It started as most wild ideas do, over a cup of tea. I looked out at another grey BC morning and thought, why not trade drizzle for dolce vita? 

Now The countdown is real: in January, I'm leaving for San Lucido- a Little coastal gem in Calabria that looks like it was painted by someone with too much sunlight and romance in their heart. The kind of place where laundry flutters above cobblestone alleys and life seems to hum to the rhythm of espresso cups clinking.

I picture myself walking along the promenade at sunset, pretending I know where I'm going, while Google Maps cheerfully sends me into someone's private courtyard (again). I imagine ordering coffee in my best broken Italian, confusing latte with milk and accidentally getting a glass of warm dairy instead of caffeine.

But that's part of the adventure - the joy of not knowing    of getting lost in the language, a town, and maybe even a new version of myself.

White Rock gave me calm seas and long walk; Italy might just give me wings. I'm not running away- I'm walking towards something: light, laughter ,a bit a chaos  and maybe a rediscovered part of me that's been waiting under the Mediterranean sun all along.

So, the packing begins, One suitcase, One heart, One playlist of The Beatles songs for courage. Paul always said " Take a sad song and make it better" I think this winter , I just might.

      

Aloha Maui, the Valley Isle

I traveled a lot to Maui when I lived in Vancouver. One of my best friends was married in Maui 10 years ago. It was beautiful.  Genevieve De Rego took care of everything. They have lots of packages to choose from for every budget.  The only thing my friends had to do was pick up their license.   Genevieve De Rego takes the most beautiful photographs and videos. It was a very romantic wedding on a beach. The best part was" no stress". Visit their blog    http://www.mauihawaiiwedding.blogspot.com/.

I stayed at the Maui Vista in Kihue     http://www.mauivistacondo.com/
We also stayed at Outrigger Napili Shore which has a terrific breakfast restaurant Call "the hut"  with the best Macadamia nuts pancakes. The line up could get long so start early. It is worth the wait! www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaiian-islands/maui/outrigger-napili-shores"

I love going for sunset drinks my favorite place is Hula Grill on Kaanapili beach http://www.hulagrillkaanapali.com/.  They have great food and my favorite is the chicken pizza or puspus.  Goes great with my favorite drink Lava flow.

Snorkling at the Molokini crater, we use "Trilogy". They have the best crew and the "Mom's homemade cinnamon rolls" baked fresh daily at Trilogy's kitchen is to die for. They serve lunch, bbq teriyaki chicken with salad, fruit and drinks... You leave around 0700 and return at around 1300.  You snorkel or dive at the molokini crater and then visit the turtles' washing station. www.sailtrilogy.com/

I did some parasailling with UFO It was great because you are on a boat instead of being dragged from the beach http://www.ufoparasailing.com/ and the view up there is fabulous. Very safe!

Dont forget to have a walk in Lahaina ...It has terrific restaurants, art galleries and the best ice cream shop.

You definitely need a car so don't forget to use http://www.hotwire.com/ for your car rental, they have the best rates. If you want to tour the island, a Jeep would be the logical choice.  4 wheel drive is useful but be careful some of the roads are dangerously narrow and be aware the rental company won't pay for damages on the way to Hana.  Or any dirt road along the way.  It is beautiful and the waterfalls are spectacular so it is worth the drive.  Pack a lunch and have a picnic in one of the parks.

Mahalo

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Flying In ..

 I started to work for an airline 15 yrs ago to feed my love of travel..I wanted to share my experiences and tips in my blog.

So here goes, Hope you will find it interesting and sometimes entertaining.

See you here.