tipping in italy

Before I go to a foreign country, I like to do some research on its tipping culture - because unlike the United States where tipping is practically mandatory even for mediocre service, most other countries don't really tip.  For example, in Taiwan, good service is simply part of the job and a tip would only be given for extraordinary service (but is never expected) or for a very specific type of service (e.g., traditional matchmaking but only when it leads to a wedding).  In some countries, tipping is actually offensive - weird huh?

The most helpful information on tipping I found were in the Frommer's Guide and this youtube video from soniastravels.  I generally followed the following guidelines:

day trip to venice

A romantic gondola - no, we didn't go on it....

(Venice, Italy).  During our stay in Bologna, we took a day trip to Venice.  It was actually quite easy to take a train from Bologna to Venice (about a one and a half hour trip), and it was entertaining to watch the scenery shift from farms and countryside to water and boats.  I really wanted my husband to see the beauty of Venice with his own eyes but I knew he would not want to spend more than a day there because he can't stand crowds and Venice can be like one big mob scene, especially during high season.

travel zen on tuesday - el castillo

El Castillo in Chichen Itza, Cancun, Mexico

getting to know the usa: idaho falls, idaho

Idaho Falls.

I must admit that I only spent a mere 24 hours in this fair city while Mr. Sazy Rock and I embarked on a business roadtrip, which we hashtagged on the interwebs as #GiveUsABedICookYouDinner or #GiveUsABedIMakeYouDinner (where strangers offered us a bed and he cooked for them in return - yes, it's like Couchsurfing but the hosts were found via Twitter or Facebook and Mr. SR cooked at least a three-course meal for our hosts). Idaho Falls was a non-cooking stop and a way for us to rest between locations. I’d like to say I got to know Idaho Falls really well but I’d be lying. Although, the little I got to know of the town was very enjoyable, and I am keen to share what I learned with you all.

The Falls

Unsurprisingly, the town of Idaho Falls actually had waterfalls that were created as part of a diversion dam for a hydroelectric project in the Snake River. A paved walking path along the river had picturesque views of the falls and other points of interest, such as information about World War II prisoners in the area, the first Mormon church in Idaho, an island in the middle of the river, etc. 

The falls as part of a hydroelectric project.

The Snake River with the first Mormon temple in Idaho in the background.

Mr. Sazy Rock and I enjoyed our stroll along the path because it gave us the opportunity to not only see the sights but to also watch locals enjoy a lazy summer afternoon. Some of them even tried to beat the heat by showing off their acrobatic skills when swimming in the river.

The dog days of Summer in Idaho Falls.

“It Ain’t My First Rodeo”

neighborhood guide- favorite lunch spots (koreatown & surroundings) p-y

Continuing on my list from last week, here are my favorite lunch spots P-Y:

Papa Cristo's - Ktown adjacent (Olympic)
2777 W. Pico, Los Angeles (cross Normandie)

This Greek market serves up the best gyro in town. Gyro consists of grounded lamb, beef or chicken slow roasted on vertical pit served with onion, tomatoes, tzatziki (yogart) sauce wrapped up in soft pita bread. Most sandwiches under $10.









Closed Mondays. Parking lot back entrance leads into the market.

hotel review: i portici hotel

(Bologna, Italy).  I had never been to Bologna but I kept hearing it was the food capitol of Italy, so as someone who loves to eat, I had to come.  I had originally wanted to book at the Hotel Metropolitan which was recommended by numerous travel guides and articles, but it was booked solid over 8 months in advance!  Can you believe it???  

Alas, I had to go with my second choice - I Portici Hotel.  Based on the photos, it seems very modern and almost sterile, but I was ultimately swayed by the fact that its restaurant (Ristorante I Portici) had a Michelin star and was mentioned in many glowing food reviews. 

We booked a Standard Double Room which includes free High-Speed Internet but did not include breakfast and parking.  I attempted to get reservations at the restaurant months in advance, but after several miscommunications, they finally clarified that I could only get reservations 10 days in advance.  Because I'm an anal person, I marked it on my calendar and sent in my request exactly 10 days in advance and got a reservation for our first night at the hotel.

So, what was our experience like?

getting to know the usa: greenville, south carolina

Courthouse Square in
downtown Greenville.

On my first visit to the Carolinas in the earlier part of Summer, I tagged along on my husband's business trip to Greenville. It was such an ordeal to get there, however. I had to fly in to Charlotte, North Carolina then drive about two hours to Greenville, South Carolina. 

On my way to Charlotte, while connecting through Washington, DC, United Airlines canceled my flight due to "weather." When I finally arrived in Charlotte - a day later and 16 hours after my original arrival time - I was convinced that Greenville would suck.  Well, I was wrong.  The town and the people were so lovely that I would like to think I made some pretty good friends.

Wikipedia states that Greenville in South Carolina has a population of just over 60,000.  Although it is a small city, it definitely had that small town feel.  Sure, the main street had big national brand stores and it appeared to have a robust performing arts scene.  But, when I visited, I met quite a few people who I then randomly met again on its Main Street.  Plus, the folks I met were so friendly -- I didn't get that feeling of distrust, distance and/or cynicism I often felt in other cities.  In fact, I stayed at a very comfortable and nice guesthouse that had an outdoor television on the deck that would have disappeared within 5 minutes of the setting sun in other cities.  When I met the proprietors of two Greenville restaurants - Larkin's (a fine dining steakhouse) and Grill Marks (a casual burger and milk shake joint) - they happily shared the amusing story of how the Grill Marks site used to be a bordello. Greenville was just that kind of place -- lots of friendly and honest people with plenty of amusing stories to tell if you engage them in conversation, a main street where one could find most anything, and a place with enough things to do to fill up a leisurely and stress-free weekend getaway.

So, if you want to get to know Greenville, and I really suggest you should, I recommend the following:

bologna - highlights, tips and recommendations

(Bologna, Italy).  I'm embarrassed to admit that the only thing I was really interested in doing in Bologna was eating.   Even though I read Frommer's Guide on Bologna which described it as "a big, working city of one million inhabitants" and "home to the world's oldest continually operating university" - none of that information seemed to enter my head at all.  Instead, my head was filled with thoughts of gelato and tortellini.

travel zen on tuesday - boats in venice, italy

On a grey misty morning in Venice before the hoards of tourists arrive.

top 10 tips for hiking mt. kilimanjaro

A view of the summit from Karanga camp.

Like many folks, I hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro because it was (and still is) very accessible compared to other hikes in the so-called "Seven Summits" (also known as the tallest peak in each of the seven continents). I didn't need any technical climbing experience, I didn't need to use a harness, and I didn't need to hike with crampons. Plus, Ernest Hemingway's "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" would likely (and sadly) soon be gone.

While its 5,895 meters (or 19,340 feet) height is not as impressive as, say, Mt. Everest, it is still pretty high up there and altitude sickness is a common affliction among hikers.  It may be an "easy" hike but the altitude could prevent you from reaching the summit.

If you plan on hiking Kili, these are my tips: