What Do You Take Home From Your Travels?

Below: me in Santa Margherita Ligure in a scarf I got in Rome, a hat I got in Chicago, sitting in Villa Durazzo, a 16th-century castle, in a 17th-century park.


The detriment of travel is trying to figure out how to take home the experience with you. Instead of savoring the journey, you often waste time locating the finest wine, coffee, stamps, antiques, perhaps even some cheese—-despite the fact that you may have to learn how to say silly things like “air-tight seal,” or “put a cork in it,” in another language. Over the excruciating years of tearing myself away from a destination, I’ve found my favorite accoutrements to purchase are the ones that will stay with me forever: boots, shoes, a scarf, a jacket, a sweater.

Purchasing clothing goods may seem like an obvious choice for a traveling gal, so I’d like to state—-for the record—-that I do not own name brands, nor do I have a stash of Louis Vuitton and Prada handbags. My purpose for purchasing clothing goods has more to do with being a hopeless romantic and desperately yearning for a specific time and place. Simply smelling the fabric of a wool sweater from a foreign outdoor market recalls quite a few memories and brings about many questions other than the destination: who was I when I bought this? Was I happy Desiree or sad Desiree that day? What happened that year and was that the month that changed my life, or was I just having the time of my life?

Mostly, I find myself defining character moments in these clothes. It is October in Chicago and last night, just before going out, I found a brown sweater jacket with loosely-knit fabric. I threw it on and while warm in its somewhat itchy fur, I thought about December in Torino and the street I’d picked it up from, Via Roma. It was dark, cold and wet, just like last night in Chicago. Although a year later and an ocean over, one very important thing came to mind: last year I began struggling back and forth about a very difficult life decision I had to make. I remember, that despite my umbrella, walking through the cobble-stoned alleyways of Torino left my gray boots and tired feet soaking wet. Yet, while frustrated that I had to continue sloshing through the city for another couple hours before I could return to the hotel and change, I remember being even more frustrated about this decision I could not make.

Almost one year has passed and last month, I finally made that decision. It is difficult. I’m subjected to terrible advice from loving friends and family, like, change is the only constant. Think positively and positive things will happen. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, blah, blah, blah. Often, this advice is not fitting, and I sometimes respond to them with, “Boo” or “Poo.”

But it is fitting, that in another time, in another destination, the weather is the same, and the old Desiree meets the new Desiree, and all because a sweater coat still fits. I get to think about happier things: that trip was the trip I learned about Bicerin, an 18th-century espresso made with chocolate and milk. And it was one of the first times I thought about Gal about the Globe. I visited the Olympic Alps of Piemonte and learned that to make polenta perfectly, you have to stir it slowly for an hour; I learned that polenta and sausage is awesome while dining at Eataly, an amazing food emporium endorsed by Slow Food. I also learned never to buy disposable cameras from airports, and also, I learned that you can find imitation Ugg boots so that when they get soaking wet you don’t feel guilty about throwing away $100.

I still do not like flying. I still do not like flying.

It's Independence Day In Mexico

By Alba Xitlalic

Every September 15th, Mexicans celebrate the famous “Aniversario del Grito de la Independencia”, their independence day. Mexicans everywhere gather together to celebrate, especially in Guadalajara, where I am from.

After 23:00, the night of the 15th, the Major, or governor, performs the ceremony for the Grito de Independencia, where he recites history form the presidential balcony, and the people celebrate with him, watching outside the balcony. At midnight the bells are rung and the fireworks are lit.

Every city district in Guadalajara has a traditional Mexican party, with mariachi, tequila, and a small fair. The event is completely family oriented, where children can ride the mechanical rides, parents can sing-along with the mariachi, and walk thru the plaza, enjoying the firework shows. You may even see some families dressed up as Don Miguel Hidalgo and its escorts, or “adelitas”, ready to fight for independence.

Among college students, it is common to celebrate in a disco, in a more socialite matter. These types of businesses decorate in colors of the Mexican flag, offer promotions, and some may even do an indoor show to entertain their guests.

Either way you decide to celebrate, Grito de Independencia is a party that begins on the 15th and ends on the 16th with a parade downtown, where military, dancers, and schools march along.

Italy's Diamond: Sardinia

I’ve lived in Italy for over three years now, spending my vacations and extended weekends sailing the turquoise shores of Sardinia and cruising inland through its cavernous towns of limestone and granite. And, while I’ve not only explored the island’s treasures TEXAS- style, cruising in my Jeep Liberty from coastline to cross-country, I’ve also truly “felt, smelt, and tasted the real Sardinia.” Unfortunately, this month, National Geographic Traveler featured Sardinia’s “Carefee” Coast, with an author claiming that he bypassed the island’s northern shores of high-profile celebrities, yachts, and resorts, to pursue the western coast and inland towns of locals, shepherds and monks. But, having actually pursued the enchanting island myself, I found that the author never actually left the touristy north at all. So, why not follow me instead, for a real tour of the countryside where sheep really roam the land producing one of Italy’s finest cheese – Percorino Sardo! I’d also like to take you on a few of my many marked adventures, where we’ll actually find some of the “real Sards.”

