A Place Where I Belong

Navigating my way out from deep within the caverns of Bologna Centrale involved getting lost. The train station has now been much redone from my initial visit a decade ago, and they need to work on the signage here. But the misdirection only added to the anticipation that resonated through my bones and into my […]

Conferences Aren’t Great Fodder For Travel Blogs

I’ve decided to post one long post for the conference days. These were long days that stretched from 7:30 until 6, almost entirely in talks, so there isn’t necessarily much about which to write. I’ve been in this situation before. May 29 The conference began today. This is what has brought me to Italy in […]

Together With Friends In Florence

I had gelato for dinner today. I’m an adult and I’m on vacation and I can make that decision. It had been a long day, with a big transition, and I wasn’t especially hungry, so I didn’t want a big meal, but rather just a quick bite, so I had gelato for dinner. This morning […]

The Minimetro Doesn’t Go Where I Need It To

The Minimetro is adorable. Perugia’s rail system, with tiny cars that run on tiny wheels, carried along a curvy track by a looped cable is the cutest thing ever. I find it encouraging that they are able to have this given the relatively small local population of 165,000. And I want one. The course it […]

Where The Etruscans Lived

Prior to this trip, I haven’t spent much time in Umbria, a small, land-locked region just southeast of Tuscany. Many years ago I spent one day in Orvieto, but that’s it. Because of this I came here hoping to make the best of my time on the ground, limited though it is. Umbria is comprised […]

I’m Sure Saint Francis Wouldn’t Have Minded

Sometimes I don’t notice things that might be obvious to others. Sometimes I’m oblivious and I completely miss seeing large signs with boldly printed warnings. Sometimes I walk into a church and start taking photos without really thinking about it, which shouldn’t be surprising as most churches do allow this. And sometimes I don’t notice […]