In the middle of August you should be wearing these swimwear looks. What better way to make a beach style statement. By wearing handsome designs each with its own characteristics of colors, fabrics, and cuts.
A working holiday in Italy alongside Lake Garda, The largest lake in Italy, located at the foot hills of the Alps, at a luxury resort spa. Not a bad proposal. I jumped at the chance. Why not? I did not know much about the region. A chance to visit. The lakeside village of Bordolino dates back to the 10th century. Offering not only striking sunsets, but an enjoy the moment atmosphere.
Sunset on Lake Garda
Working in a Relaxed Space
The Black and Paper collaboration with the Aqualux Hotel Spa in Bardolino started as a casual conversationon how to work together. With eight pools on the property, naturally, swimwear came to mind.
Team Black and Paper “working” at the Aqualux Hotel
Assembling a team from Milan: Model Elia Cometti from Elite Models. