World's Most Expensive Cities

This list is fascinating to me.  I have never visited Japan, Norway, or Sweden, where many of the most expensive global cities are located.  Doesn't deter me one bit... just interesting to see:

http://images.businessweek.com/slideshows/20110608/world-s-most-expensive-cities-2011/

The Most Colorful Places on Earth (according to Bing Travel)

Now this is what I call a fun article!

 http://www.bing.com/travel/content/search?q=The+Most+Colorful+Places+on+Earth%3a+Manarola%2c+Italy&cid=msn1185062&form=HPTRAV&gt1=41000

World's Prettiest Places... (according to Yahoo Travel)

I can think of a lot of places to add to this list!  It's so neat to learn about new places, though... Plitvice Lakes National Park looks GORGEOUS!  I have always wanted to go to Croatia!  Enjoy:

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-39456339

World's Best Ruins

Just saw one of these last week (the Colosseum)!!!

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40006586

Baby leopards, bear found in bags at Thai airport

How big were this guy's suitcases???

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110513/ap_on_re_as/as_thailand_leopards_in_luggage

Kid-Friendly Resorts in and around the U.S.

Until now, my blog has focused mainly on travel for adults.  But, as many of our best friends are finding out, it's not as easy to pick up and globe-trot when you've got a tot! 
I found this slideshow on Bing Travel this morning and many of these resorts sound really cool... some are even affordable!
http://www.bing.com/travel/content/search?q=12+Resorts+Where+Kids+Rule%3a+Hotel+del+Coronado%2c+San+Diego&FORM=TRSSPG

Wrapping up the Holiday in Rome

After a few heavenly sun-soaked days on the Amalfi Coast, on Sunday we took a ferry from Positano to Salerno, then a train from Salerno to Rome.  The two-hour train ride got us there early in the afternoon, with plenty of time to walk around and enjoy the city.
The weather this year was much warmer than it was around this time last year, when we were in Rome for our honeymoon.  Our hotel was very well-situated, being a few blocks from Termini and within a 10-minute walk of the Trevi Fountain.  We dropped our bags off at the hotel, then strolled over to the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum.  This city never ceases to amaze me with its energy and its mix of ancient history and the modern world.  Where else can you walk down one street that is lined with glass storefronts and whizzing cars, then walk two blocks over and come face-to-face with a crumbling 2000-year-old wall?  Incredible.
After a delicious dinner at La Matriciana, across from the opera house (Roberto enjoyed pasta carbonara again, I had white lasagna with artichokes), we headed in pretty early.  To catch our 11:00am flight we had to leave for the airport at 8:00am. 
Now we're home.  Although another dream vacation has come to an end, it is always nice to come home... vacations rejuvenate you and make you ready to head back to the real world.  And... plan your next vacation.