Living La Dolce Vita – Guest Blog Living & Learning Italian in Italy

It is true when people say one of the best ways of learning a language is to go and live in the country where the language is spoken. I spent a month learning Italian in Sorrento, a beautiful town in the south of Italy famous for limoncello and its stunning scenery. During that time, besides from learning, I cycled through pine forests in Tuscany and ate wild boar, jumped off various structures in Rome for a Roman artist’s next art collection, nearly killed 5 Italians when attempting to cook Chinese food with Italian chillis, and really indulged in some of the best food I’ve ever tasted!

I booked online using www.languagecourse.net as it was cheaper than booking directly with the school. There are no agency costs and you can get discounts on courses. In addition, there are over 4000 language courses to choose from with reviews of courses from previous students.

I decided not to go through the school to find accommodation and tried to go direct and find accommodation in other ways. As a member of A Small World, I put out a thread in the Travel Forum that I was moving to Sorrento and looking for advice and tips. I love ASW as it’s a community of people who look after and help each other out and I had several people recommend certain people to contact in Sorrento.

I ended up finding an Italian family to stay with and lived in an amazing villa at the top of a mountain overlooking the Bay of Naples with views of the Vesuvius volcano from my balcony. This ended up being more affordable than getting the school to find accommodation for me (and I stayed at a much better place!).

View from the villa I was living in Sorrento.

I really lived la dolce vita in Sorrento. I had Italian lessons every weekday from 9am-1pm in a small class with 2 other girls from America and Australia. Sorrento Lingue is a reputable language school and the teaching quality was fantastic. After class, it was siesta time! I would either eat lunch at the Marina Grande or go back to the villa to study whilst eating mozzarella cheese with tomatoes on my balcony and slowly drift off to a sunny afternoon siesta with this view. Sometimes I would be woken up by my Italian Mama and Papa calling out to drink freshly squeezed orange juice as we lived in a villa that was surrounded by orange and lemon trees.

The great thing about Sorrento is that it is a ferry ride away from the beautiful island of Capri, 1.5 hour train ride from Naples, and a short drive to Positano and the Amalfi Coast. From Naples, you can catch fast trains to all the other cities in Italy. It was very easy for me to visit these places on the weekends when I didn’t have school.

Highlights in Italy

My Italian host brother was called Marco and he is the embodiment of someone that lives the moment! He used to be a motorbike racer, then a policeman, a tennis coach, traveled across the world and is now a tour guide in Capri. Italians are passionate people and I would often watch and smile at his friend’s expressions and hand gestures as they talked heatedly and passionately and then realize it was about something as simple as the weather. It was exciting living with Marco- one moment we would be speeding down cobbled narrow streets at 4am on his motorbike to watch a religious procession and other moments we would be dancing, whirling, and clapping to Italian music with his friends.

Food in Italy is out of this world! Buonissimo! Contrary to the Italian dishes I’ve had in other countries, the best tasting dishes in Italy are the ones with the fewest ingredients. I had the best pizza I’ve ever had my whole life in Naples (a simple buffalo mozzarella cheese magherita pizza) and when I was taught how to make pasta with only a few ingredients, it actually was full of flavor and tasted delicious! It’s all about how you cook it and the quality of the ingredients you use.

Be weary if you try to cook anything else though. I offered to cook a Chinese meal for my Italian friends but translating ingredients like ‘bok choy’ is not exactly easy. I nearly killed 5 Italians when attempting to cook a honey and chilli chicken dish as the chillis are not the same as the ones in London!

I traveled to Rome, Tuscany, Naples, Capri, and Positano during this time. I got up to some funny adventures such as helping a friend in Rome with the video clip for his song. The pop song features an American girl trying to order food in Italian and then a big, fat cook starts rapping in Italian about food. I featured as the Asian tourist and we got up to some crazy situations such as getting in trouble with the police for bringing a sheep onto the famous Spanish Steps in Rome.

With the rest of the places I visited in Italy, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves…

Melissa in Positano

Relais Blu Restaurant in Capri

Blue Grotto, Capri

Adventures After Italy

After Italy, I flew to the US where I experienced flying on a WW2 biplane (but nearly threw up in the air when it started doing Cuban 8s and 360 degree flips) and went to the best street party, Bay to Breakers in San Francisco, with a bunch of guys and girls from LA dressed as prisoners and hot cops.

