Inbox

Some recent questions have been about particular places to stay, and I offer them here now, perhaps they will be of interest or help to you.

Q: Just came across your site while looking for info about the Stresa-Mottarone cable car. We are taking our first trip to Lake Maggiore in the summer with our 3 children and are looking for good ideas for things to do. Your site is great, really good ideas and very helpful - thanks! Now have a long list of things we want to do!

We are staying just outside Verbania at the Isolino camping village and I was wondering how easy it is to get into Stresa from there? We are arriving by train and have not yet decided whether we need to hire a car to get about.

A: Isolino is well located, but it's not really precisely in any of the towns. It's inbetween several lovely ones, Verbania, Baveno, Mergozzo, and of course, Stresa. Isolino is about 2 km from the train station. The bus stop, Verbania Fondotoce, is closer, but still 1 mile from Isolino. You can use the bus to get to many of the towns in the area, including Stresa, maybe you saw that link... You can also take the ferries between certain towns, and I hope you do that also. There is parking at Isolino. A car would certainly offer you more flexibility, and allow you to do more. Parking in the other towns during summer months may be difficult, but not impossible.

This reader's question gives the opportunity to bring Isolino Camping Village to your attention. Isolino is a large, family-oriented holiday village on its own private stretch of lake beachfront in Verbania. It offers residences of all sizes, from tent sites to caravans to small apartments. There are full amenities including restaurants and shops, and a very full range of activities. For families with children (this reader's are 6, 9, and 11) Isolino could be a truly ideal choice.

Aerial view of Isolino Camping Village in Verbania.

*****

Q: The Hotel Belvedere gets high recommendations online with amazing views and helpful staff. But I am afraid we will be constrained by being on an island and it may cost us a lot to keep getting to shore. One of the former guests indicated that there is a "3-day ferry pass." Is this available? Is it convenient….does the ferry run all day and into the evening?

A: Regarding staying at Hotel Belvedere on Isola dei Pescatori, I think it is a very personal decision whether to stay on the island or the mainland. But to help you decide I will tell you these things. The island is very very small. There are two hotels and several restaurants. There is not much else to do. Therefore, if you are a traveler who will enjoy this solitude in the evenings this will be very special. But if you don't like to feel so isolated, perhaps this isn't the best choice.

As for the ferries, as Hotel Belvedere cautions on their own site, the ferries do not run in the evenings, past 6:30 actually, and so all comings and goings to the island would have to be arranged with private water taxis. And unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, there is not a three-day ferry pass available. There is a one-day pass available for unlimited travel between the three islands and Stresa, for 12 euro. You can refer to the ferry schedule here.

Albergo Ristorante Belvedere is a very lovely spot on tiny Isola dei Pescatori. The restaurant seats about 200, but the hotel only has a few rooms. Even if you're not staying on the island it could be a wonderful lunch spot, as they specialize in local fish and cuisine.Whether this is the right place for you to stay however, is a personal choice, you can visit Belvedere here to help you decide.

The beautiful outdoor dining veranda at Albergo Ristorante Belvedere.

Aerial view courtesy of Isolino Web site.
Hotel Belvedere photo courtesy of Hotel Belvedere Web site.

What' New In Orlando

• Sea of Stormtroopers
• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Mama Della’s Ristorante
• All the Right Moves
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort Wantilan Luau
• Pick Your Dream
• Wet ‘n Wild’s Waves of Glory
• Great Piggy Bank Adventure
• SeaWorld Orlando Connects Guest
• Height requirements for Orlando attractions
• Top 10 Largest Meeting Facilities

Long Term Car Rental Insurance Question

I'm going to need a rental car for 3 months. I have no problem with the price of the car (I'm budgeting about $700 a month), but the cost for purchasing car rental insurance is crazy. I don't own a car of my own, so I can't use my own insurance for liability. Is there any way I can be covered for the rental car, without having to buy the insurance offered by the car rental company?

In most states, basic public liability and property damage insurance will be included in your rate, up to the minimum limits required by law.(Check with the rental company directly) When the try and sell you Additional or Supplemental liability, this is merely upping the coverage beyond the minimum state requirements.

What you will want to consider is coverage for the rental vehcile itself, which is not included in the insurance mentioned above.

The car rental companies will offer you a LDW or CDW coverage to cover loss or damage to the vehicle. (it is not insurance, but a waiver) The price of this coverage averages over $20 a day which will throw your $700 a month budget out the window on a three month rental.

While it is not a mandatory coverage, you will want to be covered for the rental car, in case something happens.

Many credit cards offer LDW or CDW coverage to cardholders. I would suggest that you check to see if the credit card that you're going to use offers this protection... this will save you a lot of money. Make sure, though, to carefully read the terms and conditions of any possible coverage; especially with regards to the length of your rental, the state/city of the rental, size of the car, etc.
Also, keep in mind that most credit card coverage is reimbursement-type coverage... meaning you would have to pay upfront for any damages to the rental car, plus administrative fees and loss of use fees, and then apply through your credit card for reimbursement.

Hope this helps!!

