Finding ancient Greece in Italy and a whole lot more

Sicily was Greece, only with richer soil and more sources of seafood and wild game. – Michael Bennett Visiting Syracuse was like being transported to a Greek isle. Arriving in Sicily during the 8th century BC, Greeks brought democracy and Hellenic culture to the island along with their mythology, fishing techniques and a distinct ‘doric … More Finding ancient Greece in Italy and a whole lot more

Where are you now?

Free speech isn’t just about speaking. It’s also about listening. – Tim Cook You’re standing at the site of the world’s oldest, public, internationally recognized, open-air, free speech platform. Once the site of gallows, for nearly six centuries more than 50,000 were given the right to utter a final, unedited speech here before they were … More Where are you now?

Where are you now?

Anybody can make history; only a great man can write it. – Oscar Wilde You’re standing inside a church in a city that was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Ostrogoth Kingdom and the Byzantine Empire. Today, this little-known town has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites featuring the best Byzantine art outside … More Where are you now?

Lunchtime Poll: What’s your best go-to meal in a snap?

Simple ingredients prepared in a simple way – the best way to take everyday cooking to a higher level. – Jose Andres In a post about budgeting for long-term travel in retirement, Robie and I mentioned how having a few items in the pantry along with a rolodex of quick and easy recipes helps us … More Lunchtime Poll: What’s your best go-to meal in a snap?

Top 10: Cheeses

How can you govern a country which has 246 varieties of cheese? – French President Charles de Gaulle It’s no secret Robie and I love cheese. While we’ve learned to make queso with gouda and pinched pennies to splurge on American cheddar in Europe, we really miss the shelves of French bries and bleus, rows … More Top 10: Cheeses

Our top picks for the best places to eat in Sarandё (and a few to avoid)

Food is our common ground, a universal experience. – James Beard In Sarandё Robie and I had time to explore the city’s many hangouts. Arriving in January we found few dining options open in the off season. Come March places that had been closed since the holidays began welcoming customers as more restaurants reopened across … More Our top picks for the best places to eat in Sarandё (and a few to avoid)