Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Ahh Sweet Italy!!

villa-borghese-rome-ir1806

Back from a fabulous trip with lots of inspiration and a bit of travel info to share!


Villa Cimbrone


The Almafi Coast was spectacular and a favorite excursion was to the lovely hilltop village of Ravello. We had an extraordinary time exploring the two main villas in town, Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. (above)


Villa Cimbrone Infintiy


As you can see the gardens and the views were breathtaking!


Rome Forum


First, I want to let you know that I have been to Rome three times. Above is a photo of Ancient Roman Forum. The history is overwhelming - so this trip we decided to finally hire a private guide to take us around. What a difference a guide makes!! We all learned so much and really the cost was very reasonable. David Lown is an art historian and he was fabulous! If you are heading to Rome this summer do contact him HERE and enjoy learning all about this fabulous city.


Uffico Scavi


The greatest highlight of our trip to Rome was our excursion 35 feet UNDER St. Peter’s Basilica called “The Ufficio Scavi Tour” (Tour by Office of Excavations). Only a lucky 120 people are taken down each day, an incredible privilege, as St. Peters has over 20,000 visitors per day! We were taken down in small groups of 12, two levels below St. Peter’s to what was Vatican Hill over 1900 years ago. We saw St. Peters final resting place (and bones) as well as the tombs of the previous Popes. I could go on and on but click this link HERE to learn more and the link HERE to make a request for a tour. You will not be disappointed!!


Villa_Borghese_2


A special area of Rome which enchanted us was the Villa Borghese Park. The first photo of this post and this photo are just a small sampling of what you will see. We spent a wonderful Sunday touring the Villa Borghese (filled with gorgeous Bernini sculptures) and the surrounding gardens. Do not miss this!


Pompeii-fresco-of-a-garden5


Another highlight was Pompeii – Words just can’t describe how we felt walking along the streets of this ancient buried city. I was incredibly taken by the Frescos, like this one above, that are still intact. We also decided to hire a personal guide in Pompeii. Lucia was wonderful and again I couldn’t recommend her more highly. You can contact her HERE.


Domenic Minchilli torre-gentile-16


Finally, remember my previous post about the fabulous Villa Torre Gentile? You can read about it HERE. The owner was kind enough to contact me and let me know that her spectacular villa is available for rent. So if you want to stay in an extraordinary, gorgeous stone villa in Italy do give her call. You can find out more about Villa Torre Gentile, also known as Villanova HERE


Wall fountain rome


I have been so inspired by the architecture, beauty, color and gardens – well I could go on and on. My mind has been reeling since I’ve been back. I am not sure where it will take me, but I am excited to share my journey with you.



(If you do happen to contact our tour guides, do tell them Gina and her family said Hi! I am always so thrilled to pass on a good a contact!!)


(all post copyrighted by Willow Décor and not to be published with out permission)

English classical crossover soprano, actress, songwriter and dancer Sarah Brightman Wallpapers

Sarah Brightman (born 14 August 1960) is an English classical crossover soprano, actress, songwriter and dancer. She began her career as a member of the dance troupe Hot Gossip and released several disco singles as a solo performer. In 1981, she made her musical theatre debut in Cats and met composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, whom she married. She went on to star in several Broadway musicals, including The Phantom of the Opera, where she originated the role of Christine Daaé. The Original London Cast Album of the musical was released in CD format in 1987 and sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it the biggest-selling cast album of all time.


Sarah Brightman Wallpaper
Sarah Brightman Wallpaper

Sarah Brightman Wallpaper
Sarah Brightman Wallpaper

Sarah Brightman Wallpaper
Sarah Brightman Wallpaper

Sarah Brightman Wallpaper
Sarah Brightman Wallpaper

Sarah Brightman Wallpaper
Sarah Brightman Wallpaper

English TV presenter and radio DJ Sara Cox Gallery

Sara Cox (born Sarah Joanne Cox on 13 December 1974), known as "Coxy", is an English TV presenter and radio DJ, most well known for presenting the breakfast show on BBC Radio 1 between 2000 and 2003. She now presents a Sunday morning show on the station, as well as frequently covering for other Radio 1 DJs.

