I will be in Savona, Italy August 16

Savona is a seaport and commune in the northern Italian region of Liguria, capital of the Province of Savona, in the Riviera di Ponente on the Mediterranean Sea.

Savona used to be one of the chief seats of the Italian iron industry, having iron-works and foundries, shipbuilding, railway workshops, engineering shops, and a brass foundry. One of the most celebrated former inhabitants of Savona was the navigator Christopher Columbus.

Savona came under Roman influence in 180 BC. After a long struggle against the Saracens, Savona acquired independence in the 11^th century becoming a free municipality.

First impressions of Savona, 30km along the coast from Genoa, aren’t impressive: it’s a functional city much rebuilt after a hammering in World War II. However, its port infrastructure and outskirts hide a picturesque medieval centre. The town’s main claim to fame is as the Città dei Papi (City of Popes), after local boy Francesco Della Rovere who became Pope Sixtus IV in 1471 and his nephew Giuliano, who became Pope Julius II in 1503. Both men are closely linked with the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican – Sixtus IV had it built (hence the name) while Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to decorate the ceiling.

During our stay here we will probably walk into town, visit the shops and local landmarks.

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is surrounded on three sides by its neighbour, France, and its center is about 9.9 miles from France. Monaco is the second smallest country by size in the world; only the Vatican City is smaller. Monaco is also the world’s second smallest monarchy with Prince Albert II as head of state, and one of the most densely populated countries in the world. To give you an idea its area covers 0.78 sq mi. with a population over 30,000.

Monaco’s main source of income is tourism; each year many are attracted to its casino and pleasant climate. Monaco has 5 casinos but Monaco’s own citizens are not allowed to gamble in the casinos.

Since 1929, Monaco has been known for holding one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, the Monaco Grand Prix, held annually in the streets of Monaco.

Monaco and Monte Carlo offer some of the most exclusive shopping, with all the top designers in the world and best brands you can imagine. Monaco also has many antiques shops, with rare and exclusive antiques. I’ll have to get my Euro’s ready.

I was thinking of getting a tour but then when I realized how small it is I though we could just walk it. Think about it as the size of Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley, CA. That’s right we could just walk literally around the country if we wanted to. But most likely we will walk around the bay, the shopping areas and maybe check out the casino. Although I heard they give you the looks because only they only want the wealthiest to drop down their money.

One interesting fact about the casino is they don’t let Monaco residents play.

I will be in Barcelona August 12-14

Barcelona, home of the 1982 FIFA World Cup, 1992 Summer Olympics and 1999 (International Assembly).

Barcelona is the capital and the most populous city of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, after Madrid. With a population of 1,621,537 within its administrative limits on a land of 39 sq mi. It is located on the Mediterranean coast. It is today one of the world’s leading tourist, economic and cultural-sports centres and its influences all contribute to its status as one of the world’s major global cities. Also ranks as one of the top beaches in the world by Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

Barcelona was listed as the 16^th most livable city in the world, according to lifestyle magazine Monocle. Similarly, it occupies 13^th place in the world on Innovation Cities Global Index. It’s the 4^th richest city by GDP in the European Union and 35^th in the world.

Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona. Many of the buildings date from medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. Barcelona has many historic buildings and monuments. One of the best known buildings is La Sagrada Familia church that has been under construction since 1882 and is still unfinished, completion is planned for 2026.

I hope we get a chance to visit the beaches and see what the hype is all about. Check out the Daily Journal and Live Streams for pictures and videos of what I find out here.

I’m in Paris!

I’ll be in Paris August 8 thru the 12th.

I was going to leave it there but I have to say that Paris is today one of the world’s leading business and cultural centers, and its influences in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world’s major global cities.

Paris was ranked among the three most important and influential cities in the world, among the first three “European cities of the future” – according to research published by the Financial Times and among the top ten most liveable cities in the world. Paris also ranks among the 10 greenest European cities in 2010. Now my question is how can it be among the most liveable cities in the world when it’s ranked the world’s most expensive city in which to live?

Paris is the most visited city in the world. With about 42 million tourists per year, I’m one of them today!

Our basic plan while in Paris is to visit Micky at Disney, shopping and have dinner at the Eiffel Tower.

Live Stream

Don’t forget to check the live streams for pictures and video uploaded while I’m on travel. I call them live streams because basically the pictures are uploaded right after I take them. If you are online while I’m out exploring, you’ll be right with me.

Unfortunately if your in the US, your 9 hours behind me. So if you check in during the day you will see that days pictures and live pictures from my evening and night. I’ve never seen anyone do this but I would be excited to follow someone on their trip, seeing the many sights from a camera snapping away half way around the world. Only with today’s technology.

Oh yah actually I’m in France so this Live Streaming feature will be limited. Once I make it to Italy it will be a full blown stream, if all goes according to plan.

For the first leg of my trip I will be in El Paso, Texas. I’m ready but everyone else is getting the last few things ready for our departure. Today we took the time to visit White Sands National Monument. I’ve came to visit my brother but I have only heard of this place and seen many pictures. It was about time I had the opportunity to check it out.

See the Photo Stream and Daily Journal for more info and pics.