5 comments about The Pilgrim's Italy: A Travel Guide to the Saints (Colleen Heater).

1. We traveled for a month in Italy and it was wonderful to have this book at our side. Suddenly we would find ourselves in a new area and look up the region in the book, only to find yet another saint we might visit! It is said that you can't hardly throw a rock and not hit a saint in Italy, so one could not possibly expect the book to contain them all. But it is wonderfully researched and leads you to even some back and sleepy places in search of inspiration. I remember taking a side journey on the Amalfi coast in search of one of the saints, which resulted in a most spectacular diversion to our otherwise calculated plans, a wonderful surprise worth finding. I recommend the book if you are interested in finding even some of the magnificent inspiration available in Italy.



2. In 2004 I took a trip to Italy. My intent was to seek out places of high spiritual vibration (due to the historical presence of saints) and to meditate in those places. The Pilgrim's Italy was invaluable in carrying out this vision. Many of the places I visited were off the beaten track and accessible and authentic beyond my imaginings (especially the hermitages associated with St. Francis, about an hour outside Rome). My spiritual life was transformed by my meditations in Italy, and I am forever grateful to the authors for their informative guidance.



3. I just purchased this book and already I'm using it to plan our next trip. The information on how to find the pilgrimage sites, hours, lodging, etc, are thorough and helpful. But more than that, I really enjoy the information on the lives of the saints. If you can't make it to Italy, you can use the book to make a pilgrimage at home by finding a quiet spot and journeying with these saints toward a stronger faith in God. I highly recommend this book.



4. A very good guide if you are going to Italy, and want to venerate the Italian saints during your holiday.



5. This book was an awesome reference on my recent pilgrimage of Catholic Italy with my church. Father Daren and several people asked me if they could use the book during the trip. Made me more spiritually ready as I visited the sacred sites. A lot of information. Thanks!!!

4 comments about Living Abroad in France (Living Abroad).

1. This is the first review I have ever posted on Amazon. This is a book published only last month (Oct. 2005). One of its most outstanding features for someone seriously considering relocation to La Belle France is what appears to be very recent and deailed information (in both Euros and dollars) calculated per square meter for the most part but it has tables for converting to feet) of what it takes to buy or rent in 5 different areas of France that are most popular with foreigners who have been coming to France to live in recent years in large numbers: Paris and its surroundings (Ile-de-France), Normandy and Brittany, Burgundy and the Rhone Valley, the Midi and Languedoc, and (last but not least) Provence and the Cote d'Azur. And he breaks down different towns and cities from the most high priced desirable areas to the least: e.g., in Bordeaux: "Away from the river and in less expensive neighborhoods, the price drops. You can find apartments for 800-1800 Euros ($1080-2430) per square meter. etc.)" This is really impressively detailed for all the areas he discusses and is highly useful information that might be hard to find anywhere else really. Of course, it will become outdated fast, but for latter 2005, this is great stuff to have.
   
   Link gives you some very sensible ideas for planning your fact finding trips, dealing with red tape in France (lots and lots) when you make your move, how to move with kids, pets, the kinds of insurance you need, job hunting, cost of living info, learning French, etc.--in short a very good summary of what it takes to move to this beautiful but ("complex--he didn't know about the riots of October and November 2005) from an American who has lived in the country for (I think) 13 years or so. Other books I have looked at of this kind seem to be written primarily for British expats and fairly youthful ones at that, not Americans, whereas as this one seems to be aimed at us Yanks as well (and the author is after all an American) and not just those who are sent by a corporation to work for a year or two. It's also good for somebody traveling to France and wanting some nice descriptive summaries of different regions of the country. The only thing lacking maybe is that it leaves out certain regions (perhaps for reasons of book size?) in the center of the country that might now be the best bargains. And while it does include a few thumbnail profiles of expats who have made the move, I would have welcomed a few more.
   
   Anyway, if this book is any indication, anyone considering retirement abroad (like me) would do well to invest in the Living Abroad series. I may buy the Italy volume next!



2. Why the need for a specialized title on France when so many general travel books exist for the country? Because it's quite a different matter living in France as opposed to visiting it: there are concerns ranging from legalities and visas, work, and housing to cultural insights necessary to live alongside the French. In Living Abroad In France, author Terry Link begins with the dream and offers a step-by-step progression to achieving its reality, with chapters surveying all aspects of living in France. From regional coverages and insights to financial concerns, nothing is omitted.