English Celebrity Sara Cox Wallpaper
English Celebrity Sara Cox Wallpaper

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Sara Cox Sexy Wallpaper

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Sara Cox Hot Wallpaper

TV Presenter Sara Cox Wallpaper
TV Presenter Sara Cox Wallpaper

English Radio DJ Sara Cox Wallpaper
English Radio DJ Sara Cox Wallpaper

German singer-songwriter, dancer, television presenter and occasional actress Sandy Moelling

Sandy Molling (born April 27, 1981), known professionally as Sandy, is a German singer-songwriter, dancer, television presenter and occasional actress, who rose to fame as one of the founding members of the successful all-female pop band No Angels, the "biggest-selling German girlband to date," according to the German media.

Sandy Moelling Wallpaper

Former Miss Belgium and French Television Presenter Sandrine Corman Wallpaper

Sandrine Corman (born April 12, 1980 in Verviers, Liege, Belgium) was Miss Belgium 1997 and represented her country at Miss World 1997 and Miss Universe 1998. She is a French television presenter. She presents La France a un incroyable talent with Alex Goude, and she will present the second series of X Factor on M6 in 2011.

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Hollywood Sexy Actress Sandra Bullock Gallery

Bullock was once engaged to actor Tate Donovan, whom she met while filming Love Potion No. 9; their relationship lasted four years. She previously dated football player Troy Aikman, Austin musician Bob Schneider (for two years), and actors Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Gosling. Bullock married motorcycle builder and Monster Garage host Jesse James on July 16, 2005. They first met when Bullock arranged for her ten-year-old godson to meet James as a Christmas present.

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Sandra Bullock Wallpaper

Sandra Bullock Wallpaper
Sandra Bullock Wallpaper

Sandra Bullock Wallpaper
Sandra Bullock Wallpaper

Sandra Bullock Wallpaper
Sandra Bullock Wallpaper

Sandra Bullock Wallpaper
Sandra Bullock Wallpaper

American actress and producer who rose to fame in the 1990s Sandra Bullock Wallpapers

Sandra Annette Bullock (born July 26, 1964) is an American actress and producer who rose to fame in the 1990s, after roles in successful films such as Speed and While You Were Sleeping. She has since established her career with films such as Miss Congeniality, Two Weeks Notice, and Crash, the third of which received critical acclaim. In 2007, she was ranked as the 14th richest female celebrity with an estimated fortune of $85 million.

American Beauty Sandra Bullock Wallpaper
American Beauty Sandra Bullock Wallpaper

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Sandra Bullock Lovely Wallpaper

Sandra Bullock Desktop Wallpaper
Sandra Bullock Desktop Wallpaper

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Beautiful Sandra Bullock Wallpaper

Hollywood Actress Sandra Bullock Hd Wallpaper
Hollywood Actress Sandra Bullock Hd Wallpaper

Irish singer and actress Samantha Mumba Wallpapers

Samantha Tamania Anne Cecilia Mumba (born 18 January 1983) is an Irish singer and actress. Her first album was released in 2000. Her most notable role was Mara in the 2002 film The Time Machine. She has also appeared in a number of Irish independent films.

Irish Singer Samantha Mumba Wallpaper
Irish Singer Samantha Mumba Wallpaper

Samantha Mumba Desktop Wallpaper
Samantha Mumba Desktop Wallpaper


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Samantha Mumba Hot Wallpaper

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Actress Samantha Mumba Sexy Wallpaper

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Samantha Mumba Lovely Smile Wallpaper

Black Beauty Samantha Mumba Wallpaper
Black Beauty Samantha Mumba Wallpaper