We hear it all the time, it’s almost a cliché when traveling to Europe. The French are rude; give Americans poor service and now they hate us. They hate us for the way we handled the war, for being gas guzzling, overeating Americans.. right?
WRONG – Absolutely wrong. I travel for a living all over the world; scouting new locations for my travel business. Before my most recent trip to Paris I was actually gearing up for the extra rude service, short fuses and maybe a physical attack. I bought a passport cover so when I pulled it out people could not see I was an American… how stupid.
Not only was my paranoia an over reaction, but it was a complete waste of energy and time. The French people were polite, gracious, respectful and at times went out of there way to make me feel at home.
You may be thinking “He travels for a living, he probably dresses like the locals and speaks French” Wrong again; I hardly speak a lick of French and when out and about I look like your average American.
While strolling near the Boulevard Saint-Germain taking pictures, a local noticed I was alone and offered to take a photo of me with my camera. How nice.. how darn nice; I was thrown.
In a restaurant on the Champs-Elysées which is a touristy area, I really expected rude waiters, long stairs and poor service. I got the exact opposite. A friendly waiter who tried his best to accommodate my needs in English and great service despite the fact I was dressed in cargo pants, sandals and a t-shirt from walking around all day.
I began looking for the famous “rude Frenchman” I began sitting in cafes observing tourists, hoping to see something to tell me my good experiences were a fluke. The closest thing I found was a mildly annoyed metro employee… big deal.
I was eager to speak with a French person to get the scoop on the whole “American thing” Later that afternoon one of my scheduled business meetings began at my hotel. I asked the rep I was meeting if we he could take me to a café for coffee to discuss business. This would be my opportunity to corner a local and get the goods. He said “I know of a great café that just opened” so we began to walk the narrow streets of Paris. We arrived to the café and to my astonishment I was taken to Starbucks! Yes, Starbucks. I was thrown into an American institution of the coffee world, smack in the middle of Paris. What better setting to discuss how the French think toward Americans.
After two café lattes, I was enlightened. It all made sense now. The French and many Europeans in general see the people of America separately from their government. They realize that it’s the powers that be that are to blame, not the American people. It really makes sense if you think about it. Europeans have seen themselves separated and in some cases alienated by their own governments for centuries. They see Americans in the same light.
As I walk thought out the city of Paris I am amazed at the number of monuments and institutions dedicated to America. Many people know that there is a smaller copy of the statue of Liberty in Paris, but did you know there are three? Did you know there is an American church or an entire district of the city dedicated to the USA? The 16th district in the heart of the city is the American area of town where more than 25,000 Americans live and are considered a welcome part of the city.
The French people are flabbergasted that Americans may feel they are not welcome. There is a major factor which the current trend has not taken into consideration. The French would not be on the planet if it were not for the Americans and British. This fact its engrained in every French person. America was the savior of their world. During my visit; there was a celebration of the liberation of Paris on August 26, 1944. The city was plastered with photos of American, British and French people celebrating the victory from the tyranny of Hitler.
We must realize that what the US did for Europe and France during the second world war greatly outweighs any adverse statements or disagreements made by the past administrations of both countries.
America the great melting pot, the great hero of Europe needs to rise above the rhetoric, the fear the media throws at us, the negative light and understand they are welcome, wanted and embraced by a society who is still greatly indebted to the good old USA.
If you are a traveler or will be to Europe, please, please let down your guard and you will experience nothing but the crisp air, good food, a bottle of wine, and smile from an old friend from across the world.
Pleasant surprise at a road side inn
Being in the tour operating business; I have seen many hotels, motels, inns, B&B’s, villas and rentals. I think the last time I counted; I may have seen several thousand.
The Coachman Inn in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island was a pleasant surprise for a road side inn. Road side inns gained their popularity in the 1950’s when the route 66 generation hit the roads to explore America. Hundreds upon hundreds of two and three story outside access motels spouted up along roads like dandelions.
These properties are several decades old so many of them can be stricken with “drab from the past syndrome” where flower drapes, old carpet and out of date bed covers abound; but not the Coachman Inn.
When you enter your room; you notice the tasteful upgrades the moment you key in. The double bed presentation was superb with a setup you would find in the Four Seasons with great pillows, textured white linens with a touch of color from a well done throw.
Flat screen TV’s in many rooms, nicely finished loveseat, chair and wood coffee table cluster make the room feel homey. A tiled backsplash kitchenette stocked with all you need to create meal put a nice finishing touch on the room.
The bathroom while dated was done very well and added a retro feel to the updated overall appearance.
Some of the things you don’t expect to see in a road side inn which you do at the Coachman are full toiletries including shoe shine cloth, good quality shampoos, lotions and very nice heavy towels.
The lobby is well done with high quality furniture and an amazing lobby bathroom (the kind you wish you had in your room) several flat screens and a few gas fireplaces; again not what you would expect to see in a road side inn. Elizabeth, the weekend front desk person was friendly, very organized and gave us great suggestions for family walks, outside adventures, shopping and dining recommendations.
The breakfast is more than you would expect with eggs, good coffee selection, cereals, English muffins and their own homemade biscuits and gravy. The breakfast room is quite small so try to go early or late so you aren’t bumping elbows with your fellow “inners”
During our visit in February the pool was closed but the Jacuzzi was open, clean and welcoming.
