ae19 Saradura- Explore Italy

Welcome To saradura.com!

February 1, 2011 admin Welcome Message

Exploring Italy can be a great adventure.  From the beautiful, picturesque landscape to the historic artifacts hidden away in ancient cities, Italy has enough attractions to keep tourists busy for months.  Rome is Italy’s infamous capital city and it has served as a driving force in world history.  Today, you can find the center of the Catholic church in Rome and you can see historic architecture and art work throughout the city.  If you have never been to Italy, you can still enjoy all of the sights and sounds of the bustling streets!  At saradura.com, we will guide you through the cities and take you on an online exploration of the romantic gondola boats, exquisite art galleries, and candle lit dining opportunities.  Grab a glass of wine and keep reading to find out why Italy just might be the vacation destination you have always dreamed of!

 

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Have Your Own Renaissance in Florence

June 26, 2012 admin uncategorised

If you have been thinking of taking a trip to Europe, then consider Italy’s beautiful city of Florence. The birthplace of the Renaissance might just be the revival you need in your life to bring in a little fresh perspective.

Start off with some people watching in the Piazza Della Signora. This historic site in the center of the city offers inspiration and a wonderful place to just relax and take in the Italian people. One of the largest piazzas in the city, this is a gathering place for artists, poet, and tourists alike. Enjoy some of the fine street food and souvenir vendors you’re likely to meet here. The piazza is a great place to start off your Florence adventure.

No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to the Il Duomo, The Cathedral de Santa Maria del Fiore. This historic church offers a breathtaking look at some of the Renaissance’s best artwork. It portrays a dramatic shift from the medieval art to the more refined work of the 14th century. You might find yourself lost in the beauty of this 700-year-old marvel.

For a different view of the Cathedral, why not stretch your legs with a 414-step climb up the Campanile Bell Tower, which overlooks the Piazza Del Duomo. This architectural marvel offers stunning views of the city below, if you can get past the stairs.

Finally, no trip to Florence is complete without sipping on the world’s finest Chianti, grown and produced locally in the hills of Tuscany. You can find any local eatery and sample some of the win that made the region famous Italian wines and good taste.

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An Adventure in Italy

April 10, 2012 admin uncategorised

Bob and Brenda had been planning their Italian vacation for about 5 years. It was a celebration of their twenty fifth wedding anniversary, and they had a great list of things they wanted to do while they were there. Most of their trip centered on the Naples area, and day trips from there. They loved everything they read and heard about the Bay of Naples area, and knew that there were several great destinations that could be seen in a day, so off they went.

They opted to travel by the train since it was fairly inexpensive, and went to most of the places they wanted to go. Most of the people they talked to had told them that was the best way to travel, as they could see a lot of the countryside that way, too.

One of their “must sees” was Mount Vesuvius and the Pompeii region. They loved visiting all the excavation sites and seeing what was being unearthed. They also got to visit the city of Herculaneum, which was also destroyed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. They had a great day walking all around the area and taking lots of photos. They also spent a lot of time in and around Naples visiting historic cathedrals and castles, and enjoying the local cuisine. They wrapped up their last full day in Naples by visiting the Orto Botanico, one of the country’s best botanical gardens.

They had a wonderful ten day trip celebrating their anniversary, and look forward to going back again in a few years to explore more of Italy’s treasures. It truly was a dream vacation that they had looked forward to for years.

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Take a Cue from the Italians and Play Bingo

January 4, 2012 admin online casinos and slots

Bingo is a game that dates back to ancient Italy. For centuries, people have played many variations of the games, but now online casino websites allow you to play this great classic game online. When you log in at a Winner Casino, you can play your chosen game of bingo whenever and wherever you choose. For me, playing bingo is the perfect opportunity to have some fun anytime. It’s wonderful to be able to sign in and play on my own schedule from the comfort of my home either alone or in a prearranged game with friends, some of whom I have met on the online bingo sites. Additionally I have the convenience of getting a drink and a snack in a smoke free and comfortable atmosphere and going up to bed when I am done playing. No driving or going out in all types of weather to meet up with others. I can choose to play and chat or simply play depending on my personal choice.

