don’t speak the language. Italians are warm and accommodating, and they welcome foreigners (stranieri) openly. They will welcome your attempts to speak to them in their native tongue, and business will be conducted more easily if you understand and use a few business phrases in Italian.

Business in Italy – Phrases to Know:

Scusi, un informazione, per favore.

Excuse me; I need some information, please.

In any language, business negotiations must be fully understood by all the parties involved. If you don’t have sufficient information with which to make a decision, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for more.

If you do not have all the facts you need before making a decision, you may end up making an unwise business decision. This would not bode well for your future dealings with your employer.

siete aperti a qualche tipo di contrattazione?

Are you open to negotiation?

This may be used early or later in a negotiation. Sometimes, Italians like to throw a virtual curve ball at the last minute, to test your commitment. It is important to find out ahead of time how open your Italian colleagues are to negotiation.

Può l’ufficio commerciale occuparsi della pubblicità?

Can we have marketing create the ad?

This is a straightforward request, but it will mean more if you speak it in the language of your host.

Ottimo! Salute allora, al nostro nuovo progetto!

Excellent! Cheers then, to our new project!

This is used after the negotiations are complete, and the project is a “go” from both sides. Practice it a bit, so it will sound natural when you use it.

Using the Right Gestures and Language

For Business in Italy, using the proper gestures and language in communication is quite important.

Do not move away from advances; they may consider you unfriendly. Trust is important to establish a good working relationship.

Deals are made slowly, so avoid showing a sense of urgency. This is seen as a weakness in Italy. If your hosts are making small talk, then allow that. Make small talk with them, covering topics like art, food, sports or fashion. Do not introduce Italian politics or religion into the conversations.

Communicating Face to Face

Eye contact is important in Italy. It shows frankness, interest and openness. Looking away should be avoided, since it sends negative signals to your hosts.

English is used most commonly in business, along with Italian and some French and German.

Business in Italy: Meeting Agendas

Agendas in business meetings are quite flexible in Italy. All meeting members may take an active role and interrupt the flow of conversation. There are frequent side conversations, as well. During a meeting, it is not unusual for some delegates to leave while new ones arrive to join into the conversations with gusto. Use the Italian phrases you know well and for other comments, stick to English.

And for the language? Well, this was a big problem for me, and who knows, maybe it is a problem for you? I know I wanted my best to try to solve it and that is when I found this amazing software, and they even have a free trial! I’d check it out if you have time. Italian is such a beautiful language, steeped in the history of Italy.

I remember once I had to travel to Milan to meet a business partner, someone whom I consider a close friend. We were working on a large printout for a brand we both work with. We were sitting in a beautiful cafe outside of the Duomo having an espresso and a croissant, really just chatting about families.

Then someone started walking over, impeccable suit, like cut out of a magazine, and totally embraced my friend like they’ve been friends for 30 years! They started talking in rapid Italian, no way I could catch a single word. It felt like minutes before I was even acknowdlged (which made them feel very bad).

Turns out that this “new” person to our snack was just a friend who happened to be in Milan and had just decided to go out for a walk! But having just a little understanding of Italian customs goes a long way.

Business in Italy can be a lot of fun too and it definitely helps knowing some important phrases!

Enjoy!

England Adventures – For Thrill Seekers

November 2, 2014

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England Adventures – For Thrill Seekers

While I guess the typical definition of vacation is to rest and take it easy but then there are some who indulge in extreme activities for recreation. When I went to England, I got to see some of the most amazing landscapes and coastline and these places couldn’t even be accessed through pedestrian means.

There are so many types of England adventures to take it’s impossible to list them all here. But here are a few directed towards those particular breed of men and women who seek those adrenaline-inducing, breathtaking moments when you feel like you are at the top of the world.

Skydiving – Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

For the biggest and most intense of England adventures to have, this would be it!

A few friends and I went skydiving from Yarmouth, the western part of the Isle of Wight. Jumping from the plane is an experience I can never forget. With my heart pumping a thousand beats an hour and the air slapping my face, I could not even open my eyes for the first few seconds of the fall.

When I finally opened my eyes, a sense of calm took over and I was finally able to enjoy the view and the experience. I must say one thing, when you look down at an island from a few thousand feet up in the sky, you truly wish to explore and admire the amazing and wondrous gifts that mother earth has to offer. Plus, that isle looks mighty small 10,000 ft up!

While coming down, the Western Yar was emanating a warm sensation as the sun reflected on the surface of the water. The village of Freshwater and the expansive coastline, I simply absorbed it all.

Check these guys out if you’re in for an incredible experience!

Kayaking in the River Dart – Tuckenhay, Devon

River Dart is located on the Dartmoor, and offers one of the best kayaking and canoeing experiences in the region. The location is perfect for those seeking a watery thrill on the ancient river. I tumbled down on the river from the Dartmoor Moors through the woodland river and eventually to the sea.

I was quite pleased when I found out that the upper Dart was for the advanced kayakers, but don’t worry if you are new, Tuckenhay has the perfect river for all levels of kayakers.