References and other related topics:


Car Rental Insurance Overview

Personal Auto Insurance Coverage

CDW and LDW Coverages

Credit Card Coverages

Personal Protection Offers

Liability Insurance

Sea of Stormtroopers

Stormtroopers march down Hollywood Blvd. during Star Wars Weekends, an annual fan-fest at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This year's festival takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22-June 14, 2009. The event features actors and characters from the films, Star Wars parades, trivia contests and the popular "Jedi Training Academy." Star Wars Weekends is included with regular theme park admission. Disney's Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Mama Della’s Ristorante

The majestic Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando invites local residents and Orlando visitors to come to Mama Della’s Ristorante—where everyone is family.

The theme of Mama Della’s is Old World Italian; Mama has turned her house into a restaurant in which every room is a different dining area. Mama Della’s has a reputation for serving abundant portions of authentic dishes (including Frutti di Mare, Veal Marsala, Veal Piccata, fresh Ravioli and Lasagna) from Tuscany, Naples and Piemonte, while strolling musicians set the festive mood for the entire family.

Every evening at 7:30 p.m. guests are treated to Musica Della Notte (Music of the Night) when Universal’s Harbor Piazza comes alive with the music and romance of Italy. For reservations and more information, call 407-503-DINE.

All the Right Moves

Disney Imagineer John Cutry programs an Audio-Animatronics likeness of President Barack Obama in preparation for the July 2009 re-launch of the Hall of Presidents attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The attraction in the Magic Kingdom Park features Audio-Animatronics representations of all the United States Presidents. President Obama’s likeness will have a speaking role, along with “George Washington” and “Abraham Lincoln.”

Chiesa di Santi Gervasio e Protasio -- Baveno's Parish Church

While waiting for the boat in Baveno I had enough time to wander up to Baveno's parish chiesa, its church, SS Gervasio and Protasio, which is only a couple of streets from the imbarcadero, up a long flight of stairs, and well worth a look around. Although the buildings were built in different centuries, they blend together nicely.

This is the view from the top of the staircase.

The oldest part is the Romanesque church and tower, which dates from the XII century. The church retains its original plain facade, go close and look, the facade contains some Roman tombstones which were uncovered when the building was constructed. Can you see the one to the left of the door? It reads, "Trophimus Daphidianus servo di Tiberio Claudio Cesare Augusto. Sacro alla Memoria Eterna"

The baptistery, next door, octagonal in shape, is built on the foundation of a fifth century structure, but dates from the sixteenth century and boasts some beautiful renaissance frescos.

Turning to my left I can enter this portico, which was added in the eighteenth century, creating an inner courtyard area. The baptistery and tower are behind me in this view.

Between the arches delicately colored frescoes depict the stations of the cross.

This photo, taken a different day, shows the tower and Baveno's waterfront as seen from the lake, with the mountain of Baveno pink granite in the background.

And just who were Gervasio and Protasio anyway? They were brothers, Christian martyrs, who lived and died in Milan in the second century. They are patron saints of Milan, as well as of haymakers. This fourteenth century french manuscript drawing depicts their martyrdom.


Manuscript drawing Wikipedia.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort Wantilan Luau

The Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando brings Hawaii to the Sunshine State with the Wantilan Luau. Guests are invited to Sit back and experience an evening of authentic Polynesian food entertainment at the resort’s weekly Hawaiian dinner show with live music and traditional hula dancing.

The Wantilan Luau at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort features an all-you-can-eat island buffet with traditional pit-roasted suckling pig, soy marinated beef flank steak, Pacific catch of the day, tropical fruits and desserts. Mai tais, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are included. The Children's buffet has all of the kids’ favorites in mind, and includes pizza, chicken fingers and mac & cheese.
The live entertainment includes knife twirlers and fire dancers, and a chance for at least a few members of the audience to learn how to hula. Call (407) 503-DINE to reserve a seat at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort’s Wantilan Luau. The luau takes place Every Tuesday and Saturday night year-round, Friday nights throughout the summer.

Vehicles spotted on track of Rip Ride Rockit

At Uni on Sunday, I saw the two-car train for Rip Ride Rockit on the lifthill, just shy of cresting the hill. It was stopped. Later, it was gone; I assume it traveled the track in normal coaster fashion, and I just missed it!

Pick Your Dream

The Great Piggy Bank Adventure” is 3,8000 square foot exhibit that was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering in cooperation with the financial experts at T. Rowe Price. This exhibit offer guests lessons on four key financial themes: setting goals, saving and spending smartly, staying ahead of inflation and diversifying assets. Through a series of interactive games each of these four key themes will be illustrated.

This exhibit is housed at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista Florida. At INNOVENTIONS creativity and imagination abound as guests celebrate, inspiration and the innovations that improve their lives and expand their horizons. Hands-on, interactive exhibits allow children and adults to be immersed into ideas that inform, entertain and inspire.

Exhibit Elements: The exhibit consists of 4 distinct interactive areas each addressing financial planning through savings and investment strategies. The areas include:

“Pick Your Dream” – The identification of a financial goal is an important first step in understanding the importance of saving and investing. Guests will be asked to select a dream – an extreme vacation, ultimate bedroom makeover, retirement or college education. Once they have decided upon a dream they are given their P.I.G (Personal Investment Guide) to help them through the interactive games at the experience and the ups and downs of investing.