A typical website like Bet365 or Virgin Casino will start you with a three card set-up, a list of the numbers that have been called as well as the current number, a list of other players in the room and the option to chat. The chat room is something you can choose to participate in or not. The choice is really yours but it is a chance to meet new people, make new friends and socialize while enjoying your game. Participating or ignoring the option for some peace and quiet is entirely up to you.

Another perk of playing games at Victor Chandler Casino or 888 Casino is winning prizes and bonuses. There are many opportunities to win prizes playing online bingo. Some sites will offer gift certificates that you can redeem for better prizes and other sites will let you have the money right away. In general, most online bingo sites offer other agreeable options as well as an assortment of other games in addition to online bingo. Most offer the option to sign up for newsletters, learn the lingo of bingo and the option to sign up for advanced information on tournaments and special events.

Many online bingo sites offer free games twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week as well as progressive games that are free or you can pay to play for larger prizes. There are other sites that might charge a fee to play but also offer a sign up bonus making it worthwhile for you. The choice is always yours so do a little research and find the site with options that work best for you. Enjoy relaxing with a little bingo, make a few friends and maybe you’ll win some prizes or money.

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Dreaming of All Things Italian?

December 13, 2011 admin uncategorised

Do you dream of the day you finally get to visit Rome or Naples? What about the Leaning Tower, does it really lean or is that just in your dreams? Are the canals of Venice really as romantic in a gondola as they look? Do pizzas taste the same in Italy as they do in Brooklyn? If you are dreaming of all things Italian, you seriously need to book a flight heading to Italy.

Depending on how long you have to spend in Italy, you will need to have a plan for where you want to go and what you want to see when you get there. For instance, if you are most interested in ancient architecture Rome is the place for you. If you are more into quiet, picturesque village type scenery Tuscany is the perfect destination. It would take at least a lifetime to see all that Italy has to offer.

Rome ~ the very word seems to roll off your tongue and conjure images of the legions of Rome marching off to war in some distant land. You can almost hear the clanging of swords and the roar of the crowd when you visit the Coliseum. If you are more into Italian fashion than Italian history, Rome is a fashion center you don’t want to miss. Walking down any sidewalk in Rome is like seeing the best fashion show on the planet.

Tuscany is full of soft sun, warm breezes, fantastic wines and traditional food delights. For those who prefer a quiet pace, a visit to Tuscany is a treasure you will never forget.

Italy is the perfect combination of the ancient and the modern. Quit dreaming and get booked for a trip to Italy now!

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My Italian Honeymoon

December 9, 2011 admin Traveling Smokers

My husband and I were so excited to enjoy a honeymoon in Italy. We had never been anywhere outside of the US so this was going to be an adventure. We were going to spend two weeks in this romantic and beautiful place. We planned to visit everything in our tour books and were staying at an amazing Chalet. I could not believe that I was married and also that I was going to this incredible place. We had heard that in Italy, the food was amazing and we were ready to eat every chance we got. I was so in love with my new husband and I knew I’d fall in love with Italy as well. So, we were on our way.

As we arrived in this magical place, I was immediately ready to go and see everything possible. I did not want to rest or relax. This place was way to beautiful to sit in our room. Well, when we got to our chalet, I could not believe how nice it was. I could actually stay in this room all day. The décor, furniture, and view from the balcony were absolutely breathtaking. As we explored this wonderful place we were going to call home for two weeks, I knew I would never want to leave this place.

We made it out on the streets in our area and the markets were my favorite. They sold beautiful handmade pottery and jewelry. It also had fresh fruits and vegetables that looked delicious and I had to purchase some. The people were so inviting and warm to us. I felt very blessed to be in a place like this.

As we walked around I noticed a lot of people were smoking. Even when we sat down at a café, they were smoking indoors and out. As I looked closer, these were strange looking cigarettes. Day after day I watched people with these cigarettes and I just had to ask what was different about them. I was told that they were electronic cigarettes. I had never heard of such. I was then told that they were healthier than traditional cigarettes and they were all the rage in Italy.