3. Book was as described in perfect condition - buy from this seller with confidence.



4. I WOULD LIKE TO DIRECT THIS TO THE AMAZON.
   
   YOU USED TO SHIP OUT YOUR PRODUCTS IN A TIMELY MANNER, NOW, THERE IS A LONG DELAY TO GET ITEMS SHIPPED FROM YOUR COMPANY WHEN YOU OFFER FREE SHIPPING, IT USED TO NOT BE THAT WAY. SECONDLY, YOU SWITCHED YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE TO INDIA AND WHEN TRYING TO DEAL WITH THEM THEY HAVE THE WORST ACCENTS SO ITS REALLY DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND ANYTHING THAT THEY ARE SAYING. TO TOP IT OFF NOW I HAVE TO PAY TAXES ON ANYTHING I ORDER FROM AMAZON.
   
   SO ALL IN ALL, THE SERVICES WENT DOWN THE PRICE WENT UP. NOT A GOOD THING FOR AN ONLINE STORE. I USED TO BE A LOYAL CUSTOMER, I WILL BE LOOKING ELSEWERE TO PURCHASE MY THINGS FROM NOW ON!!
   
   GOOD LUCK AMAZON. YOU CONTINUE TO UNDERMIND YOURSELF, MOST POEPLE WILL LEAVE!

1 comments about The Irish Bed & Breakfast Book.

1. Nothing can give you that home away from home feel like a bed & breakfast. "The Irish Bed & Breakfast Book" is a comprehensive listing of over one hundred and fifty great bed & breakfast locations throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Touting the lodging provided by these locales may be incentive enough to invite people to visit Ireland! "The Irish Bed & Breakfast Book" is a strong consideration for anyone planning a vacation or business trip to Ireland.

2 comments about Barcelona Pocket Pilot Map.

1. I've used these Pocket Pilot maps for years for different cities throughout the world. They work great. They fold down small enough to easily pack in your pocket but still have enough detail to get you around to most addresses. They also list major hotels, major shopping centers, churches and other points of interest which is very helpful as a tourist if you're staying in a larger hotel. They also have a subway map of the city and the subway stops and which lines are served are clearly shown on the city map plus a close approximation of where the entrance/exits are for the subways. They're very durable don't get destroyed by being stuffed into your pockets.



2. This map is the perfect size to carry in a back pocket. Easy to use while walking.

No comments about Paris (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

2 comments about Bonjour L'Enfant!: A Child's Tour of France.

1. We got this book for our two boys and I can't say enough good things about it. It exposes them to a different country and language in a fun way that they can relate too. It is written from a childs perspective which makes the book easy for them to follow. And the pictures are fun, colorful and full of detail. We love that the book introduces the French language in a way that is easy to understand and makes it fun to learn. There is counting, colors and many fun phrases that the children can also follow through the illustrations. The French language is injected into the story (with translations provided) and we are enjoying our boys enthusiasm when they practice the new words they are learning. They are also talking about the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and a Chateaux as if they have been there themselves! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to introduce their child to a different culture or language in a fun and "kid friendly" way!



2. Children's books that are engaging and a learning tool? But of course! In Danna Troncatty Leahy's children's book, "Bonjour L'Enfant!" the youngest of children can become fascinated with France and learn a French word, or two, or fifty!
   
   Young Michael shares his scrapbook and explains how he and his parents, his little sister Elizabeth, and his teddy bear Globe, travel to France, dance and sing by the River Seine, and eat French foods. They visit the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, see the Tour De France, and admire Monet's Garden. Through it all, Michael engages the reader by naming the French words for colors, numbers, and days of the week and enticing children to say them too. Important conversational words such as yes, please, thank you, and the much needed French fries, are also included. Michael happily shares his adventures and gently broadens the worldview of children everywhere.
   
   Leahy's "Bonjour L'Enfant!" is a delightful expedition into the great unknown for children to explore. Seeing the world as a bigger place than our own little environment, with people who are excitingly different and foods that are deliciously new (or comfortingly the same), is a great benefit to children, whether in preparation for a trip of their own or for the simple pleasure of reading. The book offers a more formal lesson in language in the back, with pronunciation and meanings of the words mentioned through out the story. With illustrations that are colorful and engaging, and characters that are fun and likeable, this second in a series of children's books is a delight. The series is sure to be a hit with parents and children alike.
   Review by Heather Froeschl.

3 comments about The Rough Guide to London - 7th Edition.

