"Over 30 years as a travel professional, to help you create the perfect getaway." My niche is selling Italy and as a Travel Leaders Certified Travel Specialist, I have visited Italy numerous times and have experienced it from north to south and fr...
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"Over 30 years as a travel professional, to help you create the perfect getaway." My niche is selling Italy and as a Travel Leaders Certified Travel Specialist, I have visited Italy numerous times and have experienced it from north to south and from east to west: I really enjoy selling the different areas of the country. From the archaic ruins of Rome, to the hidden beauty of Venice and from the ancient streets of Pompeii to the medieval walls of Assisi ... I have experienced Italy!
It is hard to describe the feeling of standing in the Colosseum, where so many years ago, the gladiators fought for their lives, or visiting the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, where Michelangelo (considered one of the greatest artists the world has ever seen) is entombed. I have also visited some of the "off the beaten path" areas of Italy, where I have enjoyed cooking classes, truffle hunting, soaking in the thermal springs of Saturnia, drives through the backroads of Tuscany, and a leisurely lunch with Ercole Moroni, a leading international florist and creative designer. A hike to Tiger's Nest in Bhutan, is one of my proudest moments!
In addition, I have visited many other destinations worldwide, including having walked on the Great Wall of China; kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland; I have stood at the 'Gateway to Purgatory' in Poland as I toured Auschwitz and Birkenau Concentration Camps; and found myself amazed beyond words at the animal life (close-up) in the Galapagos Islands. I have also traveled to many other areas of Asia, including India (several times), Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Cambodia, Bhutan and Japan. A visit to India will truly change your life.
A recent visit to the Ukraine, with emphasis on visiting the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the abandoned town of Pripyat, was fascinating for me...especially as a photographer. The haunting images of forsaken apartments, schools, recreational areas; the infamous ferris wheel and bumper cars from the "May Day" Celebration that never came, have been etched into my mind forever. I cannot imagine the fear and apprehension the families of Pripyat felt the day they were told they had to leave everything they owned behind, including treasured pets. They were never able to return. Wondering through desolate apartments, I came upon one with a ramshackle piano in the middle of the room...who played this? A young son or daughter? Walking through the school buildings, you cannot believe the tens of thousands of books scattered throughout every classroom and hallway, the educational posters left on the walls; similar to any school here in the United States. Traveling to destinations like this is often called "Dark Tourism," and not for everyone. It is for me. I learn up close about events that have shaped the history of our world. Hopefully our world is able to learn from them.
Traveling the world allows us to gain insight into different cultures, religions and food, as well as explore ancient ruins, natural wonders and historic landmarks that most people only read about. I pride myself in my attention to detail, and the knowledge I have gained throughout my years of traveling. By working with me, we will do more than create a vacation, we will create an experience, and one that you will never forget.