Garland from Renee

Before I left for my trip abroad in 2016, Renee had asked me where I was going and the specific cities. Not long after she sent me what became her finest creation - a banner of stars featuring the country and city names plus three stars painted in the flag of Italy, Belgium, and Ireland. Renee was one of thee most giving, caring people ever and I was genuinely touched by this gift, which was one of many I received from her. 

Looking Down Over the Rooftops

The view that I never ever tire of seeing.

St. Francis? 'dat you?

Nah, it's just Rev. Charles Thomas Underwood. He sure reminded me of St. Francis. I loved walking past him on my way down Via Pasitea to Casa Giovanna. Oh how I long to go back...

Bernini's David

 

Italian Kitty

Snapped this on my way back down to Casa Giovanna from Viale Pasitea. I'm not one for cats, but this fella sure was sweet.

Retro Changing Room

In Dublin when I picked up a super cute robot jumper, I snapped these pix of the changing room (eh...more like a tiny stall). I love clothing stores that stand out from the norm and the next time I am in Dublin, I am so going back to Retro.

 

One of Two Busts of Cardinal Scipione Borghese

Saw this at, you guessed it - The Borghese Gallery in Rome - and am still amazed at Bernini's detailed work. He is simply the best there ever was.

 

 

(I'm pretty sure this is the second version of the Two Busts of Cardinal Scipione Borghese)

Escargots à la Napoli

Spotted this outside the train station in Naples and am still a bit baffled...kinda cool tho...

Roman Street Art

Local Artists at M HKA

Seen In Roma

I Heart Barbara

It's feedback like this that makes me want to keep traveling and meeting lovely people like Barbara.

“Lisa is probably best described as the perfect guest, great at communicating, lovely to meet, fun to chat with, and very respectful of our house. She's so considerate and does everything she can to save work for me. Needless to say all was clean and tidy and the delicious box of Belgian chocolates very much appreciated. I hope she comes to stay again soon!”  

Vacay Selfies!

 

 

 

Retro

In September, Natalia and I came upon a little shop that sold fabulous sweaters and fun rockabilly dresses. I had it in my mind that the shop was on Grafton and when I returned in December with Paul we walked up and down Grafton Street but couldn't find it. Well, today I went back for more goodies at Blazing Salads then pulled over just outside to see if there was a decent chip shop nearby. As I looked up and across the street, there it was! George's Street Arcade. I dashed right over and purchased thee cutest sweater ever. Then, since Barbara's place has a DVD player, I stopped at Tower Records (how 90s does that sound?!) and picked up the latest season of Call the Midwife (which I haven't seen), Sherlock seasons 1 through 3 and season 4 of Episodes. What a successful afternoon!

Springtime in Bloom

In December Babara had a wee lil' Christmas tree up in the living room. This time, there was a lovely pot of flowers at the front door, letting me know that Spring has arrived at last.

The Harlequin

Just around the corner from my favourite take-away joint in Dublin is a fabulous second hand shop called The Harlequin. I managed to pick up two jumpers and a scarf for just thirty Euros. I'm such a thrifty lil' shopper...

Tipping Point

Nothing feels quite so wonderful as staying inside all day and watching silly game shows. This one seemed to be running a freakin' marathon and I watched it for hours.

Back at Barbara's!

I loved staying at Barbara's cottage in December and can't imagine staying anywhere else in Dublin. I get the whole place to myself and there's no loud upstairs neighbour, seeing as there is no upstairs. It's sublime.

 

The comfiest bed in all of Dublin!

Julien

With not very much time in Antwerp, I wanted to relax and just hang out at Michel's. Aside from picking up waffles and chocolates, I wanted to locate the statue of actor Julien Schoenaerts, which I did today. I really liked his work in Beauville and Seagulls Die in the Harbour and felt a feeling of accomplishment in finding the statue and not being too shy about photographing it.

 

 

 

Heading to Antwerp

It took forever, but I finally arrived at Michel's apartment at about 5:30pm. Hans greeted me and handed over the keys since Michel was at work, but what a welcome it was! Hans could not have been sweeter and gave me three great big hugs, all of which I desperately needed. Then I unpacked, did a ton of laundry and watched, you guessed it, Animal Planet! It was spectacular. I seriously feel like Michel's place is my second home.

Here I am on the bus from Liège airport to Brussels Central Train Station which will then take me to Antwerp!

And here's Michel's place, with a few minor modifications...

  

Dig the fancy schmancy new see-thru door! 

 

New TV!

 

 

This time around I'm staying in "Ashlee's" bed. (post script - best decision EVER!)

 

 

Michel still has all my Philly photos stuck to his microwave. He's so sweet.

And of course, my stunning view from the balcony.