Italia Day 2-Sorrento

I Completed my first language lesson today at Sorrento Lingue! It was far easier then I expected, thanks to the fun staff. I met people there from ages 20-75, and doing everything from a 1 week course to a month-plus intensive. The school also incorporates activities and excursions into the course if you wish, and tries to foster the student's growth not just in the Italian language but also within Sorrento and Italy as a whole. If you think it's just for 'students' - you are wrong. Everyone has different reasons for learning the language of love, but if you're going to do it right- I would head straight to Sorrento Lingue. The registration procedure was simple, and I even discovered that the Italian Institute in my home city was offering a limited number of bursaries to attend.

The school can also arrange your accommodation, whether it be a student apartment or boarding with a host family. Many of the people I met were boarding with an individual or family to save on hotels or to fully immerse themselves in the language and culture. This can be tricky if the host does not speak any English, but this can also be the best way to learn Italian and to have full immersion.

After class, the group of us went to a restaurant I would have never known existed called "The Foreigners Club" which as you may have guessed by the name, is full of ex-pats. The food is good and cheap, great for gatherings and drinks on the patio, and at night has live music. Right near the waterfront the view alone is worth it.

On return to my hotel I was speaking with the owner and expressed interest in doing additional cooking lessons, and he quickly whisked me off to the main kitchen with head chef to set me up with cooking lessons! I can't wait for tomorrow to see what we're cooking!

Italia Day 1-Sorrento

I arrived to Sorrento this morning to begin my solo journey of eating (lots), praying (hard),and loving (myself first); and I couldn't have received a better welcome than the one I got at Hotel Bristol after a long flight from Toronto to Rome, and Rome to Naples.  http://www.bristolsorrento.com/

The reason I went with this hotel, of the many reasons there are to choose from, was namely the copious amounts of positive reviews I came across on line. Normally I try not to let reviews skew my decision, but it was really hard in this case to come across anything substantially negative. Of course I didn't book solely on this regard, but for my second criteria being a POOL! With the amazing weather this time of year in Italy, I wanted to take full advantage and make sure I get some tan time in amidst the lemon and olive trees, vine and pastries. Oh yea, and Italian Language School!!!

The hotel is located a 10 minute walk into town or the main square-Piazza Tasso. I also needed somewhere close to the school I am attending 'Sorrento Lingue'. It is a 20 minute walk for my language lessons (sans heels...the cobblestone can really kick your ass), however the walk is beautiful winding through narrow streets and pathways down to Marina Grande, the whole time taking in beautiful views of Mt. Vesuvius across the bay.

I have visited Sorrento times previous for cooking classes or a day trip, and have loved the shopping in Piazza Tasso but I haven't spent much time in the city. I am a HUGE fan of Positano on the Amalfi Coast, and usually take the boat or hydrofoil back and forth, so this week should have me learning something new resting my LV's and Loubou's long enough to get to know the place.

Starting with the hotel front desk staff... whoa charmers! Upon check in (Grazie to Giancarlo AKA Mr.Hotel Owner) I was offered my choice of a junior suite with outdoor balcony jacuzzi and full view of the sea and Vesuvius, OR, the Bella Garden Suite hidden up in the ancient gardens behind the hotel, more for honeymooning couples. I decided to go with the jacuzzi suite as it was just a LITTLE too quiet for me up in the gardens, and the villa would have had me hiding in the closet all night with its size and stillness.

Back to check in...the second I walked thru the lobby door I was greeted by all 3 reception staff members instantly as well as the owner himself, who actually owns many notable hotels on the coast. They did not wait a second and whisked me off to choose my room while my luggage etc was taken care of. None of the usual signing in routine that makes you feel like a paying customer, they knew me by name upon arrival and treated me like a family member. When I asked about how to work the in-room safe, Giancarlo took me right away with the hotel manager to teach me how to use it. He also took me on a tour of the hotel showing me the various restaurants and bars, lounges, and amenities. The pool is gorgeous, probably one of the nicest I've seen on the Amalfi Coast-on the top of the 7th floor and overlooking the Bay of Naples. A poolside bar and lunch venue, gorgeous gardens, cabanas and loungers, a small exercise room and a sauna/hot tub combo all spot the property.  These hotels have been in his family for years, and he shows so much pride working more often than not, and maintaining an impeccable staff.

The hotel itself has 3 restaurants. Most of the rooms are modern with flat screen tv's, English channels, mini bars, and bath tubs. As I mentioned before, having a balcony of this size WITH an outdoor jacuzzi bath tub is enough for me to book the room! Combine this with the indoor bath tub, I'm sold! Bath tubs in Europe can be hard to find, so I consider this a score.

The hotel also offers a pick up service, so whereas my flight was into Naples, a driver was waiting in a fresh new Mercedes to deliver me to the hotel- AND at a better rate than any of the other companies or the school I was attending! The driver was so friendly, kept me entertained the hour drive to Sorrento and gave me a history lesson about all the sights we were passing such as Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius.

Keep in mind like Positano in my earlier reviews, the town is in the cliffs and walking, especially on inclines, is common. Heels are going to be difficult, but I have devised a plan around this.... I simply wear a pair of stylish flip flops or flats where I'm going with my heels in my large purse or hand bag, and once where I'm going, I just switch! This actually works well as most of the time I have a larger purse or shopping bag anyways from all the splurging you MUST do here, or in this case I am equipped with a book bag coming and going from language or cooking lessons.

