Any mother will tell you the most important thing in her life is her children. Inherent in each “La Mamma” is the drive to mold her kids into upstanding adults. Ever since they were born I have loved sharing travel experiences to shape the minds, heart and spirit of my three children (Lorenzo, Valentina and Luca), aged 11, 9 and 5. Sharing my travel/cycling passion with my children is one of the highlights of our family life. It is enormously satisfying to watch my children experience travel at their own speed and with their own wonderfully playful eyes.
Traveling with children is one of the best ways to offer them unique and fun learning experiences. Seeking out unusual locations offers them an education that can’t be taught in a classroom or the “typical” family vacations. Forget Disney World, Venice offers a Disney-like fantasy experience combined with thousands of years of culture, history and a stimulating modern culture focused on art and a passion for living. Walking through the zigzagging Venetian streets is the world's best maze, eating in the piazza is like a huge dinner party, taking the vaporetti or water taxis on the Grand Canal is better than any “ride”, visiting the Murano fishing villages is a “very cool” step back in time.” This blend of play and learning is what connects us with our children. When traveling, playful opportunities abound and because I love to play, I easily connect with my children wherever we go.
Seeing the world through the eyes of a child conjures memories of a much simpler time when we were young and experiencing things for the first time. Kids at this age respond to the simplest pleasures and remind us to slow down, play in a fountain, try on a mask or chase a pigeon through a piazza. Kids always love walking through villages, taking in the pulse of life and following their serendipitous natures.”
For those reluctant to take their kids on a vacation for fear small kids will be too challenging, Consider this, kids, while amazingly fulfilling, can present challenges wherever they are, so why not take them on a trip where we parents can have a uplifting travel experience. At home, kid are in their comfort zone and can be more difficult. When traveling, it is more likely that kids will let their guard down and follow your lead. I am usually more at peace on outings or traveling with my kids than when I stay at home where I battle the ‘Mommy, I am bored’ syndrome. When I am on a bike trip alone without my kids I find that I am always wanting to share my experience with them. Our lives are simpler when we travel. There is less stuff in our travel life, no multi tasking, constantly taking care of practicalities or rushing to get places. We are focused on each other and more in the flow of life. The spontaneity, serendipity of it all brings us closer. We see each other at our best.
Allowing your children to have experiences they would not otherwise have at home will create memories to last a lifetime for all. We loved jumping off our boat into the gorgeous blue waters of Sardinia, getting soaked in Roman fountains or playing tag in The Boboli Gardens. Some of our memorable travel experiences include bouldering (hiking rocks) along the Sardinian coastline, spinning downhill 10 miles to the sea in Greece and hiking through the Dolomites. It’s a collective memory I know we will treasure for a very long time.
When planning vacations, I start off with some initial research to list things to see and do. Upon arriving in a certain locations, she’ll make adjustments depending on each day. Guidebooks and web sites like the Family Travel Forum with kid-friendly ideas are instrumental in helping find all the kid-friendly eateries and activities. I will always mix up the highly cultural experiences with fun ones. A trip to Rome will include some classics, but lots of gelato breaks and hanging out in piazzas,” says Lauren. Anything that includes swimming, the beach or open playing (like rambling fields, etc) is a hit for us. When picking sites, we usually avoid very crowded places (like the Vatican museum) for they are guaranteed stress producers. I always choose a more low key ‘attraction’ where we can have a more authentic, human experience over the more touristy ones.” As the kids get older, allow them to have some input into the vacation plans. You never know what they are going to come up with. In the near future, This year we hope to expand our travels beyond Italy to Ireland, Paris and Norway. The world is our oyster!
Friday, May 9, 2008
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY: Share Your Travel Experiences with Your Kids!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Bikram Yoga, the Perfect Compliment to Bicycling
The heat produces a much easier stretch because warm muscles are suppler and more malleable, therefore allowing for greater range of movement in joints, muscles, ligaments and other structures in the body. This is the effect that I have appreciated most. The cardiovascular system gets a very thorough workout too. Capillaries dilate more in the heat bringing oxygen more efficiently into the tissues, muscles, glands and organs and helping in the expelling of waste. The long term effects of hot yoga are also too good to pass up. For instance, muscles and connective tissue become more elastic and allow for greater flexibility with less chance of injury and improved resolution of injury. Sweating leads to detoxification through the skin - which is the body's largest eliminating organ. It is really like a BODY facial! Quite possibly the most important plus are the mental health benefits. You can enjoy greater willpower through discipline, self control, concentration and determination. Also, the effects on the stress in your life and how you manage it are incredible. You will learn techniques to control reaction to the stressful stimulants that are encountered throughout the day. Birkram, or Hot, Yoga is one of the most popular practices for physical and mental well-being in our society today, and for good reason. For a great total body workout that can be performed on all levels and enhance your spring cycling season, give Birkram Yoga a shot and get ready to roll. If live in the Boston area and you are interested in sampling a variety of yoga classes, check out Davide Magone's Inside Yoga (rated one of the TOP 25 yoga studio teachers in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine).