“Save It” – Illustrates that saving requires active participation and engagement. Guests will have to work together as a tem to move their savings “buckets” into the correct position to capture the most amount of coins. They need to do this while they try to avoid having too many coins fall into the spending “buckets”. The “dollars” that are captured in this area are the foundation that will be built upon to reach the financial dream that the guests have indentified.

“Inflation Race” – Allows guests to work together to stay ahead of inflation. Guests will set their P.I.G. off in a virtual balloon that is moved up or down with a series of levers. The teams have to work moving the balloon up or down to collect “more coins” and avoid “obstacles” (inflation). Guests have to make decisions together about when and where to move the P.I.G. to maximize their investment.

“Diversify” – Shows the importance of having a diversified portfolio and “not to have all of your eggs in one basket”. Guests will work together to choose various “hiding spots” (investment opportunities), each of these spots will allow the guests to exponentially increase their investments. However if guests choose the wrong spot, their investment is taken away by the P.I.G’s nemesis the wolf.

Is there a way to waive the car rental underage fee?

Are there any car rental companies that will waive the underage fee? I'm 23 years old and trying to get the cheapest car rental I can for a trip next month. Thanks!

The only way to avoid the underage fee is to check and see if the company that you work for has a corporate account with any car rental companies. Many larger companies that sign up for a corporate or business account have an agreement with the car rental companies to lower or often, waive the underage fee. Also, the underage fee is usually waived for government employees and active duty military personnel.

Good luck, hope this helps!

Pages of Interest:



Age Requirements for Car Rental

Car Rental Underage Fees

Business Car Rentals (Programs and Benefits)

Government Car Rental (Programs and Benefits)

Wet ‘n Wild’s Waves of Glory

Orlando’s first water park, Wet ‘n Wild on International Drive is hosting the Waves of Glory Battle of the Christian Bands on Saturday, May 30, 2009. Normal park hours for this time of year are 10am-6pm, but there will be extended event hours until 8pm.

Wet ‘n Wild presents a special day and evening of Christian music, showcasing some of the areas best Christian rock bands, praise bands and choirs competing for cash and prizes, including a first place prize of $100. Tickets are available at Wet ‘n Wild’s Web site for $33.02 (the same price as a Florida resident one day ticket) and are valid for use only on May 30, 2009.

Great Piggy Bank Adventure

The Great Piggy Bank Adventure, Presented by T. Rowe Price, brings basic saving and investing concepts to life in a fun and captivating way through a live, first-of-its-kind interactive experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®. It features a series of entertaining games that bring to life and teach key financial themes of setting goals, saving and spending smartly, staying ahead of inflation, and diversifying your investments. Guests visiting the attraction are accompanied by a talking piggy bank who offers guidance and education to reinforce the lessons and help them reach their goal.

The Great Piggy Bank Adventure opens at a time when it has never been more important or timely for families to talk about saving and investing. This interactive financial education and entertainment experience will help empower parents to start or continue the conversation while also providing them with “teachable moments” they can use to impart sound financial values and habits to their children.

The financial lessons also come to life through an online, virtual board game version of The Great Piggy Bank Adventure. Available at www.thegreatpiggybankadventure.com, this stand-alone experience explores the investing themes in more depth. Complete with trivia cards and interspersed with interactive “mini-games,” the online game takes players on a journey through three levels as the financial decisions become progressively harder.

A separate T. Rowe Price Family Center website www.troweprice.com/familycenter serves as a gateway to The Great Piggy Bank Adventure experiences and features personal stories from parents who are passing on sound financial values and habits to their children.

SeaWorld Orlando Connects Guest

Elite VIP Tour
SeaWorld rolls out the red carpet for private groups during the Elite VIP Tour. Accompanied by a SeaWorld expert, unforgettable memories will unfold as guests fly, glide and soar headfirst like a ray aboard, Manta, SeaWorld’s new flying coaster opening May 22. The fun continues as families and friends get splashed by an 11,000 pound killer whale, encounter amazing animals and meet one of SeaWorld’s “coolest” residents, a tuxedo clad penguin. Topping off the day guests dine in the company of some of the toothiest dwellers of the sea at Sharks Underwater Grill, a full-service restaurant.

VIP Tour
An exciting adventure awaits as guests embark on “edge-of-your-seat” thrill rides, enjoy spectacular shows and find out what it’s like to feed dolphins, sting rays and sea lions during the VIP Tour. The highlight of the day brings guests even closer to their favorite killer whale family and trainers during Dine with Shamu, a poolside lunch.

Dolphin Spotlight
Learn from SeaWorld’s animal care specialists what it’s like to work with dolphins. Go backstage to SeaWorld’s Whale & Dolphin Stadium where guests learn what it takes to train the stars of our visually stunning Blue Horizons show, the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Then, get up-close and personal with them at SeaWorld’s Dolphin Cove during a special training session.

Penguin Spotlight
Travel from the icy South Pole to the North Pole to meet some of SeaWorld’s most popular feathered friends, puffins and penguins. Families and friends learn about caring for these amazing birds from aviculture experts while exploring SeaWorld’s Penguin Encounter.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Venture behind the scenes and discover the passion and commitment SeaWorld has for wildlife. Visit SeaWorld’s Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, explore a polar bear’s hidden den, come inches away from a penguin and interact with a small shark. Wonderful memories will connect families and friends together and the amazing world we all share. Ten percent of each tour admission is donated to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund to support research projects around the world.

