A Stay in Greve Chianti near Florence Italy

Thankyou Travelin' Pat for sharing your adventure in Chianti.

 

The place is a little bit beat up but its huge and the views from every window are stunning.  I feel lucky (Especially when bits of the ceiling come crashing down intermittently and don’t hit me on the head).  Apparently Emma Thompson and Kenneth Brannah stayed here for 4 months while filming Much Ado about Nothing.  That’s gotta say something…. I think.  Because of the time of year we are here, the mozzies are rampant and the little buggers those no seeums are biting barb like Barb like crazy.  Everyday she creams up like mad and yesterday to top it all off  she got bitten by a bee!

 We are in Greve in Chianti, about 40 K give or take from Florence and it is a sweet little place choko block with wine shops (enotecas) cool boutiques and pizzerias. Last weekend there was a wine festival in the piazza that has been going on for 43 years.  Totally fun.  There is a lot of money walking around this place!

 So far we are bumbling along ok with the language as it is similar to Spanish although the other day Barb was horrified when as we were entering the wine shop below Carlo our host asked her if she saw the bat dung….Actually he had said did you see that the beds were done!!  Language alert!

 Driving is interesting.  I am the sole driver on these teeny narrow roads, battling round the curves with all the Audis, Mercedes and BMW Sterling Moss types..  On Wednesday Barb and I jumped into the car to head to Deruta , a place where they make most of Italy’s famous ceramics.  Armed with our GPS system (aka Mimi”) AND our goggle map on our phone we felt confident that we could get there.  First, before we even got to the end of the driveway GPS Mimi is spouting out “lost satellite reception” lost satellite reception.   We drive a bit further down the road and Mimi is back saying “in 250 meters turn right.  GPS map girl says turn left…..Oh dear, what to do?  After awhile the girls start getting along and we now shut off Google girl (to save data) and go with Mimi who irritatingly went in and out of losing satellite reception the whole way.

 We entered the Autostrada at one point and naturally went in the wrong line up.  We had to back up and go in another one, and this one had an open gate so we were a bit flummoxed.  We pressed the red help button but no help appeared so we just drove through.  50 Kilometers later when we exited there was a big hoopla and we were presented with a 46Euro bill for entering the Autostrada illegally.  Finally after going into the office they took pity on us and let us go with the regular 4 E toll. 

 Anyway, we are walking most days even though it has been smoking hot.  Donna and Denis and Barb and I take turns cooking dinner.  We all hate it when it is our turn….Plus we have tasted all kinds of great wines and had a few pizzas to boot.  I think some Italian ice cream is next!

 If you are planning a trip to the Florence area or other places in Italy take a look at these Italy Vacation Rentals.  It's best to book early because vacation rentals are very popular.

 

Hawaii Vacation on Big Island of Hawaii Kohala Coast

This post is written by Pua from Best Hawaii Vacation Blog

Spend your best Hawaii vacation on Big Island’s Kohala Coast
It’s not the ‘Call of the Wild’ but it’s the ‘Call of Hawaii’, which has finally caught up with you. For one reason or another, you decided to spend your first Hawaii vacation on the Big Island. Maybe you heard that this is the only Hawaii Island where you can spend a day on sunny sandy white beaches and go skiing or sledding on top of snow-covered Mauna Kea later in the day or where one can experience the fireworks of a live volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park?

Yes, this is true. Hawaii Big Island is not only the biggest of the Hawaiian Islands but it is the island of superlatives with adventures beyond the ordinary.
Kohala Coast - your next Hawaii vacation destination. Well, here you are planning your first Hawaii vacation on the Big Island and you just don’t know where to stay on this literally ‘big’ island despite of all the Big Island guidebooks you read and the many Big Island websites you cruised. The purpose of this article is introduce you to the unique beauty of the Kohala Coast and make you fall in love with this beautiful coast and its wonderful people during your Hawaii vacation, just as many visitors did before. Some even became residents as we did. Many more will follow in the years to come.