During the winter I take off time from long rides on my bike (although I still commute by bike) to cross country ski, lift weights and practice yoga. Cross training for cyclists is key and I believe yoga is extremely beneficial for cyclists as it helps stretch out and relax VERY (sometimes chronically) tight cycling muscles, especially the hamstrings and back that actually get shorter from months in the saddle. Yoga is the YANG of Cycling's YIN but both are about flow, alignment, balance, centering and deep breathing. Yoga combined with Cross Country skiing has been my perfect preparation for a stronger and longer cycling season in 2008. In fact at our recent guide meeting, while my guides can outsprint and climb me on the hills, most of them could not even touch their toes, forget about geting into a deep, relaxing Frog pose. As we stood around waiting for Marcello to start his cycling clinic talk, I just started doing yoga as they watched in amazement but agreed that AM morning YOGA stretches would be a good addition to our tours.
For many years I have taken yoga classes here and there usually following a style, time or instructor that worked for me. Friends had sworn my Bikram yoga at Baron Baptiste Studio in Cambridge, MA but the thought of the high temperatures and close quarters kept me away. Finally this winter I gave it a try and LOVED it. Listening to my body, I was pleasantly surprised at how much my muscles deeply loosened and felt so good. I love the way you start out slowly and steadily progress towards very deep stretching, opening up all the tight spots. I had ACL reconstruction two years ago and my knee continues to feel stiff and sore. Not in Bikram yoga! Although I have to be careful in some positions but in general I am able to work on the micro muscles and ligaments that surround the knee and if feels much better, looser and stronger.
Because the room is so hot, it really feels like an internal massage and an external body facial---you can keep stretching farther than you imagined getting into the tiniest but tightest creaky spots of your whole body. After each morning session I not only feel like I got a perfect "work out" but I feel amazingly relaxed and ready to peacefully start my day. I started with one session a week and quickly moved up to two and now three, energizing 90 minute sessions each week.
What is Bikram, or Hot, Yoga? Hot Yoga is done in a room heated between 100 and 115 degrees and usually kept at 60 percent humidity, depending on each studios individual policy. Although, as should be expected, you have to be in good physical health to participate in hot yoga.
The Mental and Physical Health Benefits
Despite the sweat and sometimes light-headedness that comes from this extreme workout, the benefits to your physical and mental health are just too plentiful to ignore. Your body burns fat more effectively when it is warm. Body fat may be redistributed and burned as energy during the class. Also, your metabolism speeds up the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids.
Just as when your body raises its temperature to fight infection, the raised temperature in the room will assist in improving T-cell function and the proper functioning of your immune system. While the rest of my family (and 30% of Arlington) was very sick with the flu this winter, I know that Bikram yoga was helping me fight off the nasty bugs that were floating around. I did Yoga one morning with a blocked sinus and finished feeling clear and purified
Ciclismo Classico's favorite yoga expert, Luciana Lo Presto also has an excellent yoga program in Italy, check it out: www.yogatrips.com
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Mental Winter Wanderlust to La Bella Sardinia
Even though here in Lake Placid on winter break with my family, I am immersed in the world of snow sports (and winter Olympic history) a trip to Lake Placid's premier bicycle store, High Peaks Cyclery gets my imagination quickly spinning towards spring cycling and my plans to ride again this summer Sardinia with my family on our Mediteranean Multi Sport (join us!)
My guests and cycling friends inevitably always ask me what is my favorite place to ride and although I am reluctant to respond (as if I had to choose a favorite child), my answer is alway Sardinia. We currently have three Ciclismo Classico tours there ( Swept Away in Sardinian, Mediterranean Island Hopping and Mediterranean Multi Sport). We plan to expand our offerings and with the guidance of our Native Sardinian expert, Simone Scalas, who can also create a custom tour for you. Backpedaling for a moment, I love cycling almost anywhere as it pedaling outside always puts me in a better frame of mind no matter where I am. It's a fact that, for the record, I have never had a bad bike ride ANYWHERE!
Having made that grand proclamation, there are cycling destinations that simply make my heart, soul and body soar and our focus at Ciclismo Classico is to take you to the world's absolute BEST cycling destinations such as Italy, France, Ireland, Austria and Spain.
So why do I pick Sardinia as my ultimate favorite place in the world to pedal? It fulfills the following TOP TEN list on what makes a premier Ciclismo Classico cycling destination:
1. Smooth, untrafficked, varied network of roads with many terrain options
2. An abundance of gorgeous views and scenery
3. Abundant opportunities to connect with the local culture
4. A balance of pristine nature and indigenous culture, a high local respect for sustaining both
5. Friendly, welcoming locals who respect cyclists
6. Gastronomically delightful. Delicious fresh food, markets, local eateries, enolologically intriguing
7. Abundance of historic and cultural options
8. Adventure options in addition to cycling (swimming, hiking, kayaking, caving)
9. A nice variety but not overwhelming choices of accommodations
10. A tourist culture that is affordable, friendly, sustainable and professional
Sardinia passes every one of this TOP TEN list with flying colors. Here's how:
1. Silky Smooth Roads: Sardinia's tourism is mainly in August and on the Northern Coast which means on the rest of the island for the rest of the year, Sardinia's silky smooth roads are cycling heaven. My favorite ride in the world is the descent to Cala Ganone (one of my favorite places in the world) and the gradual 20 mile ascent from Dorgali to the Barbagia Mountains with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. My favorite cycling is along stunning coastline and Sardinia has more than anyplace I have been.
