Tour Guide Jack Goes To Venice - That's Amore!

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What better way to celebrate a twentieth wedding anniversary than going to Italy? And if you have stayed happily married for twenty years, you might know one secret to marital longevity is...separate vacations!!
So this July, Tour Guide Jack travels to Italy sans spouse. Of course, it is a very romantic country, and Venice vies with Paris for the world's most romantic city. So in that light, let's explore all the wonderful ways to enjoy romantic Venice!

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You must of course visit St Mark's Basilica and the Doge Palace, but if crowds are not your thing, go early; the Palace opens at 8:30am. Just remember, this is not the time to show off those sexy legs - St Mark's has a dress code and you'll need to cover up legs and shoulders. Admire the mosaics, works of art, and jewel encrusted altarpiece, the famous Pala d'Oro. Emeralds, garnets, sapphires and pearls - over 2300 gems makes it worth the small admission fee. Next visit the Doge's Palace,  one-time fortress and home of the Doge, the thousand year old building housed the legislature and courts. Be sure to cross the Bridge of Sighs to the prisons and imagine what that last look at Venice meant to those who were incarcerated. If your honey hates waiting in line, save some time by buying your tickets up to three months in advance.  If the crowds really turn you off, consider an after hours tour by Walks of Italy.  They offer an exclusive, after-hours tour of St Mark's in a small,intimate group.

Of course it's the canals that Venice is most famous for, and nothing says romance like a ride on a gondola.

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This can make for an expensive date; just be sure to check the price list - gondoliers must post municipally approved rates. Be warned; evening rides are more expensive, and serenading costs extra. An alternative is a tour up the Grand Canal one evening in a vaporetto. Venice's version of a city bus, vaporettos are notoriously crowded. But once the sun goes down, and the majority of cruise dwelling tourists have returned to their ships, the vaporettos provide a glorious tour of Venice. Head away from the train station toward San Marco to avoid the last of the day trippers. To get a bigger bang for your buck, purchase a pass (12, 24, 72 hours etc.). Nothing says romance like saving a few euros, especially when you will want to wine and dine your honey afterwards.

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It is said that there is nothing more magical than getting lost in Venice. Save time to wander through the alleyways away from the maddening crowds. Explore less visited neighbourhoods such as Cannaregio and Dorsoduro.  Of course finding your way back may be a challenge, but remember you are on an island and really can't get that far! If you're more the adventurous, sporty type, try your hand at gondolier lessons, or even kayaking. Just remember, the Grand Canal does contain raw sewage, so save your bikini for the beach. If you need an excuse to hold your honey tighter, take a ghost tour. In a city that's been inhabited for 3000 years (and seen its fair share of plague), there have to be a few things that go bump in the night.
Walk, shop, explore, dine, and marvel at her sheer beauty. And raise a glass to the beauty of Venice too. Saluti!!

The Krewe of Chewbacchus, and 69 other reasons to visit New Orleans!

If you have traditionally celebrated Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, with a pancake breakfast, you might think of visiting New Orleans, Louisiana one day, where the celebration of excess is stretched over 40 toe tapping, bead throwing, liquor downing days! New Orleans kicked off its annual party January 6 with a nod to Joan of Arc and a feast of King Cake. Before it ends on February 9th, New Orleans will have had 70 parades to celebrate the season, including my new favourite, led by the Krewe of Chewbacchus, an intergalactic sci-fi krewe whose theme this year honours the Cult of the Sacred Drunken Wookiee.

Or if your tastes run to the more traditional, you may want to take in the Krewe of Orpheus. Founding members include Harry Connick Jr. This Krewe is famous for its celebrities, who have included Sandra Bullock, Fats Domino,and Quentin Tarantino. This year, Canadian actor Nathan Fillion of Castle fame will be at the helm.

(Sabree Hill, UptownMessenger.com)

For a taste of historical New Orleans, be sure to see the parade of the Krewe Of Rex. One of the oldest participating groups in Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Rex has held more parades than any other organization. Founded in 1872, they are the origin of many Mardi Gras traditions, including the official Carnival colors of purple, green and gold. The Krewe consists of 600 male riders and parades on the New Orleans uptown route on Mardi Gras day.
Anytime of the year, make a point to visit Mardi Gras World. Just a few minutes (and free shuttle ride) from the lower end of Canal Street, Mardi Gras World is the place where they make the magic.
Here, artists work year round to build those fantastic floats. A tour includes a short film documenting the history of the celebration and the founding of the krewes, a taste of King Cake, and then a behind the scenes look at the making of the floats. Plans for Mardi Gras 2017 will begin as early as Ash Wednesday, as workers begin to dismantle many of the floats in order to reuse and recycle parts for next year. And we can all drink to that!
Check out a complete schedule of the parades at http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/schedule.html