A Taste of Italy by Margot Justes

I'm meeting with Susan Miura this afternoon to go over our 'Taste of Italy' presentation, and this is the perfect opportunity to segway to Venice and begin my travel blogs.


Getting to Venice is not difficult, hop on a plane to any central European city and transfer to a small plane bound for the Marco Polo airport in Venice.

It took a while to get my bearing, my nickname Wrong Way Rodal is well founded, I get lost easily and have a hard time with left and right, and we won't discuss North, South, etc.

I wanted to get an ACTV 72 hour pass, that would allow me to take the bus to the center of town and more importantly would allow me to use the vaporetto at will. I asked and received a blank stare, a finger pointing to a sea of faces, no kiosk selling anything, just tourists looking as lost as I was. One person actually answered in Italian, and since I spoke in English and don't speak Italian it presented a slight problem. But we smiled at each other and I thanked him in Italian. Grazie goes a long way but unfortunately not to a place that got me a ticket.


The fact that I spoke English, had this totally lost look on my face, was at an airport, lugging luggage behind me and hoping against hope someone would take me for a tourist, nope, no one did. Odd that.

I kept walking a bit further, probably in a circle, although nothing looked familiar and I didn't get that- been there done- that European Vacation 'look kids Big Ben' feeling.


Finally, I got lucky and bought the three day pass and took the bus that took me to Piazzale Roma, the central hub where it would appear all travelers converge.

From there it was walking distance to our hotel the Boscolo Bellini, the hotel was just steps away from the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio district.


Going up and down the various bridges was a treat, the luggage thumping, bumping and groaning as the was person pulling the darn things. That would be me.

The area was perfect, the hotel was not, at best it lacked a personality, however the people at the desk were gracious and helpful, and the location more than made up for the shortcomings of the hotel.


My first day was spent wondering through the maze of tiny alleys and streets in hope of finding the elusive Piazza San Marco. You guessed it, even following the clear markings and arrows, I got lost, but you really never get lost in Venice, invariably you'll get to the Grand Canal and every street and alley is a treasure trove filled with charm and history.

Next door to the hotel was a remarkable Romanesque church and it so happened that there was a concert that night right in the church. It was fantastic. All in all, an incredible first day in a wondrous city.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris

Eyvind Earle by Margot Justes

I've written a few blogs about art, and I just realized not once have I said a word about my favorite contemporary artist, Eyvind Earle.


For more years than I'd care to mention or remember, I have loved and coveted his work. I went through a period where anytime I could get my hands on his Christmas cards, I would buy a box and never send them out, because I couldn't bear to part with them.

There is something magical about his style. It's nature and yet not. Colorful, stunning in the grandeur of the landscape he often portrayed, but you can still see the illustrator at heart. His work is simple, elegant, almost Oriental and yet not. The colors are vibrant, alive, brilliant, the combination is simply magnificent.


I finally own a numbered serigraph, my prize possession, and dare I say it, I want more.
When I was in San Francisco a couple of years ago, I visited Carmel and stopped at Gallery 21, the gallery now owned by his estate, since Mr. Earle died in 2000 at the age of 84.

His career started early, in fact I read that at the age of 10 he was already very prolific. His career included a stint with Walt Disney as a n assistant background painter. His work for Disney included Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty, among others. But it is his later efforts that truly show a master at work. Someone wrote that his style is lyrical, and I would never associate lyrical with art, but it fits, it flows, it moves you. It is indeed lyrical.


If you're interested in seeing some of his work, just Google his name, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris

Food and Travel by Margot Justes

Susan Miura and I are getting ready for our 'Taste of Italy' presentations. I've been hunting for Italian delectables that our guests at the library can sample. To be sure, there are plenty, but along the way I've been paying attention to the international foods that are becoming increasingly available in our local grocery stores and I don't mean the small markets, but the large chains like Jewel and Dominick's.

Yesterday, I stopped at Dominick's to pick up a couple of items and I always look at the cheese section, (I love cheese) which by the way has grown considerably to include a separate and substantial international selection.In the middle of the cheeses, I found fig and orange spread. I love orange marmalade and I love figs and fig jam. I picked up the tiny jar and noticed it was from Croatia, so of course I bought it, and as soon as I got home I tried it. Heaven. A little tangy, not too sweet and you can really taste the fig and orange; oddly enough the two flavors compliment each other.

I have added a new favorite to a growing list.By the way, a dab of really good fig jam on a piece of brie is delicious. Try it.When I was in Venice last year, I tried black pasta, didn't even know it existed. The pasta becomes black when you add squid ink. You can make a black sauce or if you're making your own pasta, add the ink along with your egg and oil. Recipes are available on line. I'm still having a hard time finding the ink.

If any readers can point me in the right direction-that would be wonderful.