Another impressive element of this road side inn was the usually barren spaces in the parking lot. Those “islands” of parking barriers and grass strips were all well groomed landscapes with lovely planters, well manicured flowers, plants and what seemed to be Bonsai’s.
The Coachman Inn is located just down the road from Deception Pass State Park which is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. The park is outstanding for breath-taking views, old-growth forests and abundant wildlife; the inn makes a great base location to see this amazing park.
Don’t expect any views, business centers or room service but what you can expect is a great road side inn that delivers way more than expected and one that is located on a great island near amazing outdoor activities.
The Coachman Inn can be booked with special Travel 4 Real pricing by contacting us at info@travel4real.com or by calling 425-355-3711
Amazing Cooking Tour in Abruzzo Region Italy
Days/Nights: 7days - 6 nights | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
So you like cooking? Want to experience the real Italy in a way that explores the foods, ingredients and flavors of the local area while participating in hands on cooking classes with local professionals? Well Italy 4 Real’s cooking courses are custom designed and hand selected for their quality, experience and support local growers, markets and producers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Florence, Italy Apartment Rental. 22 New Flats in City Center
New large Florence apartment rentals. 22 different apartments located in historical center. 1-8 people 1-3 bedroom. New construction, Secured parking on site, Internet, AC, Laundry, private courtyard. Cost less than many hotels. Book online now at http://www.italy4real.com/florence_italy_apartment_rental.php
Travel 4 Real Radio Show March 1st, 2010
Listen to the latest Travel 4 Real Radio Broadcast. In this show we discuss the new lie-flat seats in coach class, packing ideas and a review of the BIT trade fair in Milan, Italy
http://www.travel4realradio.com/Download/Travel4realradio_03_01_10.mp3
2010 BIT Trade Fair in Milan with Italy 4 Real
The largest Italian travel product exhibition in the world; the International Tourism Exchange or better known as the BIT is held in Milan each year.
Italy is impressively represented with nearly all known tourist products, regions, provinces, municipalities and operators; each having impressive and sometimes massive displays.
Craftsman and artisans from throughout Italy come to promote their regions historic past with live demonstrations throughout the venue.
While Italy is the main focus of the BIT; the fair is also an international presentation of tourism worldwide with over 150 countries represented. Each country presents it best products for buyers from around the world.
The first BIT debuted in 1985 and since then has become one of the most important travel fairs in the world. Held in 8 pavilions that span 57,000 square meters the BIT pulls impressive numbers. The four day event involves over 153,000 visitors including 100,000 professional operators from 150 countries. 3,400 journalists produce 4,000 articles, 100 TV broadcasts and 18 live radio broadcasts from the show.
Italy is impressively represented with nearly all known tourist products, regions, provinces, municipalities and operators; each having impressive and sometimes massive displays.
Craftsman and artisans from throughout Italy come to promote their regions historic past with live demonstrations throughout the venue.
While Italy is the main focus of the BIT; the fair is also an international presentation of tourism worldwide with over 150 countries represented. Each country presents it best products for buyers from around the world.
This year’s event included BIT “sport land” dedicated to open air sport tourism with a focus on three outdoor sports; golf cycling and mountain biking.
The fair includes one of the most productive elements called “buy Italy” which is in its 25th year and is the most important workshop for Italian tourism products. The two day workshop is a meeting point for 2,200 sellers and 540 international buyers from over 55 countries.
Travel 4 Real is the parent company of superior travel products such as www.Italy4Real.com , www.greece4Real.com and www.france4real.com . Travel 4 Real can provide 360 degrees of booking coverage for Europe, North and South America.
Travel 4 Real Selected as Top 50 Women Owned Businesses in Washington State
TRAVEL 4 REAL, LLC has been selected as one of the Top 50 Women Owned Businesses in Washington by DiversityBusiness.com.
Travel 4 Real owner; Deborah de Maio has distinguished herself as one of the top entrepreneurs in the country and are most deserving of this award and recognition.
Over 650,000 businesses in the United Sates had the opportunity to participate in the 10th annual business survey. The awards are based on annual gross revenue and the business profile.
This award is the basis of the annual "Top Business List" which is seen by over 15 million people and is used by Fortune 500 companies and large buying organizations to find new business partners.
The list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the United States economy - America's privately held companies. This esteemed, elite list is coveted by the most successful companies in the U.S. The list has become the most recognized and respected compilation of companies that truly differentiate themselves in the market place in a time when doing so has never been more important.
As an award winner Travel 4 Real will be honored at the "10th Annual National Business Awards Ceremony and Conference". The event on April 27 - April 29, 2010 brings together America 's "Top Business Owners" and the "Top Fortune 500" companies for promoting business opportunities. Attendance is expected to top 1200. The ceremony and conference will be held at Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center in Washington, D.C.
About Travel 4 Real
Travel 4 Real is DMC (Destination Management Company) and tour operator committed to providing you with the highest quality and most unique travel experience available. Travel 4 Real LLC is the parent company of some of the most unique travel brands available such as: Italy 4 Real, France 4 Real,
Greece 4 Real and Brazil 4 Real just to name a few.
