Independent Travel

The beautiful thing about books is that they can be found everywhere.

You know I'm a big fan of independent bookstores, like this one on the island of Capri. I supported it today with some purchases. Please shop your local store today, and often.

Ciao, Roma!

In preparing for a trip to Rome, it's almost impossible to narrow down the huge lists of books that can inspire, advise, and inform your trip. There are probably 10 specific periods in Rome's history that fascinate me, so the stack of books could be daunting.
But here are three that made my list, and inspired my trip. More books (especially about my favorite Roman time period) later this week.

Rome
by Robert Hughes
Robert Hughes gives us a very personal journey through Rome's history and culture. He skips a bit quickly through ancient Rome for my taste, but paints an incredible view of the Renaissance. As the former art critic for Time, that really shouldn't surprise, but to be fair Rome had an amazing diversity of artists, sculptors, composers, and architects who created stunning works during the Renaissance.
I used Hughes' book to find hidden gems like Villa Medici.

Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling

by Ross King
It's astonishing to realize that Michelangelo only received the commission to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel almost as a consolation prize. The project he most wanted was to sculpt the Pope's tomb, but instead he was convinced by Pope Julius II to paint his now-famous scenes. Michelangelo was not know for his paintings and he didn't have experience with frescoes. Add to that the cost to his health (and his pocketbook), and you can understand how the gorgeous ceiling became the bane of Michelangelo's existence.


Sprezzatura: 50 Ways that Italian Genius Shaped the World
by Peter D'Epiro
Sprezzatura means the art of effortless mastery, and after just a few days in Rome, it does seem as if the Italians mastered (or created) almost every form of art.
D'Epiro showcases 50 of the top Italian cultural achievements, from developing the calendar (twice) to the first orchestra, and from love poetry to logic. This is a sharp and humorous look at how the history of Italy has shaped the world's culture.

Making a List, Checking It Twice

Yes, I've been gone. I made it through yet another market (my day job for those not in the know). That would be roughly 12 days consisting of 18 hours of craziness work.
In my over-organized way, I did plan a vacation at the end of this week. And now comes another tough job – I have to decide what books go with me.
This is no small task. My biggest fear is running out of something to read in a country where it is a bit more difficult to buy English-language books.
Now that I have a Nook, that isn't what I worry about. It is now much more about what books to load onto the tablet.
At this point, I have five in fiction, three in biography, four in non-fiction, four mysteries, and I even have eight "classics." Hey, those were free so don't judge.
But do I have enough? Maybe I'm too light on the mysteries – arguably my favorite genre. I do think I need one or two more.
You can laugh, but I've been known to read two to three books on long-haul flights. That's six books for a round trip. And sometimes you have to be in the right mood for a certain book, so having plenty of choice is a must.
I won't read anything about my destination, I've already been there and done that, so to speak. Half the fun of any trip is the planning. I do have to admit to odd research for this trip, including a lot of fiction. But I'll regale you with that while I'm gone.
Meanwhile, I think I need to hit BN.com again...

How to Travel

Back in the day, I had to be a little creative about my travel. I would buy a book in the airport, leave it on the plane, and buy another when I landed. Or I would give myself a hernia by packing 10 books in my carry-on bag. Or I would run to the nearest book store when we arrived in our destination city. And yes, I have paid the fees for overweight bags because I had too many hardbacks in the suitcase.

This was all an attempt to keep me entertained. Because when I travel, I have to read. It keeps me from noticing the kid behind me who is kicking my kidneys. It alleviates the uncomfortable feeling I get when the man next to me (and it's always a man) takes the armrest and refuses to share. Reading keeps me calm during take off and landing. And it gives me something to do when the flight is delayed and we're sitting on the tarmac for four hours for no reason and they won't let us off the bloomin' plane. Not that I'm bitter.
The Nook has made my life easier now that I can carry hundreds of books in one tiny package. It fed my addiction on my recent trip West, and I am almost embarrassed to admit that I read four books while I was gone. You can see what I read by clicking here.
I'm not normally a "talker" on planes, and I've been known to hide behind my book. But then, occasionally, I'll see someone carrying a book that makes me happy.
Last night, on the way back from Los Angeles, I met Laura. She was on her way to New Orleans and she was carrying Jo Nesbo's The Leopard. Coincidentally, I had just finished that very book while in Los Angeles - and it was amazing. I had to tell her that while we were waiting to board and then, what do you know, but she is in 11E and I'm in 11D.
This was good for two reasons. First, we talked books. I told her that if she likes Nesbo, she has to read Hypothermia and The Keeper of Lost Causes.
Second, we didn't have to talk anymore. Laura wanted to read. I wanted to read. It was the perfect seatmate scenario. And she didn't hog the armrest. I even ended up giving her the Denise Mina book that I finished on the flight.
So to Laura, wherever you are, thanks for being such a good travel partner. Enjoy your book!