Travel: Pisa & Florence

We traveled from Naples to Camp Darby this weekend. Camp Darby is just ten minutes from Pisa and one hour from Florence, making it the ideal base for day trips to either location and the rest of Tuscany.

We took advantage of Camp Darby's inexpensive lodging options and stayed in a pet-friendly deluxe "cabin" for two nights. It provided the necessities (and we saved on pet sitting fees), but it wasn't especially clean. We did visit during the low season, however, so perhaps housekeeping is better in the summer. Either way, lodging at Camp Darby allowed us to visit two famous cities for under $150.

Shawn and I have visited Pisa before, but this was Cole's first time. He wanted to climb the tower so badly, but no one under eight years of age is allowed. So we made do with walking the lovely grounds, admiring the buildings, and taking multiple pictures. Cole also purchased a foot-tall Leaning Tower of Pisa night light as his souvenir.

Florence was a first for all of us. We visited the more famous sites: Il Duomo, Brunelleschi's Dome, Battistero San Giovanni, Campanile di Giotto, Piazza della Signoria, Galleria degli Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and Galleria dell'Accademia. We climbed to the top of the Campanile for some gorgeous views of the city and sought out Michelangelo and Botticelli's work in the museums. It was the ultimate Renaissance experience.

I'm sure we'll stay at Camp Darby again, once Cole turns eight. We want to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, hike the Cinque Terre, and visit Siena.

This part of Italy is just beautiful!

Crafts: Apron Parade

I gave aprons as part of our Christmas gifts this year. There are a lot of apron patterns available, but I used these two:

1. Amy Butler's In Stitches Short Pleated Apron (p. 48)

We lived in Japan for nearly ten years, and my mother and brother's girlfriend spent time there with us. This project gave me the opportunity to use a few prints I've been hoarding, and to reminisce.

As for the pattern, I had no issues whatsoever. The directions and diagrams are concise and easy to follow. And I think the apron's proportions are spot-on.

2. Rashida Coleman-Hale's I Heart Patchwork Patchwork Bordered Apron (p. 50)

I went with a Christmas hostess theme for my sisters-in-law. My husband says their mother always wore an apron in the kitchen, so maybe they'll like wearing this one during the holidays.

The lining and patchwork make this apron more time-consuming than the first, but it's still easy to assemble. I did opt to follow Amy Butler's directions for attaching the waistband and ties, as they produce a cleaner finish (and I was already familiar with the process).

Now that the holidays are over, I want to make The Sometimes Crafter's City Girl Apron for myself.

Travel: Cuma Scavi

In 5th century B.C. the Greeks established their first trade post in Cuma, Italy.

Parts of their temples to Apollo and Jove still stand, but the main archaeological attraction, Antro della Sibilla (Cave of the Sibyl), remains fully intact. This 400-foot long tunnel was carved from solid rock, and, according to Virgil's Aeneid, is where Aeneas asked the sibyl (oracle) for directions to the underworld.

The site is rather large (and excavation continues), so wear comfortable shoes. You'll climb many sets of stone stairs and walk along uneven stone and dirt paths. You're rewarded with gorgeous views of the Gulf of Gaeta and Ischia and a fascinating look at the past.

Admission: 8 Euros for 2 adults, 1 child (also includes entrance to Baia Museo Archeologico Campi Flegrei and Pozzuoli Anfiteatro Flavio e Serapeo)

Travel time: 1 hour round-trip from Naples Support Site

Time on site: 2 hours

Travel: Santa Maria Capua Vetere

Capua was once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. The Via Appia was built to link Rome with Capua. Capua also has the empire's second largest amphitheater, after the Colosseum, and likely the first stone amphitheater built in Italy.

What's more, visitors can enter the subterranean passageways where animals, gladiators, weapons, props and scenery were kept, as well as view the elevator shafts that brought them (and Spartacus) to the arena. There's a Gladiator Museum and good restaurant on the premesis.

This site doesn't draw large crowds; we were the only ones on the grounds. It's clean, fairly well-maintained, and a must-see, half-day excursion for anyone in the area.