Beluga Interaction Program
SeaWorld is one of the only places in the world where guests come face-to-face with beluga whales during the Beluga Interaction Program. Stepping into Wild Arctic’s chilly 55 degree water for a shallow-water interaction with a beluga whale is only the beginning of this hands-on experience.

Sharks Deep Dive
SeaWorld plunges guests into the realm of the shark as part of the park’s most daring animal interaction program, Sharks Deep Dive. Guests come eye-to-eye with the denizens of the deep during a close encounter with more than 30 sharks. Participants don wetsuits and a Sea Trek helmet which allows participants to breathe and communicate underwater without scuba equipment.

Marine Mammal Keeper Experience
From preparing daily diets to helping rescued manatees, guests work alongside marine mammal experts to learn about manatees, dolphins and beluga whales.

Sea World Vcation Packages

Isola Bella, Beautiful Island -- A Little Background

In 1690, this is what Isola Bella looked liked from Stresa. Stresa is much changed; the island, not at all.

Isola Bella, beautiful island... It is, hands down, the main attraction to see when visiting the Stresa/Borromean Gulf area, and yet, ever since its construction in the late 1600s, it has received some pretty horrible reviews. There were some harsh critics, even then, here's what a few of them published about the island in their travel books:

Danish writer Friederike Brun, who visited in 1795, likened Isola Bella to a mushroom emerging from the water, and the garden to an "oversized cake."

William Hazlitt, in 1826, wrote he was "Utterly disappointed in the Borromean Isles. Isola Bella resembles a pyramid of sweetmeats ornamented with green festoons and flowers."

Joseph Woods wrote in 1810, "Isola Bella contains a magnificent villa of the Borromean family, in sublime bad taste both inside and out. "

Jacques Augustin Galiffe, in 1816, "Isola Bella is altogether artificial, and contains a large but ill-looking palace in the worst architectural taste..."

And take a look at this excerpt, written by Richard Bagot, in his 1908 book, The Lakes of Northern Italy:

Wow. But these descriptions, while certainly the opinions of the individual writers, for the most part can be said to be true. From a distance or close up, the palace and the gardens are completely out of scale, they seem to overflow the island on all sides. In between, where the Borromeans never succeeded in purchasing the land, the original medieval village still exists, wrapped over the palace as if it grew there, although in reality it was the palace that grew around the village.

Isola Bella looks today exactly as it did 300 years ago.

In this aerial view, the medieval village can be seen on the left, seemingly climbing up the palace.

The plans for the island began simply enough:

Carlo Borromeo the Third bought the city of Stresa, and with it, some of the land on the island called Isola Inferiore, in 1630. A plan drawn in 1631 has this note written by him in the margin, "Plan of a small house, on Isola Inferiore in Lago Maggiore, and thus from now on the island will be called Isabella, since it is made to create a delightful garden of citrus and flowers and a residence for the pleasure and recreation of my lady the Countess Donna Isabella."

It was when Vitaliano the Sixth took over though, that the current vision began to take shape. And here's the thing, the thing that redeems the island, that takes it from garish ostentation to whimsy and, if not quite beauty, then at least fascination. The creation was always intended to entertain. Okay, certainly also to demonstrate the money and power of the Borromeo family, but its primary purpose, as thought out by Vitaliano, was to be a playground for the many noble guests who would visit it. It was meant to be a vision, an idea, over the top. It was he, working with noted architects of the day, who thought up the shell grotto, the ten-tiered garden, and the addition of the many symbolic and fanciful statues. In fact, it was decided that certain statues should be larger than originally intended, so that guests would have a more impressive approach to the island and recognize the statues sooner. Then, a further thought, it wasn't acceptable that guests would see only the backs of statues depending upon where they approached from, and at this point it was decided to increase the number of obelisks and spires, symmetrical from all sides.

Statues high atop the garden wall wave and welcome visitors arriving by boat. The unicorn, with his rider Love, is at the top.

Maybe some of those early travelers missed the point? Maybe I'm missing it? Non lo so. I don't know. My first impression of the island, palace, and gardens, was, and still is, that of a fairy tale, or of Alice in Wonderland. It's a place far removed from reality, and since that was its purpose and original goal, in this way I think it has succeeded quite admirably.

A tour of Isola Bella begins by going through the Palazzo Borromeo, continuing through the grotto, and then into the gardens. The palace contains family hierlooms and treasures, and things of historic note, such as the tapestries in the long Sala di Arezzi, but the objects in the house, while interesting, are of the more normal and expected sort. The garden, with its layers, its tropical plants, its strange pseudo-greek-god theme, its white peacocks, and of course, rising above them all, the unicorn statue, ridden by Love, is the true star.

This is the view that one is greeted with after emerging into the gardens from the grotto passage.

In my mind, perhaps it was Charles Dickens, after visiting in 1844, who summed it up best:

"For however fanciful and fantastic the Isola Bella may be, and is, it still is beautiful."

White peacocks roam free and unafraid in the gardens.

This Dickens quote is used on the official tourism site for the island. On the site, you'll find information on tours, hours, and other facts about this very unique place. The Palazzo Borromeo is open to visitors from late March until the end of October. And it is a must see.