Each travel resource is a dedicated treasure trove of information, services and solutions for any travel need. Each brand offers completely customizable travel solutions, escorted tours and detailed information to research the perfect trip.
Travel 4 Real corporate philosophy is to provide the public and corporate sectors with destination management, event planning and travel resources through our network of travel brands.
Travel 4 Real practices and promotes the Global Code of Ethics of Tourism which has official recognition by the UN General Assembly through its resolution A/RES/56/212.
Travel 4 Real’s dedicated tourism resources are committed to the sustainable development of tourism for all. It is our obligation to provide tourists with objective and honest information on our places of destination and on the conditions of travel, hospitality and stays and that we ensure that the contractual clauses proposed to our customers are readily understandable as to the nature, price and quality of the services we provide - this is what "real" travel is all about.
Owned by mother and son; Deborah de Maio & Rem Malloy with headquarters in Everett, Washington and satellite offices in Italy, France and Greece.
Travel 4 Real owner; Deborah de Maio has distinguished herself as one of the top entrepreneurs in the country and are most deserving of this award and recognition.
Over 650,000 businesses in the United Sates had the opportunity to participate in the 10th annual business survey. The awards are based on annual gross revenue and the business profile.
This award is the basis of the annual "Top Business List" which is seen by over 15 million people and is used by Fortune 500 companies and large buying organizations to find new business partners.
The list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the United States economy - America's privately held companies. This esteemed, elite list is coveted by the most successful companies in the U.S. The list has become the most recognized and respected compilation of companies that truly differentiate themselves in the market place in a time when doing so has never been more important.
As an award winner Travel 4 Real will be honored at the "10th Annual National Business Awards Ceremony and Conference". The event on April 27 - April 29, 2010 brings together America 's "Top Business Owners" and the "Top Fortune 500" companies for promoting business opportunities. Attendance is expected to top 1200. The ceremony and conference will be held at Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center in Washington, D.C.
About Travel 4 Real
Travel 4 Real is DMC (Destination Management Company) and tour operator committed to providing you with the highest quality and most unique travel experience available. Travel 4 Real LLC is the parent company of some of the most unique travel brands available such as: Italy 4 Real, France 4 Real,
Greece 4 Real and Brazil 4 Real just to name a few.
Each travel resource is a dedicated treasure trove of information, services and solutions for any travel need. Each brand offers completely customizable travel solutions, escorted tours and detailed information to research the perfect trip.
Travel 4 Real corporate philosophy is to provide the public and corporate sectors with destination management, event planning and travel resources through our network of travel brands.
Travel 4 Real practices and promotes the Global Code of Ethics of Tourism which has official recognition by the UN General Assembly through its resolution A/RES/56/212.
Travel 4 Real’s dedicated tourism resources are committed to the sustainable development of tourism for all. It is our obligation to provide tourists with objective and honest information on our places of destination and on the conditions of travel, hospitality and stays and that we ensure that the contractual clauses proposed to our customers are readily understandable as to the nature, price and quality of the services we provide - this is what "real" travel is all about.
Owned by mother and son; Deborah de Maio & Rem Malloy with headquarters in Everett, Washington and satellite offices in Italy, France and Greece.
Download the latest Travel 4 Real Radio Show Feb 8th, 2010
Hi everyone you can download this weeks show. Take a listen and let us know what you think
http://www.travel4realradio.com/Download/Travel4realradio_Feb_08_10.mp3
Download the latest Travel 4 Real Radio broadcast Feb 1, 2010
Hi everyone you can download todays show. Take a listen and let us know what you think
http://www.travel4realradio.com/Download/travel4realradio_feb_1_2010.mp3
Travel 4 Real – Your Ticket to Ride the World radio show is one of the most entertaining, informative and funny radio broadcasts about travel and life. Hosted by a mother and son travel team who are professional guides, lecturers and founders of Travel 4 Real LLC; Deborah de Maio
& Rem Malloy.
Broadcast by KLAY 1180am and part of the USA Radio Network; Travel 4 Real Radio offers a new prospective on the travel industry with commentary on current events, destination reviews, the latest travel deals, local events, international travel, and suggestions for planning your own vacation. The show gives our listeners the practical information not found in guide books to help them plan any trip across the world or in their own back yard.
Visit the show website: http://www.travel4realradio.com/
Visit all of our travel products
ITALY4REAL.COM http://www.italy4real.com is the premier source for information and travel services to Italy. Featuring over 100 pages of info to research your trip, fantastic escorted tours, unique sightseeing and the ability to connect LIVE online to an Italy travel planning expert for FREE
GREECE4REAL.COM http://www.greece4real.com Athens or Santorini, Ios or Rhodes? Greece 4 Real offers a select group of escorted tours and custom trip planning options to spark your imagination and help you plan the perfect trip and live life as a Greek!
FRANCE4REAL.COM http://www.france4real.com How about getting out of Paris on you next trip to France? France 4 Real offers the solo traveler to France custom trip planning options to spark your imagination and help you plan the perfect trip. Sightseeing , Paris apartments, Normandy and more!