Another reminder, the streets are narrow and often times it seems there is only enough room for 1 car when in fact two will squeeze by AND many pedestrians on both sides of the street. Stay alert and mind the traffic, The main Square does close off to traffic on Sundays but it is otherwise a very busy spot and only seems to get more and more congested each year with growing notoriety.

As I settled in tonight, enjoying a candlelit outdoor jacuzzi on my balcony with a bottle of prosecco, I was sure I made the right decision to come to Sorrento and especially the Hotel Bristol. Especially traveling alone I feel safe and cared for, the staff remaining professional at all times and ensuring that everything is perfect. This is the best way to savour Italy, to make sure you are rested and ready when it is time to taste the food and drink the wine, living like the Italians do for a short while...

Camden Market London!

Last weekend I had the fortunate circumstance of MISSING all the Royal Wedding crap in my opinion, and attending something worthwhile of a serious BUZZ...the Camden Markets in London England!!

My new fav markets for sure, lead by the best tour guide in town- my sis! We trekked out on Saturday to Camden Town in North-West London, Camden is so much bigger than anything I could have ever imagined.
Camden encompasses the Stables Market, the Lock Market, Lock Village, Inverness Street, and the Main Streets, something for everyone here - for real.

Open most days of the week they are always buzzing with crowds of people, the wafting savoury smells from the food stalls flowing over the shops, pubs, stalls, bars, clubs, theatres and stores. Taking the tube here is the best way as the flocks of tourists and Londoners are too hectic to navigate. Heading there during the week is a good idea to avoid the weekend rush, but the rush is also a large part of the vibe and makes the weekend something to look forward to.

You'll find everything from vintage stores to tattoo parlors, bookstores and holistic centers, cafes and pubs, and every kind of food under the sun. If Latex Couture is your thing- they've got it! Micro-dermal anchor/implants and piercings (devil horns anyone?) yup-they've got that too! Happy herbs, sinister ceramics,  Himalayan salts, soy honey porridge, and bacon chowder are just a few things you'll find in this maze of wonders!

Running through the markets is the Regent Canal, making a beautiful backdrop for this food lover/shopper's paradise. Take it all in, taste all the tastes, and savor London!

Ritz Carlton Toronto Spa

While in Toronto this week I decided to be embraced by the new Ritz Spa on Wellington Street, and it did not disappoint!

I am a huge fan of the Ritz's spas, particularly their Eminence line of products and treatments. Not for the Peasant Girl...you'll be forking out good coin to be sloughed, buffed, massaged and oiled.

The facilities are expansive - 23 000 sumptuous space of relaxation. Included are men's and women's relaxation lounges, a co-ed lounge which is called the 'light room', and trust me, it is extremely bright. Definitely not a place to chill in with a hangover by any means, I myself preferred the coziness of the darkened women's relaxation lounge with reclining beds draped in cashmere throws, infused waters and a large selection of teas, dried fruit, and a delicious lunch menu.

I was so impressed with the cleanliness of the spa, and the detail oriented staff who did not miss a beat. I like to leave a water glass or tea cup sitting somewhere in the change room to see how long it takes to be cleaned up when first attending a spa to review: 5 minutes and my glass was gone! Not only was it gone, but there always seemed to be an attendant right around the corner offering me a refresher, or checking to see if I needed anything.

Upon entrance to the spa is the welcoming fragrance which is patchouli, which I am not a fan of. Not a problem. Entering into the women's change room, there is both a sauna AND steam room, both of which were immaculate and steamy hot. The jacuzzi was a full bubbling massage tub with loungers built in, however the temperature was not warm enough for most. Every detail is taken care of, including the great swim suit bags and dryer for your wet suits post-spa'ing. No one likes to leave the spa with a soaking bikini in their purse!

Bottled water and fluffy towels are plenty, and the robes were a thick cotton that you could fall asleep in. I was impressed and surprised when checking in as I am used to being asked what my shoe size is for my slippers, however, here I was not asked but pleasantly presented with my exact shoe size! The attendants took notice when I arrived and made their best guess. These are the kind of people you want on your team during a game of 'guess the jelly beans in the jar'!

To the important stuff: the massage was to die for. A 60 minute aromatherapy massage at $160 CAD, steep for some but to me, the all inclusiveness of the spa was worth every cent. You can make an entire day out of it relaxing, swimming in the lap pool, having lunch or drinks in the lounges or even a nap, steaming yourself or reading a book. Take advantage of your time here and just let it all melt away!

My therapist was considerate and professional, using every minute of our time together to tailor the treatment to my body. I walked out in a daze to a delicious light lunch in the lounge- still not a soul in the spa. The lounges did seem a little stark compared to the other Ritz's I've visited, and maybe with time they will fill out some more, but the peaceful atmosphere soon had more benefit to me than the little extras in interior decoration.

I am a HUGE fan of Ritz spa boutiques for they boast the newest and greatest products on the market. This one however was not well stocked and in time I have faith it too will fill out. Indulge in their bath and body products within the spa, and check out the boutique anyhow and grab a funky yoga CD, organic/Vegan bath products, or whatever happens to be the hot item of the month.

As soon as I get back from Europe I'll be hopping back over to the Ritz to soothe my body from all the stress of traveling!
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Toronto/Spa/Default.htm