Does the sun always shine on the Kohala Coast? What are your associations with the word ‘Hawaii’? With me it was white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, beautiful weather all year round and of course, the ‘obligatory’ hula dancer! The typical image or cliché of Hawaii! Believe it or not, the Kohala Coast on the Big Island has it all. Most first time visitors to the Hawaiian Islands are not aware that climate and weather can vary on each island tremendously depending on location (east or west) and elevation.

Located on the dry west coast of the Big Island, north of the Kona Coast, the Kohala Coast provides the most stable weather throughout the year thus guarantying the first major component for your Hawaii vacation…sunshine! Well, now you could say why not stay in Kona, as you heard from friends whose cruise ship landed there that it’s beautiful and fun. Admittedly, it is but…it’s a tourist town, traffic in and out of town gets quite congested, beaches are smaller and more crowded and sometimes the ‘vog’ from the volcano can be bothersome, especially during hot summer months.

Where to stay on the Kohala Coast? The price conscious vacationer can find affordable Kohala Coast Vacation Rentals, vacation condos and luxury Kohala Coast Vacation Homes at different Kohala Coast locations like Waikoloa Village, Kawaihae, Kohala Ranch, Kohala Estate or Waimea. The only non-resort but ocean front location is Puako with many different ocean access spots. Puako has recently become one of the most desired areas on the Kohala Coast. See our Kohala Coast map for Kohala Coast resorts and hotels. Kohala Coast vacation rentals combine many of the amenities of a Kohala Coast hotel with the comfort and character of a beautiful Kohala Coast home to make your Hawaii vacation experience memorable and affordable. Rates of Big Island accommodations vary depending on location and amenities.

What to do on the Kohala Coast? There are no limits to your Kohala Coast activities Kohala Coast activities. Within short driving distances of your vacation home or hotel on the Kohala Coast, you can play golf at 9 championship courses, play tennis, go horseback riding, take a hike into spectacular valleys, explore the Pacific waters snorkeling & meeting tropical fish, rays, dolphins and turtles, go deep sea fishing or scuba diving or go boogie boarding…the Kohala Coast has something for everybody!

So, what do you think of the Kohala Coast? Please, come and see for yourself! Last but not least, don’t get taken by surprise when landing at Kona International Airport in the middle of barren moonscape lava fields. It does not seem to get any better when driving Highway 19 north to your Kohala Coast destination. We assure you palm trees, white sand beaches, blue green waves of the Pacific, hula dancers and Mai Tai are awaiting you. Welcome to the Kohala Coast of the Big Island!

Thankyou Pua for submitting this great article about the Kohala Coast. It is very informative and definitely has made us think that we may choose the Big Island of Hawaii for our next vacation.

We invite anyone who reads this article to leave their comments and experiences about the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Search for more Big Island of Hawaii Vacation Rentals at Ideal Vacation Rentals.

New Hawaii Bills for Vacation Rentals

Please read this if you own a vacation rental anywhere on the Hawaiian Islands as it affects all vacation rental owners in the state of Hawaii.

Aloha
Vacation rental owners need to know:
These two bills just came to the attention of a few vacation rental owners late last night (at the closing of the Kailua Neighborhood Board meeting). Apparently we have today in order to submit as much written testimony as possible and to rally people to attend an 8:30 a.m. hearing Saturday morning.

1. State representative Pono Chongs House Bill (HB) 1603
HB-1603 - Relating to Transient Accomodations
Requires each county to assess the extent of proliferation of illegal bed and breakfast establishments and other illegal transient vacation rentals and create a countywide plan to deal with illegal actiites and report to the legistlature. Bill also requires counties to increase enforcement.

This bill is scheduled for a hearing at 8:30 a.m., FEBRUARY 3 in ROOM 325. ALL TESTIMONY IS DUE IN BY FEBRUARY 02, 007.