BRAZIL4REAL.COM http://www.brazil4real.com Brazil is the host the 2016 Olympic Games and we’re ready with a selection of custom designed tours from Copacabana Beach to the Amazon rain forest.
Travel 4 Real Radio Show Jan 25th Listen Now
The Travel 4 Real Radio show on KLAY 1180 in the Seattle radio market show number 001 can be heard at http://www.travel4realradio.com/Download/travel4realradio_CL_interview.mp3
Travel 4 Real – Your Ticket to Ride the World radio show is one of the most entertaining, informative and funny radio broadcasts about travel and life. Hosted by a mother and son travel team who are professional guides, lecturers and founders of Travel 4 Real LLC; Deborah de Maio
& Rem Malloy.
Broadcast by KLAY 1180am and part of the USA Radio Network; Travel 4 Real Radio offers a new prospective on the travel industry with commentary on current events, destination reviews, the latest travel deals, local events, international travel, and suggestions for planning your own vacation. The show gives our listeners the practical information not found in guide books to help them plan any trip across the world or in their own back yard.
For information and airing schedules visit http://www.travel4realradio.com/index.html
Sign up for a email reminder to listen to Travel 4 Real Radio LIVE
Sign up on this link for a email reminder to be sent as the radio show goes LIVE on Monday Jan 25th Click HERE to sign up to listen!
For more information on the show go to: www.travel4realradio.com
For more information on the show go to: www.travel4realradio.com
Travel 4 Real Radio Show Starts January 25th, 2010
Starts January 25th! Travel 4 Real - Your Ticket to Ride the World is a compelling, entertaining, funny and informative travel related broadcast on KLAY 1180 am in the Seattle radio market. KLAY 1180 is part of the USA Radio Network.Hosted by a mother and son travel team who are professional guides, lecturers and founders of Travel 4 Real LLC; Deborah de Maio & Rem Malloy.
Broadcast by KLAY 1180am and part of the USA Radio Network; Travel 4 Real Radio offers a new prospective on the travel industry with commentary on current events, destination reviews, the latest travel deals, local events, international travel, and suggestions for planning your own vacation. The show gives our listeners the practical information not found in guide books to help them plan any trip across the world or in their own back yard.
Broadcast by KLAY 1180am and part of the USA Radio Network; Travel 4 Real Radio offers a new prospective on the travel industry with commentary on current events, destination reviews, the latest travel deals, local events, international travel, and suggestions for planning your own vacation. The show gives our listeners the practical information not found in guide books to help them plan any trip across the world or in their own back yard.
Visit: http://www.travel4realradio.com for show schedule and times.
Travel 4 Real given an "A" rating by The Better Business Bureau
Travel 4 Real the parent company of travel brands such as http://www.italy4real.com and http://www.greece4real.com has been given the second highest rating a business can receive by The Better Business Bureau.
Travel 4 Real is proud that they have achieved this goal in serving its customers.
Christmas Day Terrorist Attack Creates Safest Time to Travel
December 25th, 2009 created the safest environment so far for air travelers since 9/11 after Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab went through airport security with hidden explosives on his body in an unsuccessful terrorist attempt.
I recently heard someone say “the best time to eat at a restaurant is after it has been closed by the health board” It makes complete sense; after a big slip up, things get fixed.
After September 11th global air traveler security measures took a huge leap forward as new technologies and screening techniques were deployed.
The recent botched attempt just took the “terrorist to do list” and made it even smaller and harder to accomplish.
Every time vulnerability is discovered it makes it that much harder to try again; and eventually terrorists may not even look at airliners again as possible targets.
Terrorists know they can’t get anything in passengers’ luggage since the Lockerby attack; they know they can’t get in the cockpit since 9/11.
The latest failed attempt now takes “items hidden on the body” off the list. There’s not a whole lot left in the terrorist handbook in the chapter on airplanes which makes it that much safer for flyers like you and me.
Airports and airlines around the world have begun the most stringent security measures in airline history; making the future of air travel the safest so far.
Dutch airport authorities plan to make new, more sensitive passenger scanners mandatory and legislation is underway to place them in US airports as soon as possible.
The airline and security industries may look to countries like Israel for advice and to learn how the Israelis keep air travel safe into and out of their country. No flight out of Israel has ever been hijacked; which means no terrorist has ever gotten on a plane there.
Passengers boarding flights at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport go through a series of interviews before even reaching the ticket counter. This type of pre flight hassle has become the norm and has created the toughest security and safest flights anywhere.
While these measures may create a hassle for travelers, after the excitement is over a “new normal” will be created for the security line at the worlds airports. A small price to pay for knowing your safe while flying.
So before you reconsider that flight to Europe this summer take a moment and ask yourself “if I were a terrorist, would I try anything now?” … enjoy your flight.
Travel 4 Real Adopts The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET)
In an effort to support sustainable tourism and responsible industry standards; Travel 4 Real and its family of travel brands have adopted the United Nations Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
Travel 4 Real is practices the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism which sets a frame of reference for the responsible and sustainable development of world tourism. It draws inspiration from many similar declarations and industry codes that have come before and it adds new thinking that reflects our changing society at the beginning of the 21st century.
