And the Recommendations and Reviews Just Keep Coming!!!

As many of you know, I love to watch movies and read, especially if these particular movies and books pertain to traveling. I had hopes of watching "The Art of Travel" before writing this post; however, as I am about to go out of town this weekend and I won't be able to watch it before I leave, I'll wait until next time to include it in my recommendations/reviews. However, I do believe I have some worthy books and movies for all of you...well, with the exception of one.


Movies:

A Summer in Genoa: If I’m being totally honest, this was a different kind of movie. It starts Colin Firth and Catherine Keener and as much as I love Colin Firth, this was not one of his finest. After the death of his wife, he decides to take his two daughters to Genoa where a close friend from Harvard lives (Catherin Keener). His oldest daughter finds herself becoming friendly with some of the local boys while the youngest daughter continues to have nightmares about her mother’s death and has trouble dealing with living in a world without her mom. There doesn’t really seem to be much of a solid plot and ends on a very “what now” note. It is definitely not one that I would recommend; however, the landscape and scenery reminded much of Rome with the cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways.

My Life in Ruins: Having never seen “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” I have never watched many movies with Nia Vardalos; however, this one was quite…fun. Set in Athens, Greece, Georgia (Nia Vardalos), works as a tour guide who is tired of her job and tired of the same-old tourists who would rather shop than witness Greece’s historical beauty. Ready to move back to the states, she decides to take one more tour group. When they come along, not only does she meet some interesting characters, but she forms a friendship with a man who has his own words of wisdom for her. All the while, an attraction to an unlikely bus driver forms and she quickly finds herself falling back in love with Greece all over again.


Books:

Sand in my Bra and Other Misadventures by Jennifer Leo: If you’ve read any of my past reviews, you would know that I am a big fan of Jennifer Leo and her work. This book is no exception. With her clever titles, Sand in my Bra is just as funny as Whose Panties Are These? Women continue to tell their hilarious tales of traveling solo and you learn quickly of what should and shouldn’t do on the road. Reading about Ellen DeGeneres’ fear of flying, a woman’s tale of nearly being trampled by wild elephants, and even a woman going topless on a Tahitian beach…you will find yourself laughing hysterically with every story.

Educating Alice: Adventures of a Curious Woman by Alice Steinbach: This is the sequel to “Without Reservations” which I reviewed not too long ago. Alice Steinbach certainly has a way with descriptive words and imagery. In this book, she takes her readers to various parts of the world, detailing her experiences along the way. Not only does she learn about border collies and sheep herding in Scotland, but she delves into the world of geisha girls in Kyoto, Japan. On top of that, you get the feeling of what it would be like to take a cooking class in Paris, France; learn the history of Florence, Italy, and become a part of the hot Cuban lifestyle in Havana. I would highly recommend her books, not only for her style of writing, but because of the stories she tells…they make you want to pack your bags and take off on your own experiences.

French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew by Peter Mayle: All I can say is that Peter Mayle certainly knows his stuff when it comes to France and all things French. Discovering his passion for French cooking at 19, his book details much of the necessities and indulgences that can be found in French food. Devoting chapters to frog legs, cheese and wine, I often found my stomach rumbling through the process of reading this book. Although the idea of frog legs does not seem too appetizing to me, I cannot deny how wonderful French cheese, breads and wines are. And let’s not forget the chocolates. Oh the many patisseries that call France home. Including informative and interesting history in regards to the foods, the drinks, and the people, I can just say that this will not be the last book I pick up written by Peter Mayle.