A Month In Venice

Well I have to tell you that I really enjoyed watching Anthony Bourdain’s show No Reservations on Venice, Italy. I really like this take on anti-tourism that Anthony pursues with his show. You have agree that tourism or day trippers is a plague on some of the most beautiful parts of the world. I completely agree with just about everything stated in that show.

What I did not really like about this show though was the off center cinematogrpahy that for some reason left me a bit disjointed as to where he was in Venice. I have walked pretty much all of Venice, Italy and remember most of the streets but some I just could not make out.

Also this is just me being picky but some of the show was in Burano which in my opinion is outside of Venice. Yes it is where almost all the residents of Venice live but still this does not really represent the city.

The shots of the food, the wine and all that great stuff wanted to make me board a plane that night and head for the city. Unfortunately I can not afford to do that at this time but it sure makes me want to strive for hat level of ffeedom.

All in all I thought it was an excellent representation of the city and Anthony did a superb job of explaining the real Venice that many tourists overlook.

I know it has been quite a while since I have posted on this website. I have been so busy building out my blog network that I guess that this website has succumed to some neglect. This is something I hope to remedy shortly however. Well I do watch some television, hey I know this is a bad vice of mine but I am working on watching as less of it as possible. However, I do like to watch Anthony Bourdain and his various travels overseas in places that I probably will go visit just simply because I like the way he talks about all the people and places.

Well it turns out my favorite travel show is going to my favorite city to find the real Venice. I think that this is a great idea. I am not sure how Anthony is going to like Venice because I know from watching the show that he detests tourist traps and Venice can certainly be one of them if you are not careful and do not know where to go.

So after watching the show I hope to put a review of it on this blog to tell you what I really think of Anthony’s impresson of this great city. I am not sure if I will like it but at least it will be something new.

It is no secret to anyone watching the news that there is a crisis going on with home foreclosures. What many people do not realize that for many Italians this is also true. Unfortunately the crisis of credit is spreading around the world. And not to be a vulture or anything but this is a great opportunity for many Americans to get their little slice of heaven in Italy by taking advantage of foreclosed homes for sale in that country.

Like many people in this world I have a desire to move to Italy but I simply cannot afford it right now. However with the abundance of foreclosed properties available real estate in one of the most expensive parts of the world is becoming more affordable. However unlike America Italy has their own quirks and ways in purchasing property in that country. That is why you need the best guidance possible. For many a family member or close friend can help you out. However for people like me that is simply not an option. That is why I am so glad I bought the right to access the foreclosed properties at Italian Home Source. This is really a great website if you are serious about finding a second home or maybe a retirement villa in the hills of Tuscany. You can search from your home on the web which can save you a bundle as you do not have to deal with the hassle of dealing the banks and brokers. One benefit for me is that this resource has definitely saved me lots of time in my search for something that I can afford.

While this real estate crisis is still going on this would be a great time to carefully purchase some great investment properties in Italy. It is no wonder why many EU retirees settle in this country. The lifestyle that Italy offers is second to none. Don’t you want to be a part of that buy finding your dream home in Italy at a fraction of the cost. I know I do and that is why I purchased access to this database.

If you really want to have the house of your dreams in Italy then this is the one database I would use to start my search. The benefits far outweigh the meager cost of getting access to this resource.

The region of Trentino is part of the western Dolomites and is very well organized from an Italian standpoint. Certainly this place is beautiful with a hefty and deep tradition of deep studies and containing some of the best academic institutions in northern Italy.

One of the better places to see in this region is the town of Rovereto which is a fantastic place if you are wine lover. The number of vineyards here rivals some parts of Tuscany. Obviously the types of wine grown here are different then in Tuscany but that certainly adds to its charm. I am always drawn to places with vineyards for some reason. This city is also noteworthy in that this was the first city in which Mozart played in Italy. Of course to honor that event each year the city puts on a Mozart festival which many musicians and fans come to visit and soak up the atmosphere.

Since this is a border town from Austria and Italy this place has seen its fair share of war. Having a famous Castello or Castle which is now a war museum. The church bells ring 100 times at night in order to remember all the dead in all the wars that have taken place since the city was founded. At the foot of the castle lies Piazza del Podesta where there is a memorial to all of the fascists that died during the second world war.

Rovereto had many famous residents including the futurist Fortunato Depero who died in 1960 and left the town the Museo Depero. This small museum was designed by the artist himself as was supposed to be dedicated to the futurist movement. Another famous resident is the great archeologist Paolo Orsi who donated many of his findings to the cities Museo Civico . This museum boasts having one of the greatest collection of archeological films in existence. This is also the third oldest museum in the country and contains many of the archeological findings of this man.

The western Dolomites are sure a sight to see on your travels through the Veneto region of italy. Containing many small towns with great historical significance you can see many sites that are just dripping in history. The wealth of this region is not only a natural one but also a historical one as well.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the better locations in the Dolomites. The location for many mountain climbing movies such as Sylvester Stallone’s Cliffhanger and James Bond’s film For Your Eyes Only to name just a few. One of the more stunningly visual and visceral places in the Italian alps this place is known for great skiing and mountain climbing as well as a pretty good night life as well.

Since this is a skiing town it would make sense that the 1956 Winter Olympics was held here. You can ski downhill or even try your hand at ski-jumping if your heart pulls you in that direction. If skiing is not your thing then you are probably interested in trying speed-skating. There are many highly qualified instructors that I am sure if the price is right would give you some of the best individual attention that you can find nowhere else in Italy if not the world.

The nightlife scene or Apres ski scene is quite known and popular in this town. Apres ski is an activity where many downhill skiers dance the night away at the various nightclubs and discos that cater to this crowd. This however is really only geared towards the young kids and adults who seem to take favor to wasting whatever excess energy they may have dancing.Since this town caters to the very wealthy there is not a whole lot of budget hotels in the area and it may be best to stay near this town with a friend if you are so lucky enough to have one. However here is a list of some of the better hotels in the area that are not too much of a rip off.

Miramonti Majectic
Via Pezie 103
Tel: 0436-4201
One of the more traditional and rustic hotels in the area. This hotel does not disappoint however in its charm and warmth. Be sure and get a room with a balcony as that is one of the better ways to enjoy your evenings in this small town.

De La Poste
Piazza Roma 14
Tel: 0436-4271
This is one large historic chalet in the center of town. The hotel’s bar is part of the towns social scene so if you plan on getting out and seeing the locals and the tourists then stay here and you do not have to go far.

Da Beppe Sello
Via Ronco 68
Tel: 0436-803-828
This is a smaller hotel that does not lack in warmth or charm. Containing one of the best restaurants in town this is the place to stay if you are foodie like many of the other Europeans.