Sardinia is divided into eight provinces, including its’ capital, Cagliari. Each province offers its own unique adventure, with most visitors kicking off their trip at the port – Golfo di Olbia.

The Province of Olbia-Tempio (OT) and Sassari (SS) include Costa Smeralda, Isola Maddalena (Parco Nazionale dell’ Arcipelago di La Maddalena), Isola Caprera, Costa Paradiso, Santa Teresa Gallura, Stintino and Alghero.

Travelling north, you’ll notice signs and displays with names like Baja Sardinia, Cannigione, Arazachena, Castelsardo and Porto Torres. Each name represents a tiny town, village, beach resort, or a port all intertwined with sharing a part of the coast. The most recognized name will be Porto Cervo, which is synonymous with Costa Smeralda. Yes, this is where the rich and famous “are seen and like to be seen” by paparazzi who make millions hanging out under the sun and doing “their job.” If you’re lucky, you might even see Italy’s Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi. But don’t be afraid to venture out and off the windy road instead! Note: Make sure that at all times, you have a swimsuit handy just in case you feel the deep desire to take in the sun or cool off by jumping right in.

From a distance, you’ll also notice tiny islands that make up the Maddalena Archipelago. La Maddalena is an island that deserves an entire day or two to see and experience. Along with its natural, untouched beauty and its cluster of tiny islands such as Spargi and Budelli, you’ll find the historical aspect of the island interesting. Whether it’s visiting revolutionary Guiseppe Garibaldi’s tombstone on Isola Caprera or spending time walking through one of Garibaldi’s forts, you’ll feel like a “Hero of Two Worlds” when you imagine life on the fort. If nothing else, you’ll enjoy the National Park which is a safe haven for wildlife.

Upon returning to the mainland, continue your adventure. While the island offers many accommodation choices (hotels, hostels, family run establishments, etc), our favorite accommodations are agriturismos. An agriturismo is a farmhouse that turns into a tourist destination for “farm stays” at a budget-friendly price, without sacrificing quality. This is the best way to truly experience the island since everything you eat is grown on or around the farm. And, it’s where Sardinia’s local cuisine is at its finest, as it includes eating porceddu allo spiedo or piglet-on-a-spit. Yes, baby piglet! Don’t worry, Winnie the Pooh won’t blame you for enjoying Sardinian roast sucking piglet. Make sure to compliment the meal with a glass of Cannonau di Sardinida, a very strong red wine made of Cannonau grapes.

After your dinner break, rest up and continue your adventure. Often times you’ll find yourself experiencing the calming island on your own until an adventurous surprise appears, luring you to explore the next hidden limestone cove or bright sandy village. Or—as was the case with my husband and me—a naked man dashes out of nowhere, not only enjoying his own little piece of island, but enjoying the nonchalance of his vulnerable state; at one point my husband and I felt like we were the weird ones for not abandoning our clothes in these parts and claiming our own piece of Sardinia.

Trekking on, you’ll reach one of the wildest places in Sardinia, Capo Caccia. Near the city of Alghero, it’s an ideal place for sports enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys cliff-hangers. Discovered in 1700, Capo Caccia is an underground cave and includes the famous Grotta di Nettuno (2500 m long), which can be reached by sea or foot climbing 656 steps, the Escala del Cabirol. Yes, the 656 steps will leave you breathless, not because of its ambitious climb, but rather because of the stunning view on its horizon! If you muster up the strength to reach the cave you’ll find a natural reserve that stretches three thousand hectares of stalagmites and stalactites. Plus, it includes rare, unique plants that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, like the Paeonia of Gennargentu.

The "Girlfriends" Get Together Again

For those of you living under a rock, or without a radio, Kathy O’Malley and Judy Markey, known as, “the Girlfriends” formerly hosted the mid-morning Kathy and Judy Show on WGN-AM 720 for twenty years. But on May 22, the pair was dismissed, leaving not only a loyal and loving audience, but an endearing career which began in newspaper journalism. To honor their legacy, the Association for Women Journalists – Chicago and the Columbia College Chicago Journalism Department invite you to Kathy and Judy DIRECT: A Conversation with the Girlfriends.

The event is on September 17, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at Columbia College’s Film Row Cinema on 1104 S. Wabash Ave, (8th floor). Ticket admission is only $20 and will benefit the AWJ Scholars Program. However you’ll want to register online soon, as the event is expected to sell out early.

Highlights of the evening will include NPR’s award-winning radio reporter, Cheryl Corley. She’ll start off the conversation and then give the rest of us a chance to ask Kathy and Judy about their career or perhaps life after the show.

During the Girlfriends twenty years on-air, they developed a connection and commitment with their steady fans, as they shared life events, tears and inspiring stories, creating intimate relationships, but more importantly, a family. On their final show, O’Malley stated, “One of the things that radio does is pull people together.” Fortunately, that’s exactly what they expect to do again on September 17, so we hope to see you there!