The LaMonte’s were the perfect Colorado hosts. Ingrid, Rich, Penelope and Porter showed off the hospitality and community of Fort Collins despite their busy schedules. Ingrid and Rich gladly offered me all sorts of transportation for my trip from Rich’s classic Comet, Ingrid’s less terrifying Honda, and a beach cruiser for in-city trips. Ingrid and her gal pal’s took me out on the town to the local bars, and after my day trip to Lily Mountain and the New Belgium tour, I joined the family for a swim at the community pool. It was my first real chance to meet Ingrid’s...

After 10 years, I met my friend Ingrid on a street corner in Denver’s LoDo district. It could have been a street corner in downtown Eugene. We picked up where we had left off nearly a decade before. I had scoped out the Lower Downtown filled with warehouses and industrial buildings renovated into shops and restaurants. Crowds of people were enjoying happy hour and a pre-game dinner. We joined the crowds walking toward Coors Field as the Rockies/Cubs game started. I’d spotted a bar with a rooftop patio that reminded me of our Eugene hang out, Rennie’s. The LoDo’s Bar & Grill...

It seems strange that I’ve never been to Colorado before. Even stranger when you know that my best friend from college has lived in the Denver area for nearly 12 years. I finally remedied that with a short trip last week. Ingrid beat me to the blogging punch with a nice write up: The Adventures of Penelope and Porter Look for more of my brewery and hiking stories as soon as I wrap up 48 Hours Rome. Related Posts:Standing on the CornerGuidebooks Without PagesBrew Tour 4 – Ft. Collins BrewingBrew Tour 3 – OdellColorado Family: The...

People of Dubrovnik: Kresimir Cupic Dubrovnik and Venice have a long-time rivalry. In the past it was because Venice kept trying to invade Dubrovnik. Today it’s the battle for “most beautiful city on the Adriatic.” Last year I visited Venice on a perfect spring day. The weather was mild and sunny with low humidity. The city of canals and vibrant colored buildings sparkled like the pictures on the postcards in every Tabac shop. The travel magic was with me again on my first evening in Dubrovnik. It was another postcard perfect evening as I lay on one of the rocky beaches just outside...

After another day of climbing on Tuesday, Heinz tells me Rafaella has invited us to dinner at The Bandit. I am very excited to see her again and sample her cooking. Staying at the agri that night are a group of “elder men” cycling through Northern Italy. They speak little English. Also there are Luca the climber, the Bandit and another Elisa (not Luca’s girlfriend). Rafe has prepared a feast that fuses the Napoli recipes she grew up on, the seafood of Finale and the herbs of her garden. It is simple, tasty, and with a dozen hungry athletes, gone in less than an hour. Menu:- Salmon (with potatoes...