In France, I joined in on some friends on their French Riviera trip, the highlight being meeting Kim and Robs’ film producer friend, Matt. His butler picked my friends and I up where we then had lunch at his villa in Monaco where I was inspired by his entrepreneurial spirit and life stories.

I then hopped over to Spain where I went on a road trip with Spanish friends from San Sebastian. We went to a medieval festival in Longrono, did basque dancing in Laguardia, and then visited Frank Gehry’s Marqués De Riscal hotel and winery in Elciego which was a modern, artistically beautiful twisted mess of colored steel in the middle of nowhere. I heard that even Angelina and Brad Pitt got lost and had to ask for directions to a lucky Spanish local when they tried to find it.

I spent a month traveling after Italy and it was definitely a lot more cost effective learning Italian in Sorrento than jumping from country to country. Learning another language is a great mini-retirement option and you pick up a useful skill. If you book a language course in Europe, a good time to book is during spring when it’s warm and the classes are smaller and traveling is cheaper than the summer peak season.

Overall, I had an amazing time and would love to go back one day and learn more Italian. Io amo l’Italia!!

To keep up to date with Melissa’s adventures, follow her here.

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What to know how you can travel the world like Melissa, while you’re “muse” is making money?

Rob and I have put together a program that will tell you how! We are so excited about our upcoming live launch of Secrets of Successful Muses from St. Tropez on July 16, 2009.

For more information on the product and the launch, sign up on our early alert list today!

Guest Blog: Jet Setting in the Lanzarote

Nick Ball has lived on Lanzarote for eight years and is the editor of Lanzarote Guidebook – the in-depth island information guide which you can download for free online. Today he’s letting the JSL viewers in on the secrets of the Canary Islands.

Lanzagrotty?  You must be kidding.  Whilst Lanzarote, a small speck of Spain, located off the coast of west Africa, has a reputation as little more than a package holiday destination in the UK it’s regarded as the coolest of the Canary Islands by continental Europeans.  Thanks to the work of a famous local artist and architect called Cesar Manrique.  Whose incredible creations have enduring appeal for anyone with a penchant for 70´s chic and the jet set life.

Lanzarote is in fact a surprisingly cosmopolitan island – home to a kaleidoscope of nationalities – all lured by a climate that delivers jet set temperatures – and a lifestyle to match – even in the depths of winter.  Little wonder that the Spanish king maintains a residence here too.

Many are in fact fully paid up members of Lanzarote´s wet set.  Comprising everyone from year round surf bums living here solely to catch the waves that have earned the island the epithet of Europe’s Hawaii.  Through to the millionaires basking on their expensive yachts in one of Lanzarote´s luxury marinas.  Such as Puerto Calero – recent home of the Volvo Ericksson ocean going race team and widely regarded as one of the best facilities of its kind in the whole of Spain.

The island was in fact first designed as a classic jet set destination back in the 1960´s.  With Manrique at the helm of a plan to create a totally new type of holiday experience.  By fusing the islands breathtaking volcanic scenery with his own artistic aesthetic to create luxurious restaurants, nightclubs and concert venues.

The best known expression of this philosophy is the Jameos del Agua in the north of Lanzarote.  Where the artist transformed what had been a 6km long collapsed lava tunnel into an underground auditorium and concert hall, replete with a supremely cool pool reserved for the sole use of the King of Spain.

Manrique´s creation immediately garnered architectural plaudits and filled the pages of international magazines.  Attracting a whole host of 70´s jetsetters to this exciting new holiday destination.

When the Hollywood legend Rita Heyworth visited she was so moved by this feat of engineering that she described the Jameos as The Eighth Wonder of the World.   Whilst elsewhere Manrique created a home and studio out of five bubbles in the lava flow.  Which blew the actor Omar Sharif away to such an extent that he commissioned Manrique to create a similar holiday home for him nearby.

The result is LagOmar – Omars Lake.  An incredible estate fit for a star that has been built into the side of a volcano, bursting with beautiful tropical gardens, pools and fountains and lots of secret little hideaways.

Sharif, ever the gambler, staked the lot in a high stakes game of bridge soon after taking possession – and lost the place.  Leaving the island in a fit of pique, never to return.

Today however LagOmar is home to one of Lanzarote´s most upmarket restaurants – as well as the excellent Bar La Cueva.  Where visitors can party late into the night in the grounds of the film stars former home to a choice selection of chilled house and trance.  All for the price of a drink.

Thanks to Manrique – and the islands unique volcanic scenery – Lanzarote was declared a UNESCO protected biosphere in 1993 – making it the first island in the world to enjoy such status.