2. State Senator Fred Hemmings Senate Bill (SB) 1295
SB1295: relating to Visitor Accomodations. Authorizes the state and counties to determine a finite number of visitor accomodations of all types (hotel rooms, B&B's, TVA's and time shares), to issue a state license and to fine illegally operating rental units. This legislation would not peempt any existing county zoning laws or ordinances regulating the maximum number zoned and allowed by each county. This will stabilize the total number of visitors on the islands at one time and the counties will need to address the carrying capacity for reach county. In no way will this legistlation supercede county rules and regulations and home rule. Operators of legal rental units will see increased demand and productivity since there will be a finite number of accomodations. The laws of supply and demand will work to the advantage of the industry's productivity.

Fax written testimony to: 586-6501 Cover page should include the following, To: House of Rep. Sergeant of Arms, Attention Committee for Tourism and Culture, Vice Chair Tom Brower, HB 1603, Hearing Feb 3, 2007,8:30 AM, Rm 325.


Vacation rental owners/supporters are asked to make an appearance Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Capital building, Rm 325 at 8:30 AM.

Visit the following website for more information on this issue: http://www.kokuacoalition.com/

Vacation Rentals on the Mayan Riviera

Yucatan vacation rentals on the Mayan Riviera of Mexico include many beachfront villas or casa rentals with pools. Some of these rentals are large homes that can accommodate a family or large party for a reunion or holiday with friends. Other forms of accommodations in the Yucatan state on the Mayan Riviera include oceanfront and beachfront condos and bungalows. Popular Yucatan vacation destinations include Chicxulub, Uaymitun, Progreso, El Cuyo, Celestun, Merida and Telchac Puerto. All these locations offer Yucatan vacation rentals. Rent from an owner for a more personal and affordable holiday.
Some great choices of rentals for your Mayan Riviera Vacation are listed below.
Yucatan Villa With Pool
Mayan Riviera Beach House
Mexico Rental Home
Yucatan Oceanfront Villa
Mexico Snowbird Rental
Beachfront Casa Vacation Rental W/Pool
Mayan Riviera Vacation Home
Mexican Casa
Yucatan Beach Home
Mayan Riviera House With Pool

Located in southeastern Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula, the Yucatan state borders the states of Campeche and Quintana Roo. During your stay you can visit the state capital of Merida, and stroll down Paseo Montejo, the city's main avenue, which is lined with beautiful palaces, old buildings and 19th century mansions. In the surrounding area you can visit old henequen haciendas, many of which have been converted into luxurious hotels with museums, restaurants and spa services.
It is impossible to leave the Yucatan without visiting the interesting Mayan ruins in the famous archeological zones such as Uxmal, Kabah, Labna, Sayil, Dzibilchaltun and Chichen Itza. Other notable sites include the Pyramid of Kukulcan, where you can witness the shadow image of a plumed serpent descend on the pyramid's stairs every spring equinox.
Yucatan also offers beautiful natural environments, such as Celestun, the natural habitat for hundreds of pink flamingos, or Ria Lagartos, where you can go kayaking through the mangroves. Choose Yucatan Vacation Rentals by owner and enjoy the local sights from your home away from home.

A Magical Vacation In Quebec, Canada

Todays Blog entry is from my sister's travel journal. She has very nicely allowed me to share this with you.

Bon Soir mes amies. I have arrived back from Montreal safe and sound. We had a marvelous trip... very full and did so much in three days it was amazing. First arriving in Montreal at the Hilton, we booked our bags and headed for the Old Sea Port of Montreal traveling through old town, very awesome it is like going to Europe, the narrow cobblestone streets the brick houses and old style buildings.
We made our way to the sea port just in time to see the fire works over the St. Lawrence River with ...outdoor ice skaking and music (this only happens in December between 6:30 and 8:30 on Saturday night only)! That was some luck to see and so awesome, we had never even thought of such an event!! Now we are very chilled and hungry.....We made our way up to the Old Town looking forward to warming up and having a great dinner.... no trouble finding a place to warm up and eat !!
Next day, decided to go and see the Old town in the day light and find our way to Schwartz's Meats to purchase the real Montreal Corned Beef. A couple of hours later our mission is accomplished and back at the hotel and the meat is in the fridge. We still have time for a couple more hours of shopping ( they are quite civilized in Quebec, keeping shopping open only until 5PM....)