Cost: 5 Euros for admission (2.50 per adult), parking is free, and 20 Euros for lunch

Travel time: Capua is roughly 12 km from Naples Support Site

Time on site: 2 hours

Crafts: Il Presepe

Naples, Italy is famous for its presepi, or nativity scenes. They range from simple to elaborate, and many towns in and around Naples have special fairs selling presepi figures and other items.

In truth I never wanted a presepe, until I saw Annalisa Bonfante's unique treatment of this traditional craft.

Like a ship in a bottle, her presepi are carefully arranged within lightbulbs, decanters, and other glass containers. Each is made with painstaking attention to detail, without a single cut to the glass, and comes with a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity.

I was particularly drawn to those within lightbulbs - it's such a clever idea. And for once I prefer the less expensive variety. All are fair-priced, however, considering the artistry and patience they require.

Visit Il Presepe to purchase one for yourself or as a special gift, which I very highly recommend. Annalisa is such a lovely and talented Neapolitan artist, and her presepi make a perfect holiday souvenir.

Buon Natale!

Travel: United Arab Emerites

Everything the Emeratis do is on a grand scale. They have the tallest building in the world, the largest mall in the world, the world's most leaning building, the Grand Mosque, as well as fanciful-shaped, man-made landmasses. What they've built is awe-inspiring! Every architect-in-training should visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The U.A.E. just proudly celebrated its 42nd birthday, and it continues to grow at breakneck speed. Construction is visible most everywhere. From our hotel room in Abu Dhabi we could see land being made!

Many, if not all, of the buildings utilize heat control technology. Of course this makes sense, but it's amazing to see up close. Some buildings look like pineapples when the shades are closed.

And you've never been to a mall until you've been to Dubai Mall. It's a shopping palace, complete with an aquarium and souk. After all, shopping is said to be the Emerati pastime.

You'll find dates, spices, gold, textiles, and lanterns aplenty. We stocked up on dates and saffron, and I would have loved a lantern chandelier. U.A.E. is not an inexpensive country, however. Even gasoline costs as much as it does in the states, which isn't the case in other Middle Eastern countries. Grandness has its price, but the subsidies benefit citizens of the U.A.E.

This was a fascinating trip. Although I had to see most of Dubai and Abu Dhabi from a rental car and shopping malls, I wouldn't take back a single minute. And I'm very glad we visited in December, when Fahrenheit temperatures are in the 70s.

Travel: Budapest

This is a great city! There’s so much to see and do, and visiting during Christmastime is a real treat.

We spent three full days here, giving us enough time to visit the major sights and enjoy the Christmas Fair.

One of our favorite forays into the city was Castle Hill. We walked across Chain Bridge, took the Buda Castle Funicular to the top, made our way to Fishermen's Bastion and Matyas Church, and enjoyed fantastic views of Parliament and the city. Don't miss it; Budapest has some gorgeous rooftops!

And take the yellow metro line! It's Europe's oldest, and its neat and tiny stations/platforms seem to transport you back in time.

Hungary has a tumultuous past, and the Hungarian National Museum is the place to visit for a proper history lesson. The basement also has the most complete and well-preserved, large-scale Roman mosaic we've seen anywhere. Just remember: Budapest's museums and the Hungarian Parliament are closed to the public on Mondays.

The Budapest Christmas Fair is our first European Christmas market, and it didn't disappoint. There are numerous market stalls selling handcrafted wares unique to the area, and the food stalls are bright and festive. We bought a lovely hand-painted porcelain ornament, drank hot chocolate in commemorative mugs, and sampled Hungarian chicken, goulash, sausage, mulled wine (and pretzel-shaped bread).

Our hotel was located on the pedestrian street Vaci Utca, a two-minute walk from Vorosmarty Square and the metro. It's also near St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Central Market Hall, and both Chain and Elizabeth Bridge. The hotel’s situation is ideal, and we highly recommend the Mercure Budapest City Center and its staff.

But the city is easy to navigate, even without a centrally located hotel. Most sights are within walking distance; we only took the metro to Szechenyi Furdo to visit the baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, and Heroes' Square. Taxi fares are reasonable as well, if you'd rather travel by car.

Hungary wasn't on our list of European countries to visit, but we're glad we made the trip!