Guest Blog by Nomadic Matt: Jet Setting in Bangkok

It’s a pleasure to introduce my followers to my guest blogger and fellow travel-lover known as Nomadic Matt. I admire Matt for his decision to not follow the typical “9 to 5″ work week. In 2006, Matt began traveling the world. Since, he’s learned that he loves Thailand, pretends to speak Dutch and that maggots taste like French fries! Today Matt is bridging the gap between his nomad ways and our jet set desires with his spin on Bangkok.

When most people think of Bangkok, they think of cheap clothes, cheap food, dirty streets, and the girlie bars. Bangkok is the stop over city of the east- a low cost destination for a few days while you head to some other international hotspot like Hong Kong, Maldives, Sydney, Tokyo, or Shanghai. It’s not the place for the jetsetter. That’s how people like to think of it and locals will never do anything to change that opinion.  Why? Because Bangkok is a trendy, fashionable, and jet setter city.  We like keeping that our secret. From high end malls to restaurants to clubs, Bangkok is not the destination most people think of. The city has many “jetsetters” who live and work throughout the city and demand only the best of everything.  Since Bangkok is the hub of Southeast Asia, it makes it easy for us to get all the comforts we need.
For the shopper jetsetter, there is Siam Paragon and Emporium, two of the most expensive malls in the region. Here you can buy Armani, Monte Blanc, Gucchi, and even a Ferrari. Yes, Siam Paragon has a dealership right in the mall.  All the designer shops have stores in the city and anything you buy in Italy you will find here.  Bangkok is awash in internationals. Ex-pats from around the world, models, and DJs called the city of Angels home. We are drawn here for different reasons but we never lose our taste for the finer things in life. We shop here for the best and get it. Thailand is one of the biggest clothing manufactures in the world. Why not shop at the source?
For the food jetsetter, Bangkok is a culinary dream. There is food from all over the world here. From world class sushi to French cuisine to Italian to elaborate Asian dishes, Bangkok will delight your stomach.  Thai food is mouthwatering, not least for its spicy flavors. Whether you buy it on the street or sit in a restaurant, you’ll always find something good. But for those looking for fine international food, you’ll have to look a bit further and pay a lot more. From international Koi with its model’s night to Senor Picos to Lemoncello and uber scale Indus, you will find whatever international food you desire. Bangkok, as an foodie will tell you, is a gastronomes dream.
And finally, for those who love the night life, Bangkok is not all go-go bars and backpacker joints. There is a thriving nightlife here and many of the world’s most famous DJs play here. International superstars Tiesto, Paul Van Dyke, Paul Oakenfold as play here. Kimball Collins, famed American DJ, is not a resident DJ here.  Bed Supperclub is where you’ll find Bangkok’s models and upperclass locals and ex-pats. Amid white beds and dual dance rooms, the beautiful people of Bangkok mingle and socialize. After hours clubs like Parkbridge and the new P35 keep the party going until the morning.  Bangkok is not all go-go bars and backpacker joints- it’s a place to be seen among its trendy clubs.
Next time you are in Bangkok, don’t let the rough exterior fool you. The city is alive and well with high end luxury. Its Paris with an Asian edge. You just have to look a little deeper to find it.

By Nomadic Matt

You can catch more of Matt’s travel tips, photos and videos on his blog here.

Guest Blog: Fasano Hotel Review for Hotel Chatter

I am back on the always fresh Hotel Chatter website! This time it’s a review of the Fasano Hotel in Rio de Janeiro!

The Fasano Hotel is Rio’s first hip boutique hotel. Rob and I spent ten days over the New Year’s Eve holiday enjoying the roof top pool, the delicious Caipirinhas and the sexiest lounge in Rio. Find out what I thought  here.

Guest Blog: Flying Solo for the First Time…as a Ten-Year-Old

Demi after her first solo flight at ATL airport.