With international tourism forecast to reach 1.6 billion arrivals by 2020, members of the World Tourism Organization believe that the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism is needed to help minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and on cultural heritage while maximizing the benefits for residents of tourism destinations.
The Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET) is a comprehensive set of principles whose purpose is to guide stakeholders in tourism development: central and local governments, local communities, the tourism industry and its professionals, as well as visitors, both international and domestic.
The Code was called for in a resolution of the UNWTO General Assembly meeting in Istanbul in 1997. Over the following two years, a special committee for the preparation of the Global Code of Ethics was formed and a draft document was prepared by the Secretary-General and the legal adviser to UNWTO in consultation with UNWTO Business Council, UNWTO's Regional Commissions, and the UNWTO Executive Council.
The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development meeting in New York in April, 1999 endorsed the concept of the Code and requested UNWTO to seek further input from the private sector, non-governmental organizations and labor organizations. Written comments on the code were received from more than 70 UNWTO Member States and other entities. The resulting 10 point Global Code of Ethics for Tourism - the culmination of an extensive consultative process- was approved unanimously by the UNWTO General Assembly meeting in Santiago in October 1999.
The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), in its substantive session of July 2001, adopted a draft resolution on the Code of Ethics and called on the UN General Assembly to give recognition to the Code. The official recognition by the UN General Assembly to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism came on 21 December 2001, through its resolution A/RES/56/212, by which it further encouraged the World Tourism Organization to promote an effective follow-up of the Code.
Download a copy of the Tourism Global Code of Ethics
Download in PDF format the text of the Code translated into national/local languages by the following countries/regions or territories
The Code includes nine articles outlining the "rules of the game" for destinations, governments, tour operators, developers, travel agents, workers and travellers themselves. The tenth article involves the redress of grievances and marks the first time that a code of this type will have a mechanism for enforcement.
ARTICLE 1
Tourism's contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies
ARTICLE 2
Tourism as a vehicle for individual and collective fulfilment
ARTICLE 3
Tourism, a factor of sustainable development
ARTICLE 4
Tourism, a user of the cultural heritage of mankind and contributor to its enhancement
ARTICLE 5
Tourism, a beneficial activity for host countries and communities
ARTICLE 6
Obligations of stakeholders in tourism development
ARTICLE 7
Right to tourism
ARTICLE 8
Liberty of tourist movements
ARTICLE 9
Rights of the workers and entrepreneurs in the tourism industry
ARTICLE 10
Implementation of the principles of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism
Trust your travel services with Travel 4 Real; a company that supports sustainable and responsible tourism practices for its clients and its destinations.
Visit all of the Travel 4 Real travel brands now:
Boycott Italy for Amanda Knox, NO WAY
The intensive trial of Amanda Knox in Perugia, Italy has been a long and complicated process that on December 5th, 2009 resulted in a 26 year sentence in prison for the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher.
Since the sentencing there has been a small movement to boycott Italy as a protest to the trial result. Twitter, Facebook members and famous figures such as Donald Trump have taken on the cause of the boycott.
While boycotting may be a traditional method of getting your voice heard; in this particular case it is the most ridiculous and absurd way to support Amanda Knox or get the attention of the powers that be in Italy.
- Italy is the #1 tourist destination in the world and the impact of an Amanda Knox boycott would only produce a ripple in the sea of tourists who flock to Italy from all over the world.
- Italians don’t boycott and don’t respond to boycotting. Boycotts only work in societies that recognize them. Italians respond to face to face negotiation and have for centuries.
- An Italy boycott will hurt Americans more than it will anyone else. So what does “boycott Italy” mean? Stop going to Olive Garden? Stop buying olive oil and pasta at the supermarket? Stop traveling to Italy? Return all of your Italian shoes to the store? All these options hurt business owners, employees and organizations here in America.
- A lovely young person; Meredith Kercher was brutally murdered and Amanda Knox was her roommate. In American courts the saying “beyond a reasonable doubt” is the gauge used to determine innocence or guilt. No matter if you think Amanda is innocent there was a murder and her involvement is foggy at best.
Historically boycotts surround cut and dry issues such as African Americans during the US civil rights movement (notably the Montgomery Bus Boycott) the movement that advocated "disinvestment" in South Africa during the 1980s in opposition to that country's apartheid regime. When a person is murdered in cold blood there may or may not be extenuating circumstances that lead to a result; it is far from cut and dry, right or wrong and in the Knox case we don’t know enough to boycott an entire country.
The Italian justice system may be a factor in the verdict, but boycotting Italy is not a way to be heard. Italians are strong and proud people who stick by their decisions no matter if they are right or wrong. The way to get an Italian to change their mind is to speak to them on an eye to eye level; threatening them will only result in a deadlock.
Those that propose a boycott of Italy are ignorant and if they took the time to understand how Italians work they can put their energy and intentions to good use.
Here are some useful ways of protesting the Amanda Knox sentence in a way that Italians will hear.
- Travel to Italy and submit your protest in person. Don’t go over in a WTO sit in the street until the police drag you away method, but go to the courthouse and submit a letter in person of your protest. Local authorities who realize that someone came across the world to give a letter of protest in a respectful way will be heard much louder than a few less tourists in town.
