"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness" ~ Mark Twain

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Laguardia's Medieval Charm


Being so close to Spain's prized Rioja Wine Valley, we're trying to make it around to all of the amazing little towns scattered throughout the province of Alava. This weekend we took a day trip to the hilltop town of Laguardia, a 13th century medieval walled village. It has a fully intact protective stone wall that encircles the entire town, with four entrance gates with massive wooden doors. From just about anywhere on the hill you get wonderful view of the the wine valley below.

Photos

http://picasaweb.google.com/DiazLark/LaguardiaSpain?feat=directlink

Monday, October 25, 2010

Ciao Venezia!


We are just getting back from our first visit to Venice and I already wish we could go back to wander around the streets of each sestiere (Venetian district). Though we were concerned about the heavy rain we were expecting during the weekend, we lucked out and only got light rain on and off on Sunday. We bundled up and managed to see all of the sights I crammed into our crazy itinerary.

Of course the main attraction of St. Mark's Basilica was the first stop, followed by a trip up the bell tower for a breathtaking view of the city. We finished off the first night with a low key dinner and drinks at the Venice Jazz Club. We spent the second and rainy day taking in Venetian masterpieces at the Galleria dell'Accademia, followed by a visit through the Doge's Palace for more amazing art. We spent our last half day in Venice meandering through the streets around the Rialto Bridge while doing some shopping in the glass and leather stores.

The pictures of Venice are beautiful but it's a city you just have to see for yourself. Ciao!

Photos

http://picasaweb.google.com/DiazLark/VeniceItaly?feat=directlink