Hi guys! It's the place where Nikola Tesla electrified the world with the creation of the first hydro-eclectic power plant. It's the historical Niagara Falls! Pretty impressive aye?
Hi guys! I thought I'd share with you a little bit about Athens, Greece! I was very fortunate to visit Athens & the ancient ruins this summer. Let me start off by saying that Athens is a very crowded city with energetic & welcoming people. In such a big city, you can expect to see a variety of hotels and apartment buildings. Walking through the narrow streets, you are surrounded by restaurants and small shops. Not you're usual city with a park & high end promenade. However, the restaurants are wonderful & walking up to see the Acropolis is an amazing site!
Hi guys! I just got back from an Island getaway in Santorini! The Greek Island of Santorini is the most beautiful, peaceful, and calming place of pure richness. From the sweet, tangy glass of orange juice I enjoyed on my first morning, to my last view of the ocean from the balcony of my relaxing hotel, Oia (EE-ah), Santorini, grasped my heart as I felt a sense of rejuvenation. The city of Oia (EE-ah), Santorini is seasonal. In November, most hotel and restaurant workers go home and come back to the island in March. Having a degree in hospitality, this was something I found interesting. The entire village of Oia is repainted bright white every March in preparation for the busy tourist season. However, this isn't your average tourist destination. Everyone dresses their best for that perfect photo. The shops are filled with high quality, handmade crafts, and the marble pavement glistens as the lights brighten the walkways at night. Although pitch black at night on the island, the white buildings create such a glow that you would think it was daytime.
Ciao Ragazzi! Roma is a place where the adventure begins when the sun starts to set! That means a two hour dinner at 10pm! If you dine at a fancy Italian restaurant in Rome and expect the meal to begin with a nice green salad with that sweet vinaigrette, boy are your mistaken! Don't worry, I expected the same... Pasta! Not as the main course, but pasta to begin the meal! Unbelievable is the word that came to mind after I had stuffed myself with a giant bowl of creamy tomato pasta and the servers then came around with the main course of meat, vegetables, & potatoes! Almost 11pm and I was beginning my main course of yet another starch! In Italy you will begin to realize that starch is everywhere! Pizza, pasta, bread, and potatoes galore! The restaurant I visited my first night was packed and people were dining for hours & hours! Definitely a culture shock on my first evening in Roma! And don't forget the wine! Servers came around with red and white wine to refill our glasses throughout the night! In Italy, everyone, young and old, drink wine with their meal. If someone does order water, it is frizzante, or sparkling. If you try to ask for ice, the servers will probably give you a look of surprise. Ice in drinks does not exist in Italy! It is very rare that you will find a restaurant serving ice water. Enough restaurant talk, it's time to discuss what it's like to visit the antica città di Roma!
Ciao Ragazzi! The reason why I am choosing to tell you about Pienza is because it is my favorite place in all of Italia! This short & sweet post will tell you a little bit about this heavenly area. A BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL, SECLUDED tiny village on a hilltop amongst the Orcia Valley is Pienza! The most wonderful Tuscan village, which I still can't get over! The village was created in renaissance style. It was delightful to see the older generations living in such a gorgeous neighborhood overlooking the valley! What a place to settle & retire! Pienza isn't really a place for young people to live, as there is little attraction. However, it is the greatest place to visit to get a real taste of Italy! Cheese and wine shops can be found while walking down the beautiful streets, especially the popular Pecorino cheese! I had the opportunity of experiencing a cheese tasting with my "Tuscany and it's Wines" class! There is even a street just next to the gorgeous view of the valley named Via Dell Amore, or love street. It couldn't be more perfect than that!
Ciao ragazzi! As you may already know, I was a study abroad student in summer, 2015 at the Apicius, Florence University of the Arts! Firenze was my home for three weeks of my trip. I found it amazing how small the city actually is! Better for me, I was able to get around without a problem, memorizing streets & finding my favorite gelato shops around each corner. I'll discuss gelato in more detail a little later,... because you can't visit Italy without trying gelato everywhere you go! My apartment was located across the Arno River on a hill called Costa di San Giorgio! Good for a nice view, but slightly exhausting for carrying grocery bags in 101 degree weather! Nonetheless, I had an outstanding view of the Duomo & Arno River. What can be better than looking out your bedroom window at night watching the moon meet the sky like a big pizza pie?! Now THAT'S what I call AMORE! For those of you who don't know, the Duomo, as everyone refers to it, is the famous Florence Cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore! It is extremely large, and pretty much in the middle of the city, so if you're ever lost, search for the Duomo & you'll find your way from there. If you're a tourist, its probably better to walk, so you have a chance to run into the little cafe's and shops. If you absolutely dread walking, then you can rent a bike, or motorbike to get around quicker and there are several spots for motor bike parking!
![]() Hi guys! I have decided to share my Tuscan series with you in 2016, although I was there last summer in July 2015. Vineyards & wineries were the highlights of my study abroad trip during my senior year! Salcheto winery in particular was very impressive. Not only is the location superb, but the design and structure of the winery enhance the day to day business of Salcheto, Toscana. The architecture of the winery consists of a round base, unlike the popular rectangle/square mazes, which several other wineries prefer. When first walking up to the winery, you will find yourself on a high, round platform overlooking a gorgeous vineyard valley. Genuine Tuscany in the warm sun & cool breeze. The wind couldn't be more refreshing! On the platform, round holes in the ground exist to provide natural sunlight peaking though a tunnel, which leads to the cellar. Sustainability is of extreme importance for Salcheto. Energy independence is top priority and is what I found very unique about this winery. The view is a perfect photo op! The building is covered in an array of light brick, which creates a warm feel. Friendly hospitality from the staff was also a bonus. Tours are given almost everyday during the season and Salcheto tour guides will mention brilliant explanations as to why Salcheto manufactures wine the way they do. Hi guys! Imagine yourself half way up a huge mountain in 101 degree weather walking on a tiny narrow path made of millions of tiny steps. You are surrounded by dry sand and vineyards, while deciding whether to continue onward, or turn around and walk into epic failure. Yep! That was my contemplation when I was hiking Cinque Terre last summer as a study abroad student studying at the Apicius Hospitality program apart of Florence University of the Arts. So, why was I seaside in Cinque Terre you might ask? Let's just say that it was a much needed weekend getaway, which easily turned into the amazing race. I would like to tell you that I'm exaggerating a little, but then my nose would grow ten inches. By the way, you can find Pinocchio puppets just about anywhere in Italy. Pinocchio is EVERYWHERE!
Aloha guys! My 2014 Hawaiian getaway was a week in island paradise! Rainforests, volcano's, dolphins, OH MY! The Big Island is a fascinating site to see! The rich dark blue water surrounded by palm trees & smooth sand was radiant! The island is covered in black & red volcanic rock, which was definitely a special experience! It made me question if I was on Mars, or just across the sea on a beautiful warm island. Give me some Kona coffee ice cream and a hammock and I'm pretty much set for the entire vacation! I call it an ocean delight! Snorkeling with Dory fish & learning to paddle board were just the beginning!
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AuthorHi guys! My passion is anything and everything SWEET! I am a graduate from Los Angeles, California with a hospitality degree. I have experienced many inspiring delights of the world as I have traveled here & there. Whatever the future may bring, I will always observe with my eyes & enjoy with my heart. Love Always, MARIA CEKO (Mia) Always #HEARTInspired Archives
January 2017
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