- If you can’t afford to go in person then write letters, post video commentaries and write blog posts but BE RESPECTFUL and don’t use threatening verbiage. Imagine you are a hostage, would you go to your captures and say “listen if you don’t let me go, I’m going to (put your favorite threat here) compared to “I see why you are doing this but here are my reasons why you might let me go. See the difference?
It’s time for fresh thinking. It’s time to negotiate. Americans, business owners and the travel industry have been bludgeoned almost to death with the economy, war and uncertainty; let’s not throw a boycott boomerang that will just come back to hit us while we are down.
Small Group Trip to Greece April 2010
Big Fat Greek Trip | |||||||||
Prices per person | ||
| Single | Double | Triple |
| $2,300.00 | $1,999.00 | $1,799.00 |
Italy 4 Real now rents Ferrari's by the hour in Tuscany, Italy
Want to drive a $320,000 dollar super car? Well now you can. Only Italy 4 Real can offer Ferrari rentals by the hour in Tuscany. A great and thrilling addition to any trip. Get behind the wheel of a Ferrari F430 F1 for one hour as you twist and turn through the Tuscan countryside. insurance included, valid drivers license required. 3 hour also available. More info here: http://www.italy4real.com/index.php?mainpage=products_info&pID=115
See a video of a drive around the Ferrari Factory in Maranello, Italy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vKSQt3GOPg
See a video of a drive around the Ferrari Factory in Maranello, Italy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vKSQt3GOPg
Italy 4 Real Video on Q13 Fox News Affliate Page
Check out our latest video on a new attraction in Rome; Ancient Rome in 3D http://community.q13fox.com/_Rome-in-3D/VIDEO/849753/107435.html?widgetId=228930
Ferrari F430 Fun Run Around Ferrari Factoy Italy 4 Real
Need another reason to see a cool Ferrari video? We didn't think so
Top 5 Reasons to Travel This Holiday Season
The economy, recession and unemployment are all good reasons not to travel this holiday season, but there are some pretty good reasons as well to get away and play.
1. Prices will never be lower. Historically travel overall has never been the less expensive, many companies including airlines, hotels and tour operators have drastically lowered pricing to encourage travelers to take to the roads, seas and sky’s. In the near future not only will prices go back to pre-recession levels but will likely increase to compensate for lost revenue over the last year.
2. Travel clears your head. No matter if you journey a few miles from home for a weekend getaway or travel 10,000 miles; travel gets you out of the daily grind and gives you a new perspective on your current situation. By going outside your bubble, it gives you the opportunity to look around and think a different way about the daily life. Getting away may give you a perspective on your life that you couldn't see before within the walls of your own home. If you're one of the many Americans who is unemployed or is struggling in this economy a simple road trip within 100 miles of your house to see something in nature, to visit a museum, to get out of the daily grind of worry is a great benefit to the ability to think your way out of a situation that you find yourself.
3. Experiences are more valuable than possessions. A study by Ryan Howell, assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University found that experiences make us happier than possessions. That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day. Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred. Giving the gift of travel this holiday season will reap rewards much longer than another pair of socks.
4. Reconnect with friends and family. Pricing for travel has never been so low so now is the time to reconnect with old college friends or family members you haven't seen in many years. This is a great opportunity to reach rekindle the bond of friendship and family through the amazing offers you can find for travel in the United States and abroad. During this holiday season hotels and resorts are offering complementary nights as well as dining perks during your visit. The back to back holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and Quanza combined with overall industry savings makes a short holiday very reasonable.
5. Contribute to economic recovery. Stimulus, stimulus, stimulus; these are the words we hear every second on TV and read in every other page of our newspapers. The concept is simple, spend money and the economy will improve. The travel and hospitality industries are some of the hardest hit by the economic downturn. There is no better time to support your local economy by going for a trip, calling your local travel agent or booking a hotel for a romantic evening away from home. It is only by working together that we will all benefit from recovery.
Rem Malloy is owner and President of http://www.travel4real.com a tour operator and custom trip planning company with offices in USA and Europe. Visit the site for information and ideas for planning your own trip for the holidays
1. Prices will never be lower. Historically travel overall has never been the less expensive, many companies including airlines, hotels and tour operators have drastically lowered pricing to encourage travelers to take to the roads, seas and sky’s. In the near future not only will prices go back to pre-recession levels but will likely increase to compensate for lost revenue over the last year.
2. Travel clears your head. No matter if you journey a few miles from home for a weekend getaway or travel 10,000 miles; travel gets you out of the daily grind and gives you a new perspective on your current situation. By going outside your bubble, it gives you the opportunity to look around and think a different way about the daily life. Getting away may give you a perspective on your life that you couldn't see before within the walls of your own home. If you're one of the many Americans who is unemployed or is struggling in this economy a simple road trip within 100 miles of your house to see something in nature, to visit a museum, to get out of the daily grind of worry is a great benefit to the ability to think your way out of a situation that you find yourself.
3. Experiences are more valuable than possessions. A study by Ryan Howell, assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University found that experiences make us happier than possessions. That's in part because the initial joy of acquiring a new object, such as a new car, fades over time as people become accustomed to seeing it every day. Experiences, on the other hand, continue to provide happiness through memories long after the event occurred. Giving the gift of travel this holiday season will reap rewards much longer than another pair of socks.