These other posts are related to Isola Bella or the other Borromean Islands, and may be of interest:

Isola dei Pescatori
The Grottoes of the Palazzo Borromeo
The Borromeo Tapestries
Wunder Kammer on Isola Bella

Prince and Princess Borromeo Give an Interview

Isola Bella is on our list, The Top Ten Things to See in Stresa. See the list here.

Web site: www.borromeoturismo.it

All photographs property of Dana Kaplan or the Borromeo Turismo Web site.
1690 view is a black and white photo of an oil painting by Gaspar Van Wittel, View of Isola Bella from Stresa, West Side, 1690. Painting and photo property of Gallery Carlo Orsi, Milano.

Height requirements for Orlando attractions

For families considering which Orlando theme park is best for their young children, height can be more of a consideration than age.

Families with smaller children tend to gravitate towards the Disney theme parks because the rides are more accessible to preschoolers and toddlers. A baby can easily enjoy It's a Small World or even the Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom, and there is plenty of stroller parking.

Once children reach 40 inches in height (at least three years old) they can progress to more adventurous rides, like Big Thunder Mountain or Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom, the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, Test Track and Soarin' at Epcot.

Riders who are at least 44 inches tall will be able to enjoy more rides. A lot of local kids "graduate" to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure once they have had the chance to experience the Disney theme parks. For families wanting to make a trip to one of Orlando's water parks--Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Wet 'n Wild and Aquatica--it is best to wait until at least one of the kids has reached 44 inches and is allowed on some of the rides outside of the kids areas.

The minimum height needed to ride almost of the attractions at Disney, Universal and SeaWorld is 48 inches, although some of the most intense simulator rides at DisneyQuest and the steepest water slides at Wet 'n Wild require at 51 inch height minimum. The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure has a 54 inch height requirement, and by the time the kids are old enough and tall enough for that ride, Mom and Dad might just be satisfied to let their kids ride Orlando's wildest rides by themselves.

Warrant performing at June Velvet Session at Universal Orlando

On the last Thursday of every month, the Velvet Bar at Universal Orlando’s Hard Rock Hotel hosts the city’s only rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party. This 21 and older event combines creative cocktails with live music in the lobby from some of the hottest rock bands. This Thursday, June 25 the “Velvet Sessions” presents Warrant, best known for hard rock hits such as "Cherry Pie," "Heaven," "Down Boys," "Bed Of Roses" and more.

According to the Universal Orlando Web site, “The award winning “Velvet Sessions” is a rock & roll cocktail party held in the hotel’s Velvet Bar and Lobby Lounge. Each “Session” showcases a different type of beverage theme for members to sip, shoot or guzzle along with fabulous and great live music from the nation’s best rock bands.”

In order to get into these exclusive concert events, visit VelvetSessions.com to reserve your ticket and receive monthly updates on who’s playing. A $25 ticket includes: free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Cash bars and live band from 8:30 p.m. onward. Parking is complimentary for those attending Velvet Sessions.

Biking, Hiking, Horses, And More

Okay... checklist for today's activities. Bring your mountain bike, your hiking shoes, your pulleys and ropes, and your wetsuit. Oh, and don't forget your saddle. That's because today we'll address some of the more intense outdoor activities available in the area. And for all of these you don't need to look any further than one source, a company called Bicico, which organizes group outings in all the aforementioned sports as well as others.

Bicico is probably best known for their mountain biking equipment and excursions. They are located at the base of the cablecar at the Carciano imbarcadero. Mountain bikers, you rent your equipment, including your safety gear, ride the cableway to the summit of Mt. Mottarone, gear up, and then ride down the mountain to Stresa again. There are paths and groups for all levels, including some pretty extreme ones, not for the timid.

Hiking excursions also meet on Mt. Mottarone, with it's stunning views. But there are others, in the Parco Nazionale della Val Grande, the Natural Park of Veglia-Devero, and from Ossola to Val Vigezzo, lesser known but beautiful valleys.

Rock climbing novices can practice in groups with expert instructors at Parco Sasso, where the practice boulders are pink and grey limestone.

The wetsuit we brought with us today was for canyoning, which is a lot like white water rafting, except without the raft.
The gentler trails of Mottarone and the valleys are perfect for horseback riding. Again, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rider, there's group for you, or lessons can be arranged.

Ready to go then? Here's the English homepage for Bicico: http://www.mountainbikeitaly.eu/. And, you really don't need to bring any equipment with you. Bicico will provide you with all that you need. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm.

Not exhausted? Want to try another sport? Return to the Top Ten Sports and Outdoor Activities List here.

All photos courtesy of Bicico Web site.

Top 10 Largest Meeting Facilities

1. Orange County Convention Center
P.O Box 691509
Orlando, Florida 32869
407-685-9800

2.Hard Rock Café
6500 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32819
407-351-7625

3.Osceola Heritage Park-Exhibition Building
1875 Silver Spur Lane
Kissimmee, Florida 34744
321-697-3333

4.Jostens Center
P.O. Box 10,000
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
321-939-7127

5.World Show Place Pavilion at Epcot
P.O. Box 10,000
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
321-939-7127

6.Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
P.O. Box 10,000
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
321-939-7127

7.Citrus Club
255 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando, Florida 32801
407-843-1080

8.The Ballroom at Church Street
225 W. Garland Ave.
Orlando, Florida 32801
407-420-9091

9.Kissimmee Civic Center
201 E. Dakin Ave.
Kissimmee, Florida 34741
407-935-1412

10.University of Central Florida Student Union
4000 Central Florida Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32816
407-823-2117

News Bites -- Little Bits Of News From Stresa

Just enough news to digest with a cup of cappuccino...