Hi, I am Demi Murgatroyd and I am ten years old. For the first time I flew on a plane by myself from Atlanta to New Hampshire. At first, I was excited, but I was also definitely scared! A couple days before the flight I was nervous about flying without my parents, but luckily I have flown on a plane before with them and I know exactly what I need to do. On the day of my flight, I arrived at the Atlanta airport and got in the Delta “unaccompanied minor” line. (I sort of felt like I wanted to throw-up and have diarrhea at the same time.) While in line, I met another ten-year-old girl who told me that she flew from Atlanta to California when she was only six years old! When I heard that, I felt a lot better about my flight. After I checked in, they gave me a wrist band and a sticker to put on my shirt. It told everyone I was an “unaccompanied minor”, something that definitely didn’t make me feel very cool! After I got my ticket, my Smother (my word for Step-Mother) took me through security. Next, we grabbed some breakfast and sat at the gate. While I was eating my breakfast, the gate-agent called for all “unaccompanied minors” to come to the desk. As an “unaccompanied minor” you get to board the plane way before anyone else, which is really cool, but I was not expecting to be called that early. I gave my Smother a big hug goodbye and… then came the waterworks. I was crying because I was going to miss my parents and also I was scared. But I had to go, so off to the plane I went. The flight attendant helped me put away my carry-on and made sure I was ready for flight. Then I began to write in my diary, here is my first entry.

“I am soooooo scared right now. I really miss my parents and friends. I really wish I could stop crying because it is getting embarrassing.”

But, I did stop crying and it actually wasn’t as bad as I thought! After a few minutes, I forgot all about it and started watching movies on my iPod. The best thing about flying is FREE REFILLS! And no one is there to tell you what you can get, so of course I had a whole can of Coke! (Keep that on the D.L. and don’t tell my parents) About two and a half hours later the flight landed. I had to wait for everyone else to get off first so the flight attendant could walk me off the plane (how BORING!). Once we got to the gate, I saw my Memere (which is French for Grandmother) waiting for me. She had to sign a paper and I was free to go! The return flight was a breeze and I can’t wait to fly alone again! So, if your a kid and you’re going to be flying by yourself, I know you’re scare but don’t worry, it’s easy! Here’s a little secret, it’s actually more fun than flying with your parents!

Demi’s tips for flying alone:

1. Bring a DVD player, iPod or MP3 player so you can watch movies, TV shows or listen to music. Make sure you bring your charger so you can have it for the return flight too!

2. Bring a couple books or magazines to read while the plane is taking off and landing because you’ll have to shut off all electronic devices.

3. Bring a comfortable neck pillow and blanket for longer flights so you can take a nap.

4. Bring a couple of snacks on board for longer flights so you don’t get hungry.

5. Remember, if you need anything, just hit the flight-attendant call button, she’ll show you where it is:-)

6. HAVE FUN! It’s easy!

If any kids reading have any questions about flying alone, just post a comment or send me an email through my parents.

B4N (“Bye for now” for those non-texters),

Demi

Another guest blog on Hotel Chatter, this time it’s The Belvedere Hotel!

Above: Rob and I enjoy a glass of Rosé, the sunset and The Belvedere Hotel

Going to Mykonos? Check out my review on Hotel Chatter of the #1 place to stay on the island,The Belvedere Hotel.

FYI: The pictures are mine too, and yes, that’s my husband in the third picture down rocking his P90X body!

Enjoy!

My Guest Blog for Things You Should Do.com : Cavo Paradiso, Mykonos

Watching the sunrise at Cavo Paradiso on the Greek Island Mykonos was one of the highlights of my trip. It’s definitely something that you should do once in your life. But if you’re not a crazy club kid anymore, don’t worry. I have a “10 Step Cavo Paradiso Plan” that’ll make sure you’re awake to see that spectacular sunrise

Check out my guest blog here.

Also, make sure you check out the other posts on Things You Should Do. She’s got some great and unique ideas for destinations worldwide!

Kimberly

My Hotel Chatter VIP Review on the Hotel Don Carlos in Marbella

Hey guys, I did a VIP Hotel Review of the Don Carlos Hote l in Marbella for Hotel Chatter. In the rare case that you’ve not heard of Hotel Chatter , they’re great for keeping you in the loop on all hotels worldwide, so check them out too!

Check out my VIP Review.

My first guest blog on “The Travel Ringer”: Amex Platinum Travel Services

I’ve got some very exciting news! I did my first guest blog on The Travel Ringer. It’s all about the American Express Platinum Travel benefits and how they’ll save you $$ when traveling!

Check it out here .

(sorry web thieves, I covered my number, he he he)

Please let me know what you guys think about my first guest blog! I’m still trying to kick Anthony Bourdain’s booty in All Top . (by the way, I have moved up in the ranks, keep subscribing and keep commenting….tell you friends, neighbors, family and even your dog about my blog!)

And for all you Black Card stalkers, stay tuned for my Centurion Card blog…..

Hasta mañana

Kimberly