Thankfully we made our way back to the hotel..after several hours shopping.. After a nice glass of wine, we decided to walk back into the Old town and find one of the restaurants that we had seen in the morning....We walked in and perused the menu .. very nice all looks well (no wine list)?? We asked what was the house wine and we are then informed, they don't supply any wine or beer, you need to bring your own , they will serve it to you...Interesting enough we only had to go just around the corner to buy a bottle of wine ($12.95/bottle)no corking fee...

Next day ... no time for breaky ..made our way to the airport and off to Quebec City..

Arrived at Quebec City Hilton, just before noon, booked into the room and put the Montreal Smoked Beef in the Chef's Fridge for the night....Headed for the Quebec City Old town, it is just magical, the lights glistening with the crisp chill of snow; there is a skiff of snow on the grass and it is -3, without the wind chill, very nice though (not damp at all and very pleasant.) We walked the Old Town, had lunch and returned to our Hotel..... Not wanting to miss a thing we headed for the swimming pool in our Hotel, (it is one of those that goes from inside to the out side), we enjoyed a great relaxing swim....Hungry we made our way to dine ....this is an other story ( the dinner was worth a story of it's own). After having great conversation while dining we made out way down just meters from our hotel to a fabulous out door skating rink, it was very magical, with the bright Christmas lights refecting off the ice and the skaters ....
I am truely amazed at Quebec City it is so Canadian and everyone is so polite, I see now why people say Canadian's are so polite and nice I have never really noticed it until going to Quebec !!
Had a great time...
written by Sylvia Haftner

Check out Quebec Vacation Rentals

How Ideal Vacation Rentals Got Started

In 1997, a Kindergarten teacher in British Columbia Canada put down her chalk and took up html. This was to be the beginning of an exciting new career listing vacation rentals by owner worldwide.

In 1993, Les and Julie Roberts, a couple from Canada bought a vacation rental property in Maui, Hawaii. They decided that instead of hiring a manager to handle their rentals, they would do it themselves. At this time newspaper advertising was the way to go as the internet was only just coming into its own.

In 1997, Julie took out an RRSP to buy her first computer. Before that she barely knew how to turn one on. Little did she know that it would be her vehicle for success. She taught herself basic html and went to work making a website for their vacation rental in Maui. She also discovered that by listing their vacation rental on various vacation rental websites, that they had no trouble booking their vacation home as much as they needed.

One summer day in 1999 Julie’s computer illiterate husband asked her if she might be able to start a vacation rental computer business of her own. They brain-stormed for names and came up with idealvacationrentals. In November 1999 Ideal Vacation Rentals was launched and Julie was in business. She now had to juggle teaching kindergarten with operating all aspects of the business so would get up at 5:00 AM, work on the business for 3 hours and then head off to the school house. At noon she checked e-mails and then in the evening she would again put on the hat of the owner of Ideal Vacation Rentals. It was a joke among her colleagues that it was the kindergarten teacher that everyone went to with their computer problems.

Soon the demands of running a business and teaching young children became too much, so she gradually cut back on teaching and eventually retired in September of 2003 so that she could dedicate all her time to Ideal. As Julie states, “It is rewarding being able to offer vacation rentals by owner as an alternative to staying in a hotel, while at the same time providing owners with a place to advertise their vacation homes.”

As an owner from Hawaii states: “Aloha Julie and Staff at Ideal Vacation Rentals – It is with great pleasure that I can whole heartedly recommend your vacation rental web site. Since listing with your service you have become one of the top three providers of inquiries for our business and one of the best investments of our marketing plan. So long as I own/manage vacation rentals I’ll be looking at your company for marketing above and beyond what is expected.”

In Summary, Julie is proud to join the thousands of women who have succeeded in starting and running their own business.