More from Budapest

I must say, I definitely enjoyed being able to get a pumpkin spice latte while in Budapest! Mmmmm

We found the most amazing gelato place in Budapest! They 'scoop' the ice cream into the cone in the shape of a rose. It's amazing, gorgeous, and artistic. On top of that... the gelato was some of the best I've ever had! If you ever find yourself in Budapest, I highly recommend Gelarto Rosa, address: Szent Istvan ter 3, District 5 - near the Basilica.

There are a few Alexandra Bookstores throughout Budapest... but only one (that I know of) that has this goooogeous bookcafe! Address: Andrassy ut 39, Pest, District 6

Funny enough, right after I took this photo, the power went out! Carrie and I were going to stay for a snack but we were told that they were having power issues and only the packaged, cold beverages and food were available. We were happy to have been able to get a glance at the lovely bookcafe and its ceiling/chandeliers lit up!

We went to a little pho place for lunch. It was delicious. I've missed pho and fresh spring rolls from my time living in Vietnam. Funky Pho, address: Mozsar u. 7

We had to go back again!

The flavors above are pumpkin and oreo. Oreo was my favorite... and pumpkin -- well, I just had to try it!

more from Torino

I mentioned in my previous post how beautiful Torino is... so I'm sharing some more photos   : )   because, basically, I traveled to Torino for one night with just my camera and some cash! (Kidding... but that's pretty much about it.)

I enjoy living in Milano and the special energy that the city has. Torino also have a certain energy to it - different from Milano. Funny now to think how I interviewed with international schools in both Milano and Torino. During my recent visit to Torino, I thought of how I could have been very happy in that city as well. The schools and librarian positions seemed very different from one another and I'm incredibly happy where I currently am but it was interesting to see what could have been. Each choice in life can change so many things for the future.

Walking through Torino was my favorite. Just walking and seeing...

Cute outdoor seating for a cafe:

Another cute outdoor cafe area - literally IN the street:

I read about a really nice arcade in Turino and decided that it was worth seeking out.
Galleria Subalpina really is gorgeous:

AND within Galleria Subalpina is a bookshop! 

La Casa del Libro -- The House of the Book

In the evening, I hiked up to Monte dei Cappuccini (with the Santa Maria di Monte church) to get the view shown below of the Mole Antonelliana... as well as the rest of Torino. Gorgeous!

The Mole Antonelliana is a major landmark in Torino. It was built in the mid-1800's as a synagogue but today is a museum -- the tallest museum in the world! The structure is beautiful and towers over the rest of the city. I was delivered a bonus once I reached the summit, as there was a hot air balloon also enjoying the scenery (seen to the left of the Mole Antonelliana above).

Top of the World Cafe - Kathmandu

Kathmandu definitely has some hidden gems of cafes and restaurants! Within walking distance from Sarah's house... we had lovely dinners each night... and I also enjoyed coffees each day (sometimes twice!) at a great cafe... Top of the World Coffee.

The cafe is beautiful and includes an outdoor sitting area, there is free Wifi, it's all fair trade, the coffee is delicious, the staff is super friendly, and... the cafe has a great atmosphere! I even picked up some coffee to bring back to Italy with me and am still enjoying it.

With Sarah on my last day!

Phil Cafe - Vienna

Vince and I sat and enjoyed coffees in Phil Cafe while enjoying a walk in the city during my second day in Vienna. Phil Cafe is a really cool place... part cafe, part bookstore. A relaxed atmosphere draws a young, hip crowd AND the coffee was local and delicious!

Phil Cafe is on the ground floor of this lovely white building with the spire top:

the table we sat at:

Coffee!

Fabio's cafe - Alba Adriatica, Italy

Our first morning in Alba Adriatica, we took the short drive to the cute cafe where Fabio works (including Gina... and the dog, Jerry, too!). We had cappuccinos and brioches. Deeeelicious! Giacomo, Ylenia, Vincenzo, and Silvana met us there too.

Then we went back to the house for a bit... before heading to Vincenzo and Silvana's for lunch... let the day of eating BEGIN!

Gina and Mario's gorgeous house... just a block for the sea:

(We stayed in the apartment on the ground floor and Gina lives upstairs.)

Saturday cappuccino

I went for a coffee at a cute cafe in town this morning (after bumping into them at the market). It was our first time at this cafe and I really like it... very cute and there are a couple tables outside if you can grab one.

We walked around town a bit after a coffee and a chat... then they went towards their homes and I went to another cafe (hehe)... ordered a cappuccino... and this time took the barista up on his offer of cacao (chocolate). These two photos of are my second cappuccino of the day.

It was lovely to sit outside and read my book. I'm currently reading a great book set in the early 60's in Cinque Terre, Italy... as well as current day in the States... given to me by my good friend, Barb! (...AKA: Lenny's mother-in-law!)

Photo taken from Oprah.com

Seeing as how I live in Opera (pronounced, 'Op-air-ah'... )I think this is appropriate   : )