There are big plans for Stresa's lakefront. According to Stresa's Mayor, Canio Di Milia, plans are falling into place for the construction of a pool, to be located at the Carciano imbarcadero. Other plans call for the extension of the lungolago path to the Villa Aminta Hotel, increased parking at the zoo, and the renovation of the minigolf park, including a new beach area.

The Regina Palace Hotel has announced a summer schedule of free concerts, several times each week, in the Nuova Sala Tiffany. Check the events schedule on the right column of this blog for the exact dates and times.

The Thursday farmers market is open again in Verbania, after having been closed for the winter. Slightly different from the other weekly town markets, this market offers local produce to consumers, grown at nearby farms and sold fresh only in its season. This also eliminates the middle man, thus providing shoppers with freshness, low prices, and the satisfaction of helping local producers. Open every Thursday from 8.00 to 13.30, in the parking lot of Via Motta Fiume.


Stresa will again participate in the national competition called "Comune Fioriti," in which homeowners, shopkeepers, and the city itself register their properties and pledge to decorate with flowers their balconies, terraces, gardens, businesses, even just flowerpots in doorways, all with the motive of offering to all a more beautiful city.

A wonderful article about Stresa's own Marco Aghemio, in Yacht Digest magazine. The magazine featured Marco and the work he does in the cantiere he founded seven years ago. Marco specializes in the restoration and maintenance of wooden motor boats, most specially the Riva Ariston line. Think 1950s, think George Clooney, think polished wood and turquoise seats, and you've got the idea. If this is your kind of boat you can contact Marco at: Cantiere Aghemio Marco, via per Binda 6, 28838 Stresa (VB), tel. 347 9202648, fax+39/02-7004411077 Internet:www.cantiereaghemio.com e-mail: marcoaghemio@gmail.com.

Thanks, as always, to Stresa 2.0, www.stresaduepuntozero.com, for my news information.

Cheaper Underage Fee?

I'm going to be renting a car this summer and I'm looking to see if there are any car rental agencies that rent to people under 25. I have a military id card, so a military discount could help as well. Can military id help me get a cheaper underage fee?

Government rental car programs and military car rental programs are offered by many car rental companies to federal goverment employees on business or leisure rentals. These programs offer a variety of benefits and savings. Often, the underage fee may only be waived for official govt travel. It seems that Avis and Budget will waive the underage fee for military personnel aged 21 and over.

Here's a basic breakdown of the various Government Car Rental Programs available:

(Note: I could find no information on this type of program for Enterprise or Hertz)

Alamo Federal Government Program

When traveling on official business or tour-of-duty orders, benefits include:

No additional driver fees

No underage driver fees (The minimum age for on-duty military rental is 18 years old.)

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) included

Government-issued credit card or official travel orders will be required for government car rental reservations. A military or government-issued ID may be required at time of pick up.


When traveling on leisure, benefits include:


Discounted rates for federal government employees and military personnel. Discount rate is valid for off-duty travelers and retired military personnel.


Family members with dependent identification are also eligible for leisure rates with this government rental car program.


A military or Government-issued ID may be required at time of pick up. The minimum age for off-duty military rental is 21 years old, but rates may be higher for renters under age 25.


Federal government contractor program

This program offers contractors working domestically for the Federal Government special rental rates and benefits including:


No additional driver fees or underage driver fees

Full Collision Damage Waiver (domestic)



Avis Federal Government Program


U.S. Government/Military Benefit Program

When traveling on official business in the U.S. Avis will provide you with:

Free Collision/LDW Insurance Coverage

No Additional or Underage Driver Fees

Free Unlimited Mileage

Discounted Rates


Avis accepts travel orders, purchase orders, and the Government Visa card as proof of your official travel status. Government Minimum Age Policy for Military (Fema, US Postal Dept., Navy and Army) and Civilian Personnel

Minimum age - 18 years (No underage surcharge will apply) with Government Travel or Purchase order

Minimum age - 21 years (No underage surcharge will apply) no travel or purchase order


Budget Federal Government Rental Car Program
.

For U.S. Government (military & civilian) personnel WITH a government travel order or purchase order, minimum rental age is 18 years of age; No underage surcharge applies.

For U.S. Government (military & civilian) personnel WITHOUT a government travel order or purchase order, minimum rental age is 21 years of age, except 18 years of age in Michigan and New York State. No underage surcharge applies. “U.S. Government personnel” includes military as well as civilian employees (for example, FEMA, U.S. Postal Dept., Navy, Army, etc.). The minimum age policy applies to both corporate and leisure rates.

Budget provides discounted rates on their website for government car rentals.


Dollar Federal Government Program


Official Government Travel for U.S. Federal Employees on Official Travel, benefits include:


A discounted government car rental rate

Unlimited mileage

Free LDW/CDW

No charge for additional drivers

Underage driver fee waived


For Government Employees on Leisure Travel, benefits include:


Government leisure rate

5% off retail rates

Unlimited mileage


National Federal Government Program


National offers discounted rates for U.S. Government and Department of Defense travelers on official business with authorized travel orders.


