On the Road in Italy: Menaggio, Italy on Lake Como

One of my favorite recent trips was an overnight stay in Menaggio, Italy. It is on Lake Como, which is absolutely breathtaking. We went here based on a recommendation from my boss and I am so glad we did. 

Our short stay involved walking along the water and enjoying the view.  However, we made sure to eat pasta, drink wine, and enjoy an evening gelato.

The lake is the deepest in Europe (over 1300 feet) and was created by glacial activity. It has been a vacation destination since the Roman times and attracts people from around the world today.

I was lovin' this little seaplane that we saw takeoff on our morning stroll!

The drive to and from the city was full of amazing views of the water and surrounding mountains. It was comprised of winding tiny roads that were hard to maneuver, but worth the stress for the beautiful landscape! 

<3 Amy 

On the Road in France: Nice

Earlier this spring, my parents and I made a quick overnight stop in Nice, France. While we were not there long, it was still a nice little visit. I had visited the city a few years earlier in the winter; so it was lovely to see it in nicer weather! 

We stumbled upon this adorably small car parked on the sidewalk. I can fully understand them resorting to this parking space, after having driven around looking for one myself!

We stopped in here for an afternoon break next to a fountain and these gorgeous purple trees!

The beaches of Nice had breathtaking views, but were a bit too crowded for my taste. Every other section is required to be open and free to the public, which is nice for those who are traveling on a budget. However, these sections are rocky and not as nice. The private sections, usually belonging to hotels, have sand, umbrellas, and lounge chairs 

Nice has a few streets that really come alive when the weather is nice. There are cafes, restaurants, shops, and plenty of ice cream for those perusing the area! It is a great stop along the French Riviera for those who are traveling in the area.

<3 Amy

Greenport, Long Island

This summer, we hung out in my home village and enjoyed its quaint charms! 

Greenport is on Long Island but a world apart from suburbia and strip malls.

The village is centered around a harbor with fishing boats, ferries to nearby Shelter Island, and the end of a Long Island Rail Road route. 

This little red school house used to be across the street from my house, until they moved it to the center of  the village.  It was an excellent place to hang out as children.

Got a thirsty horse?

Something I recently came enjoy is all of the antique shops--oh the pressed tin ceilings!

Amy liked the little mailboxes. 

And the old fashioned barber's pole.

A quintessential shot of the harbor.

Greenport was a happening place during prohibition!

If I could, I would spend a week every summer in Greenport!  If you're ever in New York City, Greenport is only a bus or train ride away.

Hooray for Going Home!

I will be home a week from Sunday!  By home, I mean in Greenport, New York--a quaint little village on North Fork of Long Island.  It's the kind of place you cannot wait to leave when you are growing up there but cannot wait to visit when you wise up and realize how good you had it.  The list of things I look forward to about visiting my home village is endless, but here are some links that are definitely on it!

The Coronet Luncheonette via Flickr

Breakfast or Lunch at the Coronet, a tiny diner essentially unchanged since 1949.  

Greenport Harbor Brewing Company

Tasting all of the brews at the local micro-brewery.

Wineberries via NYT

Foraging for wineberries at the very end of their season or just eating what my father and sister have stored in the freezer.  I also look forward to whatever foraging my father has on deck.  There is always something to be foraged!

Fifth Street Beach via Village of Greenport

Swimming in the Bay.

67 Steps 

Visiting my favorite beaches.

Greenport Tea Company via Arbor View House

High tea at the Tea Co. 

Hooray For The Internet!

I have had an exciting week over here! I finally finished my Master's dissertation. It feels really good to not have to worry about it anymore and I think that it turned out very well. I am most excited about the extra free time I have now. This summer will be filled with adventures around Prague and quite a lot of travel!

This week, I have found some interesting links to share with everyone--including some very special elephant pictures! I hope that you enjoy!!!

Post of tips on gardening, there is good advice on planting a garden without a lot of space.
via A Beautiful Mess

I have been falling in love with brightly colored refrigerators lately.
via Deco Photo Blog

Silk ribbon embroidered flowers!
via Dear Friend's guest post on  Little Chief Honeybee

This picture of elephant and hot air balloons is perfect for our blog!
via La Carpa on tumblr

Instructions for building your own tent on the beach.
via Apartment Therapy

Love this picture of San Francisco.
via Poppytalk

Recipe for blackened chicken and Cilantro Lime Quinoa.
via Sarcastic Cooking

These two are too cute!
via Jadore Simone at tumblr

<3 Amy