KnowYourTrip.com

As you’ll find out, as a Trip-er, Italy has always been my favorite travel destination.  There are many places I may love certain aspects of more but for overall holiday satisfaction – Italy does it – with Spain a close second.  The history, the food, the services, and above all the people are a great combination that is hard to beat.

While touring Italy, there’s one simple thing that brings my whole being into a satisfying blisssssssss.  That one thing is gelato.  I have a scoop or two everyday.  It’s just better than ice cream!  The flavors are rich and don’t taste artificial.  The vendors take pride in the craftsmanship and presentation of their flavors.  The consistency is a bit like melted ice cream – creamy and smooth.  

I take my touring seriously, almost as serious as my food.  My days are long and strenuous because my favorite mode of travel is my feet.  A couple of scoops of gelati mid-afternoon gives me the welcome boost in energy and comfort.  I just make sure  I don’t enjoy it at night after dinner because I know I’ll be wearing it and it’ll slow me down the next day.  Dinner time in Italy is quite late and something that high in calories before bed is not the best for a Tripper.

I have been in Italian Semifreddo Bliss as well.  It translates into “half frozen”.  I had it fresh scooped several years ago while touring Milan.  (I’ll research my journal notes for the exact spot if someone wants)  Semifreddo has the consistency of half-frozen whipped cream meets custard.  During all my subsequent trips to Italy I have not run into fresh semifreddo again.  I have seen a few frozen balls of semifreddo – it just couldn’t possibly be as good as fresh.

Rome has the Gelato Mecca –  Giolitti’s, the original Gelateria Opened in 1900 (1909 on he building) – the best in Rome and you will measure all gelato you eat in future against it. Via Uffici del Vicario 40, Rome, Italy 00186 · PH 06-6991243 And who can complain about scoopers in military style uniforms.  You’ll be saluting after your first bite!

So, on your next trip to Italy, find yourself in Gelato Bliss and if you’re really fortunate, semifreddo bliss. Yum!

I’m Carter Dayne, AKA The HeadTripper.  I’m 53 and have been around the world more than a few times.  I’m based in Seattle.  I’ll always have a home here no matter where I live or travel to.  Maybe I’ll share why I love it here so much sometime.  I’ve been to six continents (no Antartica yet), toured dozens of countries (I’ve lost count).  I’ve lived in Europe (3½ years), Australia (1 year), South Africa (4 months), the USA in between.  I love to travel.  It is one of my biggest passions.  Life is too short to not explore this world or wonders and cultures.

I’ve started this blog to pass on day to day information to enhance your travel.  I’m going to prepare you for your dream trip because it’s your trip of a life time.  I’ll be posting items from my journals, the news, other blogs, and media.

You need to trust that what I’ll be writing will only make your travel go smoother and have less unwanted surprises.  The KnowYourTrip.com website (under construction) will have permanent advice for you to refer to while the blog will complement that information.  I will tell you, in pointed verbiage, the problems you may or will run into to prepare you.  Warning:  I can be blunt and have been known to tell it like it is!

I take detailed information in my travel journals and will impart advice on journaling too.  I’ll be posting photos from the many destinations. I’ll also post videos although editing does take time.  I have hours and hours still to edit! (Panic here)

I am a big proponent of being fit if you’re going to travel.  How else are you going to survive the rigors of travel if you’re not fit?  Travel can be grueling and exhausting but is always exhilarating, if you make it that way.   I also believe in rest and recharge so that you can explore some more.   I’ll tell you the fitness level required of a destination and some fitness tips too.  I always “take” exercise while traveling (homage to my British friends).  At the moment, I work out regularly, primarily inspired by chronic pain due to a car accident.  Stuff happens.  However, fortunately I have been a life long fitness enthusiast so I can travel well.

I love food, but don’t eat too much – or meat (a 30 year habit – I’ve long forgotten why).  I enjoy all the local beverages in countries I visit with an interest in wines and beers – as well as – non-alcoholic.  I have quite the collection of liquors from around the world – gathering dust.

I’ll be writing about packing tips.  I am proud to say that only one item has ever broken in my luggage  a bottle of Spa Mineral Water bought for $.43 in Spa, Belgium.   No big loss!  I’ll tell you about the newest travel necessities not to buy, or that you must have.

I welcome comments and only encourage users and viewers to share their knowledge.  Suggest a topic too. So feel free!  Don’t forget to sign up for the launch of KnowYourTrip.com at www.knowyourtrip.com.

Cheers,

Carter Dayne