Benefits of government car rental with Naitonal include:

Full Loss Damage Waiver, and no fee for additional drivers or underage drivers (the minimum age is 18 on official military business).

A government-issued credit card or official travel orders will be required for reservations. A military or government-issued ID may be required at time of pick up.

Special off-duty leisure travel rates are also available, but do not include these benefits.


Thrifty Federal Government Program

The government car rental rates for Thrifty and all car rental companies change often. They suggest that you check their rates online through their web site.


On official travel, a credit card is not necessary. However, you will need a copy of your official travel orders and will need to provide a cash deposit up front for the estimated amount of the rental.

If you are on leisure/non-official, you will need a major credit card for payment.


For official travel, there is no charge for additional drivers. For leisure/non-official travel, there is a charge for additional drivers.


For official travel, government car rental minimum age to rent is 18 years of age. For leisure/non-official travel, it is 25.

Hope this helps!


Source: Government Rental Car Programs

Oceanaire Seafood Room $20.10 offer

This year there is plenty of bad news about the economy, but the Oceanaire Seafood Room on Orlando's International Drive is optimistic about a upturn in 2010, which is why the restaurant is offering one red wine and one white wine at a recession-busting price of $20.10 per bottle.

The featured wines will change each week, and will be updated on their daily printed menu featuring the rstaurants fresh seafood offerings. The Oceanaire Seafood Room is also presenting an affordably priced Bar Menu (with all choices under $15) that includes crab cake sliders, spicy tuna tartare, fried calamari, fine wines from $6 a glass and 1930s era specialty cocktails.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room will also be serving a three course menu for diners for $29.95 as part of this special offer. The menu is based entirely on market availability, so customers are guaranteed the freshest catch of the day.

Fantasy of Flight's Father's Day Weekend

Flight-loving fathers enjoy free admission Thurs., June 18 - Sun., June 21 with a full-price paid adult, child's or senior's admission in honor of the upcoming Father's Day. In addition the attraction is planning Father's Day weekend festivities to include "The Golden Age of Aviation Fly-In” hosted by the Fantasy Flyers R/C Club and Open Cockpit Days on Sat., June 20 and Sun., June 21. As an additional bonus, the Second Annual Military Collector’s Show will be held on Sat., June 20 only. All activities are included in the general admission. Visit Fantasy of Flights for more information.

Crossroads Plaza at Lake Buena Vista

It’s no secret that the Walt Disney World resort has great restaurants, but eating at a Disney restaurant every night can take a bite out of any traveler’s wallet. That is why visitors flock to the Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista, which is directly across from Walt Disney World’s Lake Buena Vista entrance off of State Road 535.

There is no shortage of restaurants at Crossroads; travelers with young children in tow will find familiar chain restaurants such as the Uno Chicago Grill, TGI Fridays, Fuddrucker’s, Sweet Tomatoes, Chevy’s Mexican restaurant, and the locally based Flipper’s Pizzeria. There are also upscale restaurant offerings such as Johnnie’s Hideaway and Pebbles. For visitors who want to pick up groceries to bring back to their hotel room, there is a Gooding’s supermarket centrally located within the Crossroads Plaza shopping center, as well as a few retail gift shop for those who want to do their Disney souvenir shopping off of Disney property.

Antiques And Collectibles

I have nothing against snow globes. Or key chains. Or souvenir shops. Honest. I myself have a collection of souvenir pens that I'm extremely proud of. You know the kind I mean? Where the top part of the pen is filled with some sort of liquid, and something inside, indicative of the place you bought it, slides back and forth? I have over 50 pens, from all around the world, and every last one of them I myself bought at a typical souvenir shop. My point is, though, once you've exhausted your craving for a snow globe or a back scratcher, or whatever it is that you collect, then, stop shopping in those shops. Then, take some time and look, really look at the other stores in Stresa. The first time I did this, I made a conscious effort to not see the usual shops. And a conscious effort to really look at the more unique stores in town.

What did I see? Beautiful items. Unique. Carefully chosen and artfully displayed. Special items. Some expensive and many not. Many old and others new. Any of them would be a special momento indeed...

In the hopes of encouraging you to do the same, here are a few of the shops selling antiques and collectible items in centro Stresa.

Cartolibreria de Mauri, in Piazza Cadorna, specializes in handcrafted writing goods and collectibles from the middle of the twentieth century. The back wall of his window is covered in samples of his papers. Outside the shop, in the piazza, he has racks set up of prints both old and new, of the lake. Stationery from here would make a great gift for someone, wouldn't it? Or how about a metal tin to keep your restaurant cards, receipts, and brochures in?

Terra e Fuoco means Earth and Fire, which are the necessary elements to create what they specialize in, pottery and ceramics from many different regions in Italy. The selection always changes, based upon what they find, and you can buy just one piece, or an entire set. Terra e Fuoco is on Via P. Tomaso, 4, very close to the lake.

I really liked this collection of antique corkscrews at Epoque, on Via Pittore Luigi Bolongaro. These were reasonably priced, small, and I thought what a cool gift for a wine lover, or to display on your own wine rack. In his other window, Epoque's owner had a similarly impressive display of old coffee grinders. And on his front door, a sign that if you didn't see him, perhaps he was working in the laboratory. Or, it said, you could go and ask for him at Bar Bolongaro.