I could not help but jump on the Internet when we got back to our room. I had to find out just what these e-cigarettes were all about. As I began to search, I came across some great review sites. The ones we read were forums where each person could post their own person Electronic Cigarette review. There were also brand specific reviews such as the V2 Cigs Review, Safe Cig Review and Blu Cigs Review. They explained how these e-cigarettes were nicotine free and only put out water vapor, which is why they were allowed indoors.

I was amazed and intrigued. I used an Electronic Cigarette Coupon and ordered some for me because I just had to try them. As our honeymoon ended, I was very sad. When we arrived back home, I had a little piece of Italy waiting on me. My Electronic Cigarettes were at my door.

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A Surprising Encounter with My Italian Lover

June 3, 2011 admin Traveling Smokers

I never thought the day would come when I would not only date a smoker, but even fall in love with one.  I was always repulsed by guys who smoked, but then he walked into my life and everything changed.  I was enjoying my summer internship in Italy, studying photography and culture to get extra credits towards early graduation.  I was sitting by a fountain, scribbling in an old journal when I saw him walk out of a nearby café.  One look at Angelo and I was head-over-heels, stupid in love. I knew that I was going to spend the rest of my life with this man. Life seemed pretty wonderful until the day I spotted a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth.

I was stunned. I had been dating Angelo for a few weeks. I had ridden in his car, and visited his flat, and not once during all that time had I ever gotten even a whiff of cigarette smoke. To further confuse the situation, I could see him puffing on the cigarette, but I still failed to smell the tale scent of smoke. Angelo must have been able to see my thoughts reflected on my face because he pulled the cigarette from his mouth and held it under my nose before quickly launching into an explanation about South Beach Smokes, V2 Cigs, and electronic cigarettes.  He said he had read a few v2 Cigs e-cigs reviews
 at a few sites and was really interested.  He was even able to get a V2 Cigs Coupon!

You can learn more about electronic cigarettes at E Cigarette Reviews – honest real users’ electronic cigarette review

I was still reeling from discovering that Angelo was a smoker, so I went online and did some research and read through several e cigarette reviews. I was a bit shocked by what I discovered. From reading Green Smoke reviews, I learned that the electric cigarettes are battery powered, and instead of smoke, they release a vapor that supposedly tastes and feels like cigarette smoke. When the vapor is exhaled it is no more harmful than water vapor wafting from a tea pot. The reason I never smelled smoke on Angelo is because there never was any smoke.  You can also read Safe Cig Reviews to learn more.

While I was not entirely happy about Angelo’s habit, I have decided that it is one that I can live with, and he is trying to change for me. He has been steadily trying to lower the amount of nicotine he consumes each day.  I recently convinced him to order the cartridges with lower nicotine content. It is a slow process, but at least he is trying which makes me love him even more than I already did.  Even if he smokes forever, I will love my Italian man!

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It’s Just Not an Italian Vacation without the Gelato

May 8, 2011 admin Vacation Foods

Pizza and pasta, step aside; Italy’s most taste bud friendly offering has got to be the gelato. You may be thinking that you’ve tasted all there is when it comes to ice cream, but let me tell you that the stuff they sell at the corner ice cream shop does not even begin to compare to the scrumptious delicacies prepared in the Italian gelaterie.

What makes it different?

While the basic ingredients like milk and eggs are the same in both gelato and ice cream, gelato offers about twice the sugar than regular ice cream; which means twice the sweetness and a richer flavor. Gelato also uses more milk and less cream so the fat content is much lower.

The major difference is in how the two are prepared. Ice cream is frozen on a continuous assembly line freezer while gelato is frozen very quickly in small batches. Ice cream is also churned during the freezing process which adds air to the mixture. Because gelato has no air added to it, the product is much denser and the flavor is fantastically intense; an absolute treat to the palate.

What flavors can I expect?

