It’s really difficult to say goodbye to this city. The sightseeing, the fabulous food, great shopping and the energy of the university students all combine for an unparalleled adventure. The city is safe, many people are wearing masks outside ( they are required inside ) and communicating is easy as English is spoken almost everywhere. But one sad side note is all the graffiti displayed on these ancient buildings plus there are homeless that have carved out their own niche. These 2 factors diminish the environment but unfortunately are all too commonplace elsewhere in the world.

So with regret, we once again are on the autostrada bound for Cinque Terre. Our eataly continues!

Verona is a little over an hour and a half from Bologna but well worth the drive. This lovely walking city with its historical city center is a must see. From 2 Gentlemen From Verona to Romeo and Juliet, this city is a living reminder of Shakespeare’s contribution to our civilization. Although we haven’t needed to show our Italy Green Pass at any restaurants, it is necessary in order to view Juliet’s balcony.

The Piazza Delle Erbe was lively with tourists and residents alike on a sunny, clear Saturday afternoon. There are lots of eateries and stores all around the piazza plus an open air market selling all types of goods.

Don’t miss the Arena on Piazza Bra..think Rome’s Colosseum!

Every major retailer is represented here but the real fun is just meandering up and down the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town.

Verona has a great deal of sightseeing and one afternoon can’t possibly encompass it all but an overnight would certainly allow a visitor to take in all the sights this city had to offer.

Modena is about an hours drive from Bologna. Parking near the city center is only for 20 or 30 minutes so it’s best to find a parking garage. The rates are reasonable and you can walk the short distance into the old city.

The Piazza Roma has many eateries around and is home to the Palazzo Ducale. Don’t forget to purchase Balsamic vinegar and Parmesan reggiano cheese..Modena’s claim to fame.

If you’re a car buff, a stop at the Ferrari Museum is a must. Modena’s other famous native son was Luciano Pavarotti and his home can be toured if you’re interested.

You can spend a busy day here enjoying all that Modena had to offer.

Parma

About a half hour past Modena, the city of Parmesan cheese and Parma ham beckons. It’s best to park your car and walk. There’s tons of shopping and restaurants are everywhere. This is a university town and lots of students crowd the streets and eateries.

The Piazza Garibaldi is a good place to explore a number of historical buildings and to absorb the local atmosphere while indulging in Parma’s culinary delights.

Ravenna is certainly worth the little over an hour drive from Bologna via the autostrada. It’s an old city center that reflects Byzantine architecture and many buildings with incredible interior mosaic designs. The Neonian Bapistry and the Basilica di San Vitale are two must sees. Shopping abounds and we found many stores open on a Sunday afternoon.

Interestingly, there is even a Piazza John F. Kennedy here.Many of the piazzas are dotted with shops and cafes. Ravenna is best known for its most famous native son, Dante Alighieri ( Divine Comedy) who is buried here.

If you’re from New Jersey and used to driving circles, Italy is a cake walk. Now, if only the Italians knew how to drive them!? There are roundabouts everywhere.

But most importantly, your phone is your best friend. Use maps or google maps to guide you and have a usb cable to plug into your rental car and keep your phone charged. Additionally, always carry a charged power bank with you.

There’s no speed limit on the autostrada . We were doing 150 km ph(approximately 93 mph) and were being passed.

But rental cars are regulated not to surpass 150 km ph.

The roads are in great condition and the drivers are courteous.

Oh, be sure to get a telepass(ez pass)..definitely a time saver and all charges are sent directly to your bill at the car rental company.

Highly recommend you take collision and damage insurance from the rental company. Most U.S. insurance companies do not cover damages and collision but be sure to check with your insurance company prior to your departure.

Also, obtain an international drivers license . AAA will issue it but you must do so in person as a picture is necessary.

The skies are blue and the temperature is in the 60’s..perfect weather to explore this ancient, vibrant city! Our checkin was easy and problem free because we had installed Americans app Verifly and uploaded all of our documents to it. One note..if you are a couple, do not add your companion. If they have a smart phone , they should do theirs separately. If you add a companion, you must upload all their info and picture in order to complete your own trip. Our bags were tagged through to Bologna and upon arrival in Rome we went through Passport Control and then were free to browse among the many shops and restaurants before boarding our flight.

Our Alitalia flight had 14 passengers. Interesting note…our masks were deemed unacceptable and we were provided with blue surgical masks instead. We arrived on October 13 and Alitalia’s last day of business is October 14. The employees we spoke to still had no idea what the future would bring..no info. from Alitalia.

Fighting our jet lag, we went for a walk and stopped for some food and of course gelato. There’s a 2 block area dotted with trattorias so one never has to worry about getting a good meal. Tonight’s dinner..Pasta Bolognese!! And now, off for our Bologna adventure!

Aloha(hello/goodbye) and Mahalo (thank you) are the most used words in Hawaii. Everyone is so very happy to have visitors from the mainland. There are some requirements in place for travel to Hawaii. All travelers must go to Safe Travels Hawaii and complete the forms which involve your flight info, as well as vaccination status. Vaccinated travelers, as of right now, do not need to quarantine. Do not forget to complete the health form 24 hours prior to travel. Once all information is inputted, you will receive a QR code. American Airlines precleared us at our gateway, Los Angeles, so when we landed in Lihue, we just showed our preclear bracelet and went to baggage claim.

Airlines today are enforcing transportation rules very stringently due to the disruptive behavior of the traveling public. Announcements are given many times aboard the aircraft about correct mask wearing, smoking and adherence to flight attendants’ instructions. Passengers are advised that failure to follow the regulations will result in fines, prison and permanent banning of future travel. In all our years of travel, our first experience of police escorting a passenger off the plane happened on our flight L.A. to Lihue due to smoking in the lavatory.

We rented a car, but Uber and Lyft are also available. If you rent through National, right now all shuttles are through Alamo.

There’s much to see and do in Kauai. You can sightsee on your own or book tours (right now due to COVID most tours are limited to about 10 participants).

Don’t miss Waimea Canyon (Kauai’s Grand Canyon), Wailua Falls, Lappert’s Ice Cream (and they have delicious cookies!) and shave ice. If you like to hike, enjoy watersports, and take helicopter rides, this is definitely the island for you! But be aware, some parts of the island are only accessible by boat, plane or helicopter.

There are many choices for accommodations…hotels, condos, b and bs. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Kauai. It’s a great family resort with many pools, plenty of water options as well as a lagoon and beach. The hotel also has complimentary self-parking which is a huge plus. If you’re a golfer, Poipu Bay Golf Course is a short walk from the hotel. There is a small store onsite for various snacks and sandwiches and they also have a guest laundry. The hotel provides laundry detergent pods and dryer sheets. It is difficult to obtain dinner reservations at the hotel if you wait until you arrive. Some evenings we ate offsite. Poipu Shopping Village and the shops at Kukui’ula offer alternative choices such as Keoki’s Paradise, Merriman’s and Bubba’s Burger.

Everything is more expensive on Kauai as most goods are flown in from the mainland so be prepared for higher food, beverage and gas prices. If you plan to eat in restaurants, most are listed on Open Table and you should book as far out as the site allows. Restaurant reservations are difficult to come by if you wait until you arrive. Effective September 15 for at least a month (and maybe more), the restaurants and venues will be requiring proof of vaccination in order to enter.

The weather is beautiful. The foliage is fabulous. Hence the name The Garden Isle. And the pace is slower. Although you are in paradise, don’t despair cause Costco, Macy’s and soon a Target to fulfill your other shopping needs.

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and the starry skies. Kauai is calling your name!