This is one of the windows at Antiques and More, on Via P. Tomaso. In addition to a constantly changing offering of estate and antique jewelry they also sell paintings, bronzes, and furniture.


All of these shops are located right in centro Stresa. And they represent only a few on the fun and fine vendors selling all sorts of things that aren't snow globes. A couple of other places we've already visited on the blog are Wunder Kammer on Isola Bella, and the Alessi Outlet in Omegna. Check out all the shopping posts here.

Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando featuring Naked Eyes

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando's lobby concert series continues in May with British synth-pop pioneers Naked Eyes performing hits "Always Something There To Remind Me," "Promises, Promises," "When The Lights Go Out," "(What) In The Name Of Love" and more.

Velvet Sessions is Hard Rock Hotel’s special rock 'n' roll cocktail party and lobby concert held the last Thursday of the month.Visit VelvetSessions.com and get on the list to reserve your ticket and receive monthly updates on who’s playing.A $25 ticket includes: free specialty drinks, finger foods and warm-up tunes from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Cash bars and live band from 8:30 p.m. onward. Parking is complimentary for those attending Velvet Sessions.Velvet Sessions is a 21 and older event.

Thursday, May 28, 20096:30 p.m.
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando5800 Universal BoulevardOrlando, Florida 32819-7834
Log onto VelvetSessions.com or call 407-503-2401

New Orlando Flights with DirectAir

New Orlando Flights with DirectAirDirect Air announced that they will begin nonstop service Wednesdays and Sundays from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) on May 20 with continuing service to Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) in Columbus, Ohio. For more information call 407-585-4500 or visit orlandosanfordairport.com.

Cross Country Road Trip

I am planning a cross country road trip for late this summer. We will be driving from New Jersey to Calfornia and back. We'll be stopping often and we expect to have a rental car for 15 days. There will be 6 of us in the car, so we can split the cost of the rental.

Do you know of any rental car companies that will allow cross country road trips?
Thank you for your help.

Most car rental companies will allow cross country road trips, as long as you are bringing their vehicle back. If you are given unlimited mileage and there are no geographic restrictions listed, then you're good to go. Because you have 6 adults, keep in mind that you will need a minivan or large SUV. You will need a vehicle with 6 seat belts and enough room to carry all your luggage!)

Do your bookings as far in advance as possible to get the best rate, and make sure that you get unlimited mileage (this is harder to find in the summer and especially on the larger size vehicle that you'll need) and that there are no geographic restrictions listed in your reservation terms and conditions and/or location policy information.

Good luck!

Toma Cheese

Toma Alpe Veglia (left) and Toma alle Vinacce di Barolo (right).

Do you like cheese? I like cheese. A LOT. Maybe you remember the eight cheese dinner I attended. Or the wine and cheese course. So imagine my excitement when a friend told me about a cheese shop in Verbania that I was unaware of. La Casera, in the center of Verbania Intra, only a few streets from the Intra imbarcadero and the bus lines. La Casera specializes in Piemontese cheeses. And the most Piemontese of the Piemontese cheeses is Toma.

It is on Alpine meadows, such as this one in northern Piemonte, that Toma is made.

Toma is a cow’s milk cheese is made throughout the Italian Alps. In the past, it often substituted for meat in those isolated regions. And also due to that isolation, many towns developed their own version of Toma; today there are 20 that have been awarded the DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) mark, with the best considered to be those that come from mountain villages around Novara, Vercelli, Biella, Torino, and Cuneo.

To truly be called a Toma, this cheese should be produced in the classic manner. The milk comes from Alpine cows, often the Bruna cow, which grazes at high altitudes in the mountain meadows. The farmer who tends his cows on these fields carefully oversees their grazing, he milks the cows, and he produces his own Toma in that same location. The cheese is then seasoned for at least three months and formed into wheels of 15 to 25 centimeters in diameter and a depth of 5 to 10 centimeters. The different varieties of Toma depend upon the length of time that they are left to mature, and the types of seasoning they receive. Young Tomas are sweet and milky, they become more tangy with age.

La Casera carries many varieties of Toma. I counted more than one dozen, and the varieties they sell will change with availability during the seasons. I see a Toma Alpe Veglia, made only in the mountains, only in the summer. Toma del Piode, taking its name from the village in Val Sesia where it is made, and where it is still traditionally served with Polenta Taragna. And Toma alle Vinacce di Barolo, which rests for a month in Barolo grape marcs, picking up its flavor and aroma.

Customers wait to buy cheese at the Friday market in Stresa.

Toma is readily available in the Stresa Friday markets, I've bought delicious chunks of it there. So when here, if you like cheese, like I do, buy a piece of Toma, some bread, some fruit, a bottle of wine, and find a bench on the lungolago for a little Piemontese picnic. And when in Verbania, stop by La Casera to see, learn, and taste more.

I appreciate learning about one thing at a time. Toma per esempio, for example. Then I'll be, not an expert, but knowledgeable at least, about this one thing. I'd like nothing more than to go to La Casera and try and compare several versions of these Toma. Here's the Web site: www.formaggidieros.it They have a wonderful selection and great English descriptions of cheeses.