1. I tend to like the rough guides, they go into much detail on the sites. An alternative is an audio guide. soundwalks(i think more for NYC) and www.talkingtrip.com are also great for london guides.
   
   The rough guides I think are one of the better alround books.



2. This book gives ou a nice overview of the region, and incredible specific tips for visiting London.



3. Rough Guides have always been my favorites, and this was no exception. It provides a comprehensive guide to all areas of the city of London, and includes hotels, cafes, pubs, shopping, etc. It also makes for an entertaining read, although I question how much the author actually likes living in London. (The book actually states that "disappointingly, London has had only 2 assassinations." This is a disappointment?!) In addition to the sections on each part of the city, the appendix has a decent history of London, as well as a list of other books about the city.
   
   For anyone who plans to spend a substantial amount of time in London, this will be an indispensable guide. I tend to leave the country for a couple months at a time, and thus rely completely on these guides. However, it's not the best choice if you simply plan on going for a weekend, since there is no way you'll be able to do and see it all....I would then suggest something like Frommer's Top Ten: London instead.

5 comments about Rick Steves' Amsterdam, Bruges, and Brussels 2007 (Rick Steves).

1. Rick Steve knows all- I am one of his many, many followers. i think his walks are great, and he gives really practical info as well as providing personal commentary that allows you to judge what sights are actually important to see.
   
   However, If you are going to be in Brussels for more than three hours, get another book. It sort of comes across that Rick doesn't like Brussels, and tells you very little about what to do outside of eating in the Grand Place (the cities main tourist square) and indifferent (or downright hostile) descriptions of the attractions. AND the restaurant in the grand place he suggests stinks. worst meal i had in all of Europe. If I had realized rick's preferences ahead of time, I would have gotten another book.
   
   happy travels!



2. Good book for inside tips. More Hotels shoud be listed. Coupons in the back for tear off ( book is heavy to take around)



3. Rick Steves is my new travel guru. He was correct on everything he wrote about. After this trip I have complete trust in his observations and suggestions.



4. Rick Steves always give good direction and advice when you are visiting a new country.



5. This has been the best resource for planning our trip. Good tips for finding a B and B.

5 comments about City Secrets: Florence, Venice, and the Towns of Italy.

1. I should have heeded the critique of one of your readers. The complaint was "after Rome the series disappoints".
   However, I so loved the Rome book, carrying it about Rome, having people comment on the book when they saw me checking maps or sights, finding kindred spirits who also had the book and so on. It was truly my favorite travel guide/book of Rome.
   So, ignoring advice, I ordered the Florence edition, realizing that Florence was just a part of the book...but I would never have dreamt it would be THAT small of a part.
   True, Florence is much smaller than Rome, but the city is filled with so much beauty, art and architecture that surely a book dedicated to it's "secrets" would have been worth the effort.



2. My family used this guide extensively while travelling in northern Italy this past summer. We found it particularly helpful in Bologna, Venice and the Portofino region. Marcella Hazan, the cookbook author, was a major contributor to the Venice section; if you want a great meal off of the beaten path in Venice, she won't lead you wrong.
   
   I've used the NYC City Secrets guide for years so bought this before our trip. Given the large geographic area and many regions that are covered, it isn't surprising that it lacks the comprehensiveness of the NYC and Rome City Secrets guides. Although we didn't use the guide in Florence, I can see why many reviewers found it lacking for that great city. Although smaller than Rome, Florence deserves a City Secrets book of it's own.



3. "Florence, Venice & the Towns of Italy" is wonderful companion! Having spent several years in Italy painting and teaching, from Rome to Venice.... via Florence and Urbino... I find the book full of secrets to be be uncovered and treasures to be explored.



4. I've been to Italy 4 times now and used this book extensively each time. My most recent trip took me to Puglia, Abruzzo and Campagnia which is scantily covered in City Secrets, but the places the book does highlight are truly magical. It does lead one off of the Autostradas and onto incredible country-roads, and out-of-the way corners and villages. This book works great for those driving the country in companion with a good Italy map and lots of time.



5. my copy is coffee-stained and dog-eared. sure I have the blue guide, the michelin guide, and others (including city secrets Rome), but this book is the star - it's not trying to give you everything, but rather, a selected group of nuggets to experience and enjoy. with good fortune and travel companions over the past few years, I've hit all the places in this book, and if fate smiles on me, perhaps I will get to do them all again.

No comments about The Rough Guide to Devon and Cornwall 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).