Most gelaterie in Italy offer the same basic flavors; the fruity flavors such as lemon, strawberry, or melon, and the more creamy flavors like coffee, hazelnut, and of course; chocolate.

In the gelaterie

While searching for the perfect gelaterie in Italy, make sure you look for signs that say “Nostra Produzione” or “Produzione Propria,” these indicate that the products are made with homemade ingredients and will ensure a much better taste and quality in your gelato.

When you order, you order by the scoop, or “gusto.” You can also choose whether you want your gelato in a cone (“cono”), or a cup (“coppa”). For a little added flair and flavor, you have the option of adding “panna,” whipped cream, to your treat.

A true Italian treat

Because gelato is so much more rich and creamy than regular ice cream, it also melts much quicker. If it’s exceptionally hot outside, you may want to find a gelaterie with tables to sit at while you eat. Otherwise, in true Italian style, take your gelato to go and enjoy it while you stroll the streets, take in the sights, and scope out the next gelaterie.

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Preparing for an Italian Vacation

April 26, 2011 admin Vacation Prep

So, you’re finally taking that dream vacation to Italy; now what? Let’s make sure you are as prepared as possible so that your vacation is everything you hoped it would be and disappointment is kept to a minimum.

The Legal Stuff

While it may be stating the obvious, it’s imperative that you remember to get your passport ready. Make sure it’s valid, renewed, and ready to go before you book your trip; you never know how long the process might take and you don’t want to be worrying about whether it will be ready. The law requires that your passport be valid for 3 months beyond the length of your stay. Luckily, US citizens are not required to obtain a visa to travel to Italy, but you are required to declare yourself upon arrival and your passport will need to be stamped by immigration.

How to Plan

While Italy has a pretty mild Mediterranean climate, the best times to vacation there are late spring and early fall when the climate is neither too hot or chilly and you don’t have to worry about weather ruining your plans.

Book all of your tickets and reservations well in advance. Italy is one of the most famous travel destinations in the world and booking last minute will only result in frustration. It’s best to do some research and know what sites you most want to see so that you can choose where to stay.

If you are traveling during the height of the tourist season, which is generally during the summer, you may want to think about booking tickets and reservations for some of the places you want to visit in advance. Most places do not require a reservation, but early booking may save you from a long wait and it will ensure that you are able to see and do exactly what you want.

You’ll also want to be prepared for the change in electricity and make sure that you have a power adapter to plug in all of your electronics.

Enjoy!

Remember that this is your dream vacation and the best thing you can do for yourself is to be prepared as possible so that you can relax and enjoy your trip. History, art, mouth-watering food, and fine wine are just a few of the things awaiting you in beautiful Italia.

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What to See in Some of Italy’s Cities

April 10, 2011 admin Sights To See

Italy is full of beautiful and historic sites that could keep you traveling for months, but some of the most well-known cities are the ones that have the most famous sites that you will not want to miss. Now that you’ve packed your suitcase, here is brief overview of what to look for in some of Italy’s major cities.

Rome

Definitely the most famous Italian destination, Rome has enough attractions to fill your entire vacation if you decide you want to stay put. The Coliseum is one of the most famous structures in the world and a definite must see; the history alone is enough to make you want to stay all day. There is also the Pantheon; a breathtakingly beautiful building that has been standing for over 2,000 years, the Capitoline Museums, the Villa Celimontana, and the Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, where Christ is said to have walked on his way to trial.

Milan

The Duomo with its 3,400 statues and 135 spires is one of the largest churches in the world, and in front of it is the Piazza Duomo that is filled with various types of architecture. If you are into football, then the Stadio Meazza is definitely a stop you will want to make time for; it’s considered one of the greatest football stadiums in the world and also has a museum inside.

Venice

St. Mark’s Square is considered the center of Italy and is a vivacious area that is easily the most famous tourist spot in Venice. The Peggy Guggenheim collection and the Accademia are both excellent sites for anyone interested in art, and the Rialto Bridge is a great historical site to take in as well.