2. Gorgeous Scenery: Sardinia is is defined by its abundance of gorgeous views and variety of scenery, especially abundant are a wonderful blend of mountain and seascapes. Unlike the rest of Europe, Sardinia is rural, and underdeveloped. One of the last off the beaten path destinations Europe has to offer. It is like Wyoming surrounded by an amazingly beautiful blue waters. If you love to swim or simply experience some of the world's most gorgeous blue water than Sardinia is the place for you.
3. Culturally Fascinating: The Sardinian indigenous and native culture is alive and thriving. Sardinia with its own unique language, many distinct cultures and rich craftsmanship offers the cyclist Abundant opportunities to connect with the local culture. It is difficult to find a musical heritage so varied and full of expression as the one you can find in Sardinia. Sardinian traditional music is in every sense one of the richest and oldest in the Mediterranean. The expression of this heritage can be found in polyvocal or monodic songs and in the use of instruments, some of which are typical of the island. Undoubtedly one of the most original forms in the island's polyvocal heritage is the CANTO A TENORES (Tenors song). http://www.sardi.it/sardinia/artig1.htm
4. Natural Wonders Abound: Sardinia has the cleanest waters and most pristine natural areas in the world and is working harder than most of Europe to preserve and protect them.
5. International Cycling Destination: Although Sardinia is still emerging as a cycling destination for Americans, this amazingly varied island attracts thousands of pedaling Europeans who flock to Sardinia every year.
6. Delicious, healthy cuisine: Howard Hillman's in his World Cuisine Guide calls Sardinian cuisine "the most distinctive of Italy's regional cuisines, mainly due to the island's geographic isolation from Italy's mainland." That's why Ciclismo alumni and master chef Micheal Romano of the Union Street Cafe chose to join our Swept Away in Sardinia tour. For a cyclist Sardinian specialties such as Pane Carasau, Culingiones (fresh stuffed pasta) Bottarga (spaghetti with a tuna roe sauce) and so many other delicious others make all those miles worthwhile!
7. Historically Intriguing: Sardinia is a living museum! While there is not the abundance of museums as on the mainland, any Sardinian itinerary historical Abundance of historic and cultural options including roaming around ancient nuraghi villages or stopping to explore a romanesque church.
8. Sardinia is Europe's Adventure paradise: The second largest island in the Meditteranean, with thousands of mile of pristine coastline and gorgeous protected natural areas, there is plenty of adventure for non-cycling days. Kayaking along Sardinia's gorgeous coastline, hiking through the lush barbagia, sailing around La Maddelena, snorkeling, rapelling and caving are a sampling of this outdoor paradise.
9. Charming, tasteful, historic accommodations. The Sardinians have been very careful in developing their tourism as a result most hotels are small, family run and connected to their local culture. My favorite hotel in the world (and used on our Sardinian tours) is Sul Gologone nestled into the the Barbagia mountains near the famous muraled village of Orgosolo. Literally a gallery of Sardinian fine art and crafts, the rooms, cuisine, and spa make this a family-run hotel a place you'll want to call home!
10. Welcoming, friendly and caring! On my first bike tour around Sardinia in 1992, I was welcomed into the Fonteduus home in Siniscola (northwest Sardinia), treated for three nights to abundant local specialties and even dressed up in the traditional wedding clothes of our hosts! I could tell that I had landed in a very special place where I would be honored to bring cyclists. We have been running tours there for over 15 years and have expanded our guide team to include Sardinian specialist, Simone Scalas
As one of my favorite Italian web sites, Italy Online writes: "Small enough to be classified as an island but big enough to be a universe unto itself, Sardinia lies about 120 miles west of the Italian peninsula. Its coastline is probably Europe's most spectacular. Its waters teem with fish and shellfish. Its broad valleys turn into golden oceans of wheat in summer. Its rugged mountains, pocked with caves, are home to large flocks of sheep that feed on pungent wild herbs and produce a cheese your palate will never forget. Nestled into its silent olive groves are some of the continent's oldest archeological remains, dating back to 1700 BC. Its people speak a language incomprehensible to all other Italians, celebrate more saints' days than anyone else in the nation, and love to dress up in elaborate costumes at the drop of a finely-embroidered hat. ' "
Interested in joining my family and I for a very special week in Sardinia this July? email me at lauren@ciclismoclassico.com
Favorite Sardinian Links:
Best overall Site: http://www.mondosardegna.net/index.php, http://www.sardegna.com
Sardinian Photo Album: http://www.initaly.com/regions/sardinia/sardinalb.htm
In Italy Online: http://www.initaly.com/regions/sardinia/sardinia.htm
http://www.sardi.it/indexuk.htm