4. Reconnect with friends and family. Pricing for travel has never been so low so now is the time to reconnect with old college friends or family members you haven't seen in many years. This is a great opportunity to reach rekindle the bond of friendship and family through the amazing offers you can find for travel in the United States and abroad. During this holiday season hotels and resorts are offering complementary nights as well as dining perks during your visit. The back to back holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and Quanza combined with overall industry savings makes a short holiday very reasonable.
5. Contribute to economic recovery. Stimulus, stimulus, stimulus; these are the words we hear every second on TV and read in every other page of our newspapers. The concept is simple, spend money and the economy will improve. The travel and hospitality industries are some of the hardest hit by the economic downturn. There is no better time to support your local economy by going for a trip, calling your local travel agent or booking a hotel for a romantic evening away from home. It is only by working together that we will all benefit from recovery.
Rem Malloy is owner and President of http://www.travel4real.com a tour operator and custom trip planning company with offices in USA and Europe. Visit the site for information and ideas for planning your own trip for the holidays
Italy 4 Real helps make teen’s wish to tour Italy come true -- Make-A-Wish Foundation teams up with local travel company
Italy 4 Real helps make teen’s wish to tour Italy come true
-- Make-A-Wish Foundation teams up with local travel company --
SEATTLE–Italy 4 Real, a Pacific Northwest-based travel company specializing in small
group tours to Italy and Europe, was approached by the Make-A-Wish Foundation® to
grant a local teen her dream to experience Italy. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a
national non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening
medical conditions.
“Italy 4 Real is proud to partner with the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said Deborah de Maio, chief executive officer at Italy 4 Real. “If we can play a part in realizing the dream of a young girl who has gone through so much in her life, then we feel we’ve accomplished something good and meaningful.”
Italy 4 Real is a local tour company that offers exclusive small group tours to Italy of 16 guests or less, visiting handpicked locations, quaint inns, with unique itineraries.
Seventeen-year-old Brittany Fugatt, who has end-stage renal disease, will depart from
Seattle on June 26 and return July 7. Brittany’s wish is to travel to Italy with her family to experience its rich history and culture. Her trip includes a tour through Venice, Florence and Rome where the family will visit the forum, the ruins and the coliseum.
“Also, while I’m in Italy, I would like to look around the small markets and stuff like that; the whole touristy thing” said Brittany. “I would also like to do a little bit of shopping cause you have to get leather in Italy.”
”While the special memories of a wish experience cannot be measured in dollars and
cents, it can cost thousands of dollars to grant each wish,” said Sandra Pérez, Make-A Wish communications manager. “Yet, thanks to all our donors and volunteers, no child who qualifies for a wish is turned away.”
According to Jill Dean, Make-A-Wish wish coordinator, Italy 4 Real has expertly
organized all the details of Brittany’s upcoming vacation.
“They have been wonderful to work with,” said Dean. “I am so impressed with their
professionalism and the contacts they have in Italy. No request has been too big or too small. We were very lucky to find them.”
About The Make-A-Wish Foundation®
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. It is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, with dozens of chapters across the United States and its territories and international affiliates on five continents. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 100,000 wishes to children around the world since 1980. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.northwestwishes.org or call 800-304-WISH.
About Italy 4 Real Tours, Llc.
Italy 4 Real, www.italy4real.com, is a subsidiary of Pacific Northwest-based travel
company; Travel 4 Real specializing in small group tours, custom itinerary and event
planning to Europe. Owned and operated by mother and son team, Deborah de Maio
and Rem Malloy, Italy 4 Real brings the history and culture of Italy to life.
Each tour is hand picked -- every hotel, room and restaurant. On its 13-day tour,
travelers are escorted by the owners of the company who make certain the highest
quality and customer service is received. Italy 4 Real is focused on providing travelers with a unique experience at a reasonable price without hidden costs.
-- Make-A-Wish Foundation teams up with local travel company --
SEATTLE–Italy 4 Real, a Pacific Northwest-based travel company specializing in small
group tours to Italy and Europe, was approached by the Make-A-Wish Foundation® to
grant a local teen her dream to experience Italy. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a
national non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening
medical conditions.
“Italy 4 Real is proud to partner with the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” said Deborah de Maio, chief executive officer at Italy 4 Real. “If we can play a part in realizing the dream of a young girl who has gone through so much in her life, then we feel we’ve accomplished something good and meaningful.”
Italy 4 Real is a local tour company that offers exclusive small group tours to Italy of 16 guests or less, visiting handpicked locations, quaint inns, with unique itineraries.
Seventeen-year-old Brittany Fugatt, who has end-stage renal disease, will depart from
Seattle on June 26 and return July 7. Brittany’s wish is to travel to Italy with her family to experience its rich history and culture. Her trip includes a tour through Venice, Florence and Rome where the family will visit the forum, the ruins and the coliseum.
“Also, while I’m in Italy, I would like to look around the small markets and stuff like that; the whole touristy thing” said Brittany. “I would also like to do a little bit of shopping cause you have to get leather in Italy.”
