This is what $5million in inventory looks like

We took a tour of a Reggiano Parmesano factory in Castello di Annone, Italy.  Fascinating! This is what 5 million dollars worth of inventory looks like!

Lucca, Italy

Years ago D and I stumbled into one of the most perfect medieval Italian cities... Lucca.  I can't remember how many times we have returned or brought friends here.  I love it so much I make time to return and say hello.

Do yourself a favor and if you are near Pisa or willing to take a short train ride from Florence take a few days to soak in the magic.  

Rothko in DC

The National Gallery’s East Building here in DC is the guardian of over 1,000 Rothko works in 1986 when the Rothko Foundation gave the museum the bulk of the artist’s remaining estate.  It's quite the treasure.  It's worth a return trip because one never knows what will be on display.  

Today Janelle and I took a day off to recharge our souls with art.  This slice of heaven never disappoints!   

Afternoon Tea

When Janelle turned twelve we took a mother-daughter coming of age trip to England.  It was a memorable three weeks together.  Formative for our relationship for sure. 

During days off from studying D and rented a car and wandered the Cotswolds.  Imagine my surprise when we found ourselves back at a teahouse Janelle and I had visited so many years before.  So little had changed.  I think we might have even sat at the same table. 

If you are in Burford make sure to stop at Huffkins.  You won't be disappointed.  

Homage to L'Fleur

http://www.lfleur.cz/

A couple of years ago I was traveling with Janelle and Mindy in Eastern Europe on exploratory Kilometer 66 buying trip.  While in Prague we stumbled upon a new bar that had only been open a few days.  It was a magical night as we were entertained by the creative mixologist behind the bar.  The whole night the girls kept saying, "We have to bring Dad here!"

Of course on Doug's first trip to Prague, I had to find out if it was still there.  Score!  Still open.  The talented mixologist was creating his magic.  The place was Doug approved.  

If you are visiting this lovely city be sure to take time to check it out.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  Go early as it gets a bit crowded later in the evening.  

A little night magic

Life gives us choices.  Either complain about the rain or celebrate it.  This photo taken by D captured the night magic perfectly don't you think?

Seriously... these are crazy good!

These spiral potatoes on a stick are seriously good!  You'll find them at various street vendors in Eastern Europe.  I became seriously addicted.  But then again, I love me a crispy thick potato chip!  

Krakow, Poland Day 2

Doug got accepted into a two-month term in Oxford as a research fellow. His term would mean that we would be apart from one another during our upcoming 35th wedding anniversary in June. So, we cashed in some frequent flyer miles and began making plans. We thought about a stint in Malta or Greece, possibly Ireland… but in the end, we settled on visiting three major cities in Eastern Europe.

Two years ago I traveled to Eastern Europe with Janelle and Mindy for the first time. We had a great time exploring, tasting new foods and scouting potential Kilometer 66 suppliers.

Ever since I’ve been dreaming about taking Doug there.

What a joy it was to introduce Doug to Krakow, Poland. If you are in that part of the world I highly recommend a few days exploring this beautifully preserved city. And, if you go be sure to go to Polakowski Restaurant. It’s a great first immersion into Polish food and cheap to boot!

I almost forgot to take pictures!  The food was such a delight.  Be sure to check out the real fruit decorations.  Who does that?!

Stencil Graffiti Greetings

We checked into our Airbnb, dropped our bags off and set out to explore our neighborhood in the Kazimierz district – the old Jewish Quarter.

At the end of the first block, I was greeted by this image.  I would walk by it daily and it never failed to make me smile.

Then a curious thing happened. I started noticing other images stenciled in other corners of the city. Here’s what I found.

Obviously, this person is a movie buff. I wonder what else I missed?  Could other graffiti stencils be waiting for me to discover them in other corners of this vibrant city?  I guess I’ll have to make plans to return.  

I have more sleuthing to do!