Rock Climbing – Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

I wondered what could be more amazing than rock climbing at the picturesque Wye Valley, though I didn’t hope to find an answer, I fell in love with the place. Wye Valley Cliffs offer an extreme sports playground and is the largest participation sports in the country.

The place had over 800 different rock climbs of different difficulty and heights. It’s the perfect place for an adventure seeker as well as a family. By the time I was leaving the place, I knew what the famous summit mountaineer Sven Hassall meant when he said, “There are two types of people in the world, rock climbers and who aren’t yet rock climbers”.

Of all my England Adventures, I perhaps did most of my contemplating about life here. That is something fascinating about this place that can help bring out inner thoughts.

Caving at Cheddar Gorge – Bristol

This is me saying that all of you who considered a caving experience to be just looking at stalagtites and stalagmites are everything but right. I found the Cheddar Gorge to be filled with numerous opportunities for adrenaline pumping experiences. I climbed almost 270 steps to get to the upper side of the Cheddar Gorge and once you get to the lookout tower, it’s completely worth all those burnt calories.

I was thrilled to be caving in England’s biggest gorge, which I was dreaming about for a very long time. The caving expedition deep within the Mendip Hills, and the crawling and squeezing along with the climbs, was a fun, dirty and challenging adventure.

There are many more places I ventured out to for unbelievable England adventures, hoping for a thrilling experience, and I am sure I will definitely tell about those as well. But for now this is it folks, I sincerely hope I inspired a few to visits these places, good adventures to all. And if you’re looking for some amazing landscapes to visit, check these out.

Enjoy!

Italian Business Meals – What to Expect

October 31, 2014

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Italian Business Meals – What to Expect

Ah! Magnificent! What a great experience this can be, Italian Business Meals! After your successful business meeting, it is very common to go out for a meal. A little forewarning though, it can last a long time, be full on the stomach, but completely enjoyable!

If you are traveling for business to Italy, you may well make a friend for your career life, or just life in general. Cultivating friendships is an important part of business etiquette in Italy. Be patient and genuine, and learn a bit of Italian, so that you will appear gracious. Oh, thins one was a problem for me as I had been wanting to learn Italian for so long. I can’t say that I’m very good, but it was a problem for me, and maybe it’s a problem or desire for you, too? This solution worked really well for me and I’d totally recommend checking it out: learn Italian.

Italians prize education, intelligence, imagination and inventiveness. They maintain personal relations scrupulously, with an especially high value placed on loyalty. This is especially true in families. The most important affiliation for Italians is the family.

Meeting and Greeting

When you are introduced for Italian business meals, shake hands with everyone, including children.

You will also shake hands before you leave. Ladies extend their hands to men, first. Friends may be greeted with kisses on both cheeks.

Use business associates’ last names and proper titles until your host or the colleagues themselves invite you to use their first names.

Maintain strict eye contact when you are speaking with potential business associates. Otherwise, your hosts may feel that you are trying to hide something from them. Italians use body language a great deal, probably more than most other Europeans.

Italian Business Meals – The Discussions

Business conversation is avoided at breakfast, but brought up at lunch, in Italy. Guests should not pour wine – this is for the hosts to do. Dinners are opportunities for social networking. If you invite your Italian business counterparts for lunch or dinner, be expected to pay.

The beginning of the meal is reserved for chit chat and catch up. Business talk is reserved until later.

Early dinner conversation consists of small talk, about sports, culture, wine and food. Business entertainment usually takes place in a restaurant, at dinner or lunch. Dinner entertainment is usually more social than business-related. But, be prepared, dinners can start early and end very late, with course after course of food being served.

Cocktails are not often seen in Italy. Eating almost always accompanies drinking. It is not normal nor appreciated to drink heavily. Even a mild case of intoxication is considered to be ill mannered.

Dressing for Success

Conservative business suits work exceptionally well in Italy. Choose sedate colors for your suits, ties or dresses. Even casual dress should be well fitting and sharp. As you enter a building, remove your head coverings.

Old-Fashioned Niceties

In Italy, it’s common to practice niceties that Americans would consider old-fashioned. Stand up for elders and avoid asking questions that are personal. Be prepared for gifts by bringing something for your hosts. Corporate gifts, music and wine are acceptable gifts.

Large lunches or dinner parties begin often with an aperitif (campari, vermouth, cinzano, etc.). They will end with the hosts’ after dinner drinks, like sambuca or grappa (prepare for an intense rush from that!).

As mentioned above business meal in Italy may start early and end late!

But that’s because of all the courses, great food, and conversation. There generally is an order that’s followed and normally goes like this:

Antipasto – This includes appetizers, such as pates and fruit or prosciutto.
Antipasta – Tomaten Mozzarella
Soup
Minestrone, italian vegetable soup with pasta
Pasta
Carbonara Spaghetti
The Main Dish
Salad
Cheese
Dessert
Cannoli
Fruit
After-dinner drinks and espresso.
cafè espresso

Etiquette for Business during Dining

Much depends on how developed a relationship you have with your Italian colleagues. As a rule, business decisions are not made during meals. Take your cues from the Italians at the table.