”While the special memories of a wish experience cannot be measured in dollars and
cents, it can cost thousands of dollars to grant each wish,” said Sandra Pérez, Make-A Wish communications manager. “Yet, thanks to all our donors and volunteers, no child who qualifies for a wish is turned away.”
According to Jill Dean, Make-A-Wish wish coordinator, Italy 4 Real has expertly
organized all the details of Brittany’s upcoming vacation.
“They have been wonderful to work with,” said Dean. “I am so impressed with their
professionalism and the contacts they have in Italy. No request has been too big or too small. We were very lucky to find them.”
About The Make-A-Wish Foundation®
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. It is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, with dozens of chapters across the United States and its territories and international affiliates on five continents. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 100,000 wishes to children around the world since 1980. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.northwestwishes.org or call 800-304-WISH.
About Italy 4 Real Tours, Llc.
Italy 4 Real, www.italy4real.com, is a subsidiary of Pacific Northwest-based travel
company; Travel 4 Real specializing in small group tours, custom itinerary and event
planning to Europe. Owned and operated by mother and son team, Deborah de Maio
and Rem Malloy, Italy 4 Real brings the history and culture of Italy to life.
Each tour is hand picked -- every hotel, room and restaurant. On its 13-day tour,
travelers are escorted by the owners of the company who make certain the highest
quality and customer service is received. Italy 4 Real is focused on providing travelers with a unique experience at a reasonable price without hidden costs.
Vintage Cars and Lemoncello in Sorrento
This post is from a great friend of www.italy4real.com who is in Italy scouting for the company some great places to stay and great things to do. Thanks Lynn!
Vintage Cars and Lemoncello in Sorrento
Alessandro and Paula take us for a ride in the vintage cars – 1971 Alfa Romeo cars around the streets of Sorrento. It is raining so we could not take the tops down, but the cars were great fun anyway. He has 3 of these cars and several other types for his business of organizing the car rally for www.italy4real.com . Today he takes 2 vintage women for a lovely ride and of course a stop at a local cucina for the 4 course lunch….the hand-rolled pasta with pomedoro sauce is fantastico!
Later in the afternoon we go (by regular car) to the main downtown full of high fashion clothes, stores for beauty products and cosmetics, shoes, produce, pharmacy – all 1 story shops in a busy downtown. We visit 2 or 3 hotels for inspection of facility for future tours to be included in Italy4REAL venue. We stop at a pasticerria for the cappuccino and as we leave the owner follows us into the street to talk our ears off for 20 minutes yak yak yak about himself. He decorates the wedding cakes in his shop and we think he does not get out much beyond that.... Read More
Our last stop is at Villa Oriana Relais – very near the downtown- with a garden full of olive trees and lemon trees. We are served fresh lemonade from those very trees and I begin the exchange of lemoncello recipes with the owner, Maria, who makes the cooking classes in her beautiful kitchen. Her recipe takes only about 10 days, while mine takes about 120 days to soak properly. Of course, you must use the special Sorrento lemons for good lemoncello – it is all about the lemons - and I tell her that I have friends with the lemon tree and get my lemons there ----NOT the store! May be one day we will return and take a cooking class – Raviolis anyone? – and stay at the villa. She has 8 rooms (fitting 2 people each) and a roof-top deck with a spa. Too bad the rain……we could have used a nice hot soak.
This post is from a great friend of www.italy4real.com who is in Italy scouting for the company some great places to stay and great things to do. Thanks Lynn!
Vintage Cars and Lemoncello in Sorrento
Alessandro and Paula take us for a ride in the vintage cars – 1971 Alfa Romeo cars around the streets of Sorrento. It is raining so we could not take the tops down, but the cars were great fun anyway. He has 3 of these cars and several other types for his business of organizing the car rally for www.italy4real.com . Today he takes 2 vintage women for a lovely ride and of course a stop at a local cucina for the 4 course lunch….the hand-rolled pasta with pomedoro sauce is fantastico!
Later in the afternoon we go (by regular car) to the main downtown full of high fashion clothes, stores for beauty products and cosmetics, shoes, produce, pharmacy – all 1 story shops in a busy downtown. We visit 2 or 3 hotels for inspection of facility for future tours to be included in Italy4REAL venue. We stop at a pasticerria for the cappuccino and as we leave the owner follows us into the street to talk our ears off for 20 minutes yak yak yak about himself. He decorates the wedding cakes in his shop and we think he does not get out much beyond that.... Read More
Our last stop is at Villa Oriana Relais – very near the downtown- with a garden full of olive trees and lemon trees. We are served fresh lemonade from those very trees and I begin the exchange of lemoncello recipes with the owner, Maria, who makes the cooking classes in her beautiful kitchen. Her recipe takes only about 10 days, while mine takes about 120 days to soak properly. Of course, you must use the special Sorrento lemons for good lemoncello – it is all about the lemons - and I tell her that I have friends with the lemon tree and get my lemons there ----NOT the store! May be one day we will return and take a cooking class – Raviolis anyone? – and stay at the villa. She has 8 rooms (fitting 2 people each) and a roof-top deck with a spa. Too bad the rain……we could have used a nice hot soak.
This post is from a great friend of www.italy4real.com who is in Italy scouting for the company some great places to stay and great things to do. Thanks Lynn!
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