Hands on. Hands off.

The hotel where I spent the night in Ischia had spa facilities, a term which is not defined universally. In Europe, I’ve learned, it generally means an array of water and steam baths and showers and a generally low key attitude.  The view from my balcony I appreciate that definition because I enjoy moving from … Continue reading Hands on. Hands off.

No man is an island, but Ischia is

The effort involved in my getting to Ischia was not insubstantial. Beginning from Rome, the journey involved the metro, a fast train to Napoli. and then another metro ride to the port, where I was fortunate enough to find my way to the correct pier for the specific ferry I had booked in advance. Any … Continue reading No man is an island, but Ischia is

Roman dinner – Al Peperoncino

My first night in Rome, I pushed through my travel exhaustion and found myself almost immediately on Italian time and seeking dinner after 8:00. It was a Sunday, which limited my options somewhat, but I got lucky and stumbled upon Al Peperoncino, a neighborhood spot close to where I’m staying. Note: While I don't mind … Continue reading Roman dinner – Al Peperoncino

Where we are

The past few months have seen me rapidly cycling through musical obsessions. It began with Harry Nilsson, then moved to the Beatles followed by Nick Drake. Recently, in a surprising and refreshingly contemporary twist, I’ve jumped in deep to a band that actually continues to produce new music, The Lumineers. I’ve seen this band live … Continue reading Where we are

Daddy. Complex.

Issues with my mother continue to occupy me but, stimulated by situations which my friends are experiencing, my thoughts have recently turned away from mothers and to fathers. In all honesty, pondering fatherhood feels a lot less angsty to me, especially now with my mother’s poor health and my own conflicted sense of responsibility and … Continue reading Daddy. Complex.