Travel and food go really well in hand if you're not shy or afraid to try new things. If travel is not an option, check out the many international food items in your local markets. Discovery is a great thing.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris

A Day at Sea by Margot Justes

Our days are still bleak, the snow now dingy grey still has not all melted, and I needed a reminder of warmth and sun.

Surrounded by water on all sides, the giant ship glided along the waves, the water lapping steadily as we move forward. Mesmerizing. Relaxing. Blissful. All cares swept away.

The first day of the cruise was spent at sea. The early morning is best, before the multitudes wake, I have my first cup of coffee and look at the ocean. There is nothing better than the gentle breeze (sometimes not so gentle) and the smell of the ocean.

I satisfied my coffee itch, and went to the 12th deck to walk, not a bad way to begin a morning.

Having built up an appetite, (not that I have to work hard to do that) a leisurely breakfast seemed like a good idea, and of course I needed more coffee.

The delightful part of being at sea, is that you can do as much or as little as you want. There are plenty of planned activities, from belly dancing, belly flops and I'm sure other belly things, there is ballroom dancing, and...you get the drift. But I brought books to read and a pad to write on. A

The staff always on hand to bring fresh coffee, milk, whatever you need; they are continuously working. By the end of the first day, the steward knew my name and not because I was an 'unknown' author, but because it is part of the training to make each guest feel at home and welcome. You know what, it worked.

The elevators had a plaque on the floor, changed daily to make sure we knew what day it was; a reminder I'm on vacation.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris

Operation Paperback by Margot Justes

Did you know that you can ship 'gently used' paperback books to our troops. All the information is on line and it's relatively easy, all you need are books, boxes, tape and a little bit of time.

When I heard about it from my friend Gina, we decided to check it out and see if we could do something. After all, what a terrific idea, the books will be passed around and benefit many.

We started a drive at work and within a week we shipped four boxes, and by Friday afternoon we had enough books for a couple more shipments.

Once you register, you get a set of names and list of preferred genres. We were able to ship sixteen books per box. Because we had actual names of soldiers it became a bit more personal.

I had a lot of fun going through the books and see what people read. We had Ludlum, Patterson, Brown, the usual suspects. But we also had a few classics and mid list authors. A nice rounded selection.

This will be an on-going effort, as long as we have books, we'll ship them out.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris

The Island of Delos by Margot Justes

About a thirty minute ferry ride from Mykonos is the island of Delos. And what an island it is.

Uninhabited, that is not exactly true-there are approximately 25 people living there), but they are either archeologists or security personnel.

The island is bare, there are no snack shops, no hotels, no restaurants, the wind can whip up in a quick frenzy, it is in fact quite desolate. There is a museum where you can buy books and other Delos souvenirs, but that is the extent of the touristy trade.

What makes this island unique are the ruins. Amazing ruins. The whole island is covered with them. It is an immense site and one not easily forgotten.

Delos is said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Archeological traces indicate the island was inhabited as early as 3000 B.C. Some of the ruins are so well preserved that you can actually imagine what the structures looked like and how they were utilized.

From the Doric Temple of Isis to the Archaic Lions, the mosaic floors, the sites are truly inspiring.

Off the beaten path, I observed an archeologist crouched on a low portable chair, a pad and pencil in hand as he meticulously measured something on the ground and then put it on paper. I snuck up on him and watched as he quietly continued his research. Time stood still and the serenity on the island was disturbed only by the fierce wind.

If you ever find yourself in Mykonos, do take the time to visit Delos. I promise, you will not be disappointed, you will in fact be enthralled. Wear comfortable shoes, the terrain is brutal.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris

Mykonos by Margot Justes

The water lapping the shore, the beaches along the coast primed for tourists, the cafes and restaurants all facing the deep blue water, the caress of a gentle breeze, the radiant sun warming your soul; all is well with the world. At least the world of Mykonos.

I only spent about three very short hours in Mykonos, but they were memorable hours. I walked the length of the beach in the center of town and of course stopped in the obligatory shops, just because you have to stop, it's the touristy thing to do, and never let it be said I'm not a tourist. Nor were the cafes neglected, just in case there were any questions about my coffee addiction, I happen to love Greek coffee, sweet. Very sweet.

It has been said that Mykonos is one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. It's history is vague, but somewhere around 1207 and 1390 the island was ceded to Ghisi family. There is also a record that at some point in time the inhabitants turned to piracy. By the 18th century the island established an economic presence and today tourists provide a great deal of economic prosperity. Of course there is more to the rich and vibrant island, but I'm only writing a blog.

There are some 400 churches on the island, the most renowned is the Virgin Paraportiani, and of course let's not forget the famous Windmills, as they beckon the ferries, boats, ships and anything else floating in the water. Up close and personal they are huge and oddly welcoming.

Next week, the reason I only spent three hours in Mykonos-the island of Delos-an island like no other.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris