Travels With Bella Figura USA

Welcome

We’re delighted you’ve discovered our blog – a “companion” to the Bella Figura USA boutique.  Join us in our journeys as we explore beautiful locales, and reveal wonderful treasures made by  fascinating artisans.  We’ll share with you the "favorite things" from our travels; and we hope you’ll join the conversation and tell us about your favorites too.  And closer to home, we’ll share some of our everyday “adventures.”   Adventures that are familiar to  us all.  Adventures that are sometimes fun and amusing, sometimes educational, and at other times – well, let’s just say a sense of humor is a great asset!  Now let the journey begin…

Farewell to 2009

Happy New Year!

May Your Days Be Merry & Bright

Merry Christmas!

Baby, Let's Cruise... The Enchanting Canals of Venice

I stood in Venice, on the Bridge of Sighs; A palace and a prison on each hand; I saw from out the wave of her structure's rise As from the stroke of the enchanter's wand: A thousand years their cloudy wings expand Around me, and a dying Glory smiles O'er the far times, when many a subject land Look'd to the winged Lion's marble pines, Where Venice sate in state, throned on her hundred isles.  Lord Byron

On the last day in Venice before the beautiful Silver Whisper set off for Croatia, all of us who were part of the "Lidia group" had the pleasure of attending an elaborate luncheon in a fabulous private palazzo. 

As you would expect, the food and wine (from Lidia's vineyards, natch) was heavenly; but just as wonderful was the trip to the palazzo.

A thousand thanks - grazie mille - to Bob and Cindi for providing this video.  Bob filmed our journey from the ship's dock to the palazzo; and along the way you can see the spectacular architecture of Venice. 

So You Want to Go to Venice - Italy, That Is!

I began my Silversea adventure with a couple of days in Venice.  Yes, the city of beautiful architecture, fabulous glass, and, of course, enchanting canals.  There's something about getting to where you're going by water taxi, that just cries out "romance" and "adventure."

But let me put all that aside for a minute to give you my recommendations for sleeping and eating.  After all, you're not going to enjoy your visit much if you're staying in a rat-trap hotel and consuming questionable food.

So first, the hotel: the Luna Hotel Baglioni.  Oh my, what an exquisite place.  Just off Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) this hotel is the embodiment of old world charm.  A tad (note I said "tad") less expensive than the Danieli, and definitely less than the famed Cipriani, this hotel is worth the euros.

The arrival to the Luna:

    

   

Oops, we had a bit of a traffic jam there in the lower left photo!


And the lovely room:

    

(Naturally there are fabulous Murano glass chandeliers and sconces.)  And if I wanted to nitpick, I'd say that "yes, there are things that are a bit worn, could use a face lift here and there," but overall, it's lovely.

Unfortunately, I neglected to take pics of the bath, which was sumptuous: large, all marble, with separate tub and shower, and a double vanity.  And even better than the two sinks: good lighting!  

Besides the great digs, the staff is lovely: welcoming, gracious and attentive.  And as I write more about the trip, you'll find that I won't be nearly as complimentary about other hotel's staff.

Now, for the food!  After all, what's the point of going to Italy and not having great dining experiences?  And  there's only one Venice restaurant I'm going to mention in this post; and it's a triple threat, as in fabulous ambiance, charming wait staff and luscious food: the Ristorante Antico Pignolo.

Antico Pignolo is located just a short walk from the cathedral, down a little alleyway at Calle Specchieri, 451. With indoor dining rooms and a beautiful courtyard, there's space to suit everyone's taste.  And if you love to dine al fresco, well, let's just say that it doesn't get much better than this.  But the real star is the food: sumptuous sea food, perfectly cooked meats, pastas to dream about, and desserts...  Well, by the time you get to the delectable desserts your mouth is in sensory overload!

And one of the things I always look for when I'm in a restaurant - locals.  That's right, you don't want a touristy place, but one where the locals eat.  And to my delight, we were surrounded by Italians, all enjoying leisurely, multi-coursed dinners - all with big smiles!

Now, everything in Venice is expensive, there's just no getting around that.  And the food is no exception.  Dinner for two, with a bottle of wine, came to about $375.  I know, not exactly budget conscious - but when in Venice - indulge and enjoy.  At least, that's my motto!

We're Giving Away Gorgeous Gifts on FaceBook

Don't forget - just three days left to sign up to be included in the Bella Figura USA drawing!

How to be included?

   * If you're already a Bella Figura USA  Fan on Facebook, and on the boutique's mailing list, just drop us a line at Contact Us and say "include me in the drawing."  Make sure your name and email address match the address you signed up with.

    * If you're not a Fan - become one now on our Bella Figura USA Facebook Page.  Then click on over to the boutique's Home Page, and sign up on our Mailing List (box in the upper left side.)  That's it - easy as pie!

The drawing will take place on Monday, October 19, and we'll announce the winner on the 20th.

Don't delay - sign up now!  We're just itching to give you a a beautiful gift from the Bella Figura USA boutique.

Arrivederci Roma

Our journey comes to an end, and yes, sadly it's time for us to part...

Before We Say Goodbye - A Visit to the Trevi Fountain

We're off on our Silversea adventure with Chef Lidia Bastianich.  Join us as we make our way from the mysterious, mystical city of Venice, to our journey's end: the eternal city - Roma.  On our way to Rome, we'll visit Montenegro and Croatia, the beautiful eastern coast of Sicily, and my favorite - the fabulous Amalfi Coast.

Our last full day in Rome, so we must visit the famous Fontana di Trevi, or as we call it at home, the Trevi Fountain.

Oh yes, a visit to the fountain is always a must.  Why?  To throw coins in, of course!  That act "ensures" a return visit to Rome.  So, off we go...

(Again, mille grazie to hd4tv for sharing the brilliant videos on YouTube.)

Don't forget: final week to sign up for our Bella Figura USA FaceBook Fan Drawing!

When in Rome... the Colosseum

We're off on our Silversea adventure with Chef Lidia Bastianich.  Join us as we make our way from  the mysterious, mystical city of Venice, to our journey's end: the eternal city - Roma.  On our way to Rome, we'll visit Montenegro and Croatia, the beautiful eastern coast of Sicily, and my favorite - the fabulous Amalfi Coast.

Today we're out seeing the beautiful historic sites of Rome.    Join us as we tour the magnificent Colosseum.

(Our thanks to hd4tv for sharing this lovely video on YouTube.)

And our Spotlight Product of the day - direct from Italy: Antiqued Brass Cruet Set

Rome - the Eternal City

We're off on our Silversea adventure with Chef Lidia Bastianich.  Join us as we make our way from the mysterious, mystical city of Venice, to our journey's end: the eternal city - Roma.  On our way to Rome, we'll visit Montenegro and Croatia, the beautiful eastern coast of Sicily, and my favorite - the fabulous Amalfi Coast.

Today we've arrived in Rome - the beautiful city built on seven hills.

Here's a little video of the Piazza de Spagna.  Why are we sharing this?  It's where we staying - right at the top of the Spanish Steps!  So, join us as we visit the neighborhood.

(Our thanks to hd4tv for sharing this video on YouTube.)

And our Spotlight Product of the day - direct from Italy: Nesti Dante Dei Colli Fiorentini Soap Set

Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast: Living La Dolce Vita

We're off on our Silversea adventure with Chef Lidia Bastianich.  Join us as we make our way from the mysterious, mystical city of Venice, to our journey's end: the eternal city - Roma.  On our way to Rome, we'll visit Montenegro and Croatia, the beautiful eastern coast of Sicily, and my favorite - the fabulous Amalfi Coast.

We had a wonderful time in Sicily, but now we've arrived at one of my favorite places on the planet: the Amalfi Coast.  Specifically, we've docked outside Sorrento, and will spend the day basking in the glorious la dolce vita vibe of the area.

The schedule: a quick trip down the coast to stunning Positano is a must.  Of course, many scoops of gelato will be required to fortify us on the walks up and down the hills (she wrote slyly - any excuse for a gelato!)

Then back to Sorrento, where for lunch we'll be revisiting a fabulous restaurant: L'Antica Trattoria.  Many plates of luscious food will be eaten - many glasses of silky wine will be imbibed.  And afterwards? Shopping, aimless drifting (the best kind) and finally, glasses of limoncello on the terrace of the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.  La dolce vita, indeed!

And now, lovely sights - and lovely sounds - from lovely Sorrento:

And our Spotlight Product of the day - direct from Italy:  Antique Crackled Ceramic Fruit Bowl