Corporate Culture

English is a commonly used language in business in Italy, but always be sure whether you will need an interpreter or not. It is polite to interject Italian phrases when you are speaking with your hosts, as long as your pronunciation is acceptable. However, the meals are also supposed to be “fun,” a time away from the office. Don’t be shy in trying out a few Italian words and never fear in asking for help. Italians love to help when it comes to there language and if they laugh, it’s because they’re enjoying the moment.

Italians love to show off their homes, so if an invitation is extended during a business meal, oblige them by visiting their home.

Without question Italian business meals is a social event, used to get out of the office, get away from the scene and an opportunity to build that relationship. Take the lead from your host, they’ll be open about asking you what is appropriate or not to discuss at the table. Family is important to Italians so they may want to ask how your family is.

While American’s tend to keep personal and work topics separate, sometimes the lines are blurred. And when the meal is wrapping up and you’ve downed your grappa, make sure to have an espresso, it’ll help make sure you get back to your room that night.

Enjoy!

Stratford-Upon-Avon – The Ultimate Guide

October 29, 2014

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Stratford-Upon-Avon – The Ultimate Guide

Stratford-Upon-Avon is a quaint little town in the heart of the midlands. It has timber-framed houses and stores all throughout its historic center and is full of little tearooms and fantastic restaurants. It is of course renowned for being the birthplace of the world’s most famous playwright: William Shakespeare.

For me, this was a real treat. A real opportunity to get away from the bustling and hustling of the big cities and get out into the countryside of a beautiful country. I always find people warm and willing to share about there towns history in places like this.

William Shakespeare

There are a total of 5 properties to visit in Stratford-Upon-Avon which are in some way connected to the life of William Shakespeare, all of which are preserved as museums today. If you are going to be in Stratford for a few days, then you can get a pass which allows you discounted entry to all 5 properties. There is also a city sightseeing tour bus which will take you between all of the houses and give you an audio commentary of the things you see on the way.

Here are the 5:

Shakespeare’s Birthplace (as mentioned below)
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens
New Place & Nash’s House
Mary Arden’s Farm (the ultimate step back in time)
Hall’s Croft

I’ll be writing about my entire experience to these simply incredible locations in another article very soon, giving a first hand experience of what it was like walking in the steps of Shakespeare and attempting to, any way, see life through his own eyes.

Shakespeare’s Birthplace

There is Shakespeare’s birthplace. When visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon, make sure to go here first. The site now serves as a museum about the Shakespeare family. Here you can learn all about his father’s tanning business. Plus, see how families would have lived during Tudor times. This is definitely a must-see: you get a great idea of what life would have been like for Shakespeare as a boy growing up in a much louder and far dirtier Stratford.

Mary Arden’s House

Mary Arden was Shakespeare’s mother and her house in the nearby village of Wilmcote is preserved as a living Tudor farm. Here they preserve the Tudor methods of farming and often have demonstrations of how to make fences or hay bales before the invention of heavy machinery. It is also a rare breed’s farm and the site of daily falconry displays.

The Royal Shakespeare Company and Tower

Even if you only have one night in Stratford-Upon-Avon you absolutely must try to see a play at the RSC. The Royal Shakespeare Company is one of the most highly-regarded theater companies in the world. If you are a theater-lover then you will not be disappointed by the standard of the performances! The main theater was built to mimic the performance space of the Globe, Shakespeare’s theater in London. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment but some tickets are usually released on the day of the performance so it may be possible to purchase tickets when you arrive.

The RSC also has a tower which gives you a fantastic vantage point from which to look out over the whole town. On a clear and sunny day you will be able to see well into the glorious English countryside and look on as the town goes about its daily business.

There is also a rather nice restaurant on the top floor which offers really great food as either pre or post-theater dining.

Warwick Castle

Warwick is another beautiful little English city about a 15 minute drive from Stratford-Upon-Avon.

It is home to one of the best examples of an English castle left in the UK today. And if you ever wanted to see a castle this is the place to go! There are often deals offering half-price or 2 for 1 entry but you will need to leave a whole day aside to really make the most of everything it has to offer.

There is an interactive tour through the dungeons, which is really terrifying, an impressive falconry display, a trebuchet which is loaded with a flaming cannonball and fired at sunset, a jousting demonstration, live sword fights and numerous other exhibitions and displays. The castle is literally dripping with history and makes for a fantastic day trip for everyone.

Stratford-Upon-Avon is definitely the perfect addition to any trip to the UK. It is well worth the visit as it offers a unique insight into more rural British life as well as having a fascinating history and a rich culture which still survives today. Plenty of cafe’s to head too, great food as always, and a real step back in time! And if you’re looking for more day trips in England, be sure to head over to my article here.

Enjoy!

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