Imagine that you find a book at a garage sale and suddenly the main character steps out of the pages to be front and center before you! That amazing character, Dario Castagno becomes our “in-person” tour guide in Siena, Italy, as well as his family’s winery in the Chianti region. Hello everyone, it’s Paul Scopel...
A quick peek at Pisa, Italy
With every trip to Italy, I try to visit a new destinations so we can check off another box on our bucket list. My name is Paul Scopel. I will be your guide throughout this exciting adventure. Some of you might know me from my past travel articles. With over 15 trips to this charmed country, I still...
Florence the magnificent!
The magnificent city of Florence! It’s the center and source of the Renaissance age, which makes it a very popular place to visit when in Italy. Florence is a pedestrian friendly city, so slip on your most comfortable shoes and walk with me. My name is Paul Scopel and I will be your guide through this majestic venue that seems to be frozen in...
Our first days in Venice, Italy
The day finally has arrived! We are off to Italy! The sixteen day, independent journey through Italy begins. I am traveling with my wife and six wonderful cousins to the homeland of our ancestors. Although my wife and I have traveled there numerous times before, this will be the most enjoyable trip we have ever attempted, anywhere! I...
Italy’s Sister Cities Lucca and Viareggio
Two sisters in the same family often are as different as night and day. We see this contrast between Italy’s two neighboring sister cities of Lucca and Viareggio. Lucca’s inland center is entirely enclosed within the mighty earthen walls, while her neighbor, Viareggio, is a sprawling seaside inlet and resort. These two jewels are in the...
Eating Our Way Through the Heart of Italy: Foods of Parma
Get ready to experience the sights, tastes and smells of the aromatic region of Emilia-Romagna in Italy. If you can imagine the top two thirds of Italy symbolizing the shape of a human torso, then Emilio-Romagna is in the upper chest with historic Parma at the heart. This region is special to me not...
Odds & Ends Photo Gallery: Part 1
[cycloneslider id=”contributor-photos-1″] Denver’s Botanical Gardens presents the Rocky Mountain Region’s first major outdoor exhibition of artwork by celebrated American artist, Dale Chihuly. Chihuly’s sculptures – ranging in size and form add bold colors and dramatic beauty to the Gardens’ 24-acre urban oasis. Chihuly Nights is an exhibit that when darkness falls upon the sculptures, they are illuminated by...
Touring Italy’s Salerno, Mozzarella and the Amalfi Coast
It is said through the Urban Dictionary: “Passion is when you put more energy into something than what is required to do it. It is more than just enthusiasm or excitement. Passion is ambition that materializes into an action that puts as much heart, mind, body and soul into something as is possible.” Let’s empty...