The more I visit Healdsburg, the more I fall in love with this town. The quiet back roads and vineyards offer an idyllic solace from the city.
There were too many picturesque things to admire but I managed to capture some on this overcast morning.
Cinque Terre
We dropped by Vernazza for a few days during our honeymoon. It's been 11 years since I visited this magical place, and the hordes of day tourists haven't diminished the beauty and allure of this tiny little town. After the crowds have deserted the place, I caught some quiet moments - after indulging in a plate of freshly caught seafood and handmade pasta, of course!
Street view from our apartment, on the main drag.
I was enchanted with all the bright, cheery colors that splashed across each doorway, wall and storefront.
A cafe by the harbor, after the dinner rush.
The licking area by Stalin Gelateria. The name is most rather unfortunate, but the gelato is delectable.
La Dolce Vita in Roma
I haven't been to Roma in over a decade, and it's a relief to see that many things haven't changed in this ancient city. We were on a hunt for some artisan gelato in the Pantheon area (yes, there are some bad gelaterias in Rome) on a beautiful, warm evening.
The scene was totally hoppin', even on a weekday night. High-powered politicians were dining in a fancy restaurant - their bodyguards eyed us suspiciously as we walked by. Nearly every person on the street was in deep conversation, like these two sharply dressed men here. Oh, who am I kidding? Everyone is dressed beautifully in Rome.
Sunset Hike in Île d'Oléron
During our honeymoon we spent a few days in Île d'Oléron. On our first day our dear friend Anne took us on a magical two-hour sunset hike along one of their favorite beaches. This one was rather desolate and the petrified forest nearby lent a haunting mood.
I was completely fascinated with the vibrant algae and moss growing all over the place.
The purple and muddy green colors layered upon each other was riveting.
Algae imprints in the sand.
These dried sand "hills" look like an aerial shot of a desert mountain range huh?
Seminary Walk
Bird sanctuary along Seminary Drive, during one of our evening walks.