Florence

Here, the Statue of David is definitely the most popular site to see and being world famous, it is not a site that you want to pass up. The Boboli Gardens offer a peaceful getaway and an excellent opportunity for beautiful photography. The Ponte Vecchio is an old bridge is a fun (and free) site to see and of course the Uffizi Gallery offers one of the most extensive collections of art in the world.

No matter where you are in Italy there is always plenty to see. Hopefully your vacation allows you to tour as many sites as possible; otherwise, you just might have to book a return trip to see the rest.

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Rumors of Earthquakes Terrify People in Rome

March 16, 2011 admin Rumors

The sudden increase in large earthquakes in many parts of the world has many citizens concerned.  The recent earthquake in Spain caused many citizens of Rome to take May 11, 2011 off of work because a seismologist had predicted back in 1918 that there would be an earthquake of extraordinary size in Rome.  As it turns out this prediction was incorrect, but the reaction of so many people shows that he fears of a severe earthquake striking without warning are real.

While there were tremors in Rome the actual devastating earthquake occurred in Spain 800 miles to the west.  The seismologist who predicted the quakes is said to have predicted several quakes that occurred over the past hundred years, so many were motivated to take this most recent prediction to heart and decided to close up shop and stay away from work.  The seismologist who made those prediction so many years ago was named Raffaele Bendandi.

Raffaele Bendandi was a self-taught scientist who use his knowledge to make predictions about when the next earthquakes would strike Italy.  Several of Bendandi’s predictions have been amazingly accurate.  Bendandi based his predictions on theory related to the movement of the sun and the moon and its affect on that gravitational force on the crust of the Earth.  Italian dictator Benito Mussolini tool Bendandi’s predictions seriously enough to have him knighted but then prevented him from publishing any of his predictions on threat of exile.

As the number of large earthquakes around the world continue to increase, many people begin to wonder what all these strange natural disasters are a sign of.  Scientists attempt to forecast where the next event will occur, and the technology used to predict seismic events has improved greatly over the years.  Until there is complete accuracy with predictions though what scientists give us are basically just educated guesses.

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The Trevi Fountain; Making Sure You Return to Italy

February 24, 2011 admin Can't Miss

What stands 85 feet tall and makes $4,000 per day without doing a single thing? If you guessed Rome’s Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain, you are absolutely right. Exquisitely constructed and full of allure, the Trevi Fountain is truly a sight you do not want to pass up while in Rome.

A Little Bit of History

The Trevi is the most famous fountain in all of Rome and one of the most famous in the world; it is also one of the most photographed fountains in Rome. The Trevi Fountain took a total of 30 years to complete; Nicola Salvi began the construction and design in 1732, but died before it could be completed. The project was then taken over by Giuseppe Pannini who completed it in 1762. The location of the fountain holds to the Roman tradition of building a fountain at the ending point of aqueducts that carried fresh water to Rome. The Trevi sits at the ending of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct that was constructed in 19 BCE. It brings water from Salone Springs and supplies all of the fountains in Rome’s historic center.

Lovely Sculptures… What are They?

Right in the center of the fountain sits Neptune, god of the seas. He’s riding in a chariot pulled by two horses; one of them is calm and peaceful, the other is raging, each symbolizing the ever changing moods of the sea. The horses are led by mythical sea creatures that are half man and half fish, called Tritons. On Neptune’s right is a statue symbolizing abundance, and on the one on his left is symbolic of salubrity, or well-being. Above these sculptures are bas reliefs, one of which depicts Agrippa, the general who originally built the aqueduct that the fountain marks.

Legends

If you’ve enjoyed your stay in Rome, then legend says you should throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure that you will return; just make sure that you stand with your back to the fountain and throw the coins over your shoulder. A more modern legend says that if you throw three coins into the fountain, 2 coins will bring you new romance and 3 will either ensure a marriage or a divorce. Yet another legend states that it’s good luck to stand with your back to the fountain and throw 3 coins into the fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder. No Italian vacation is complete without stopping by the fountain and leaving a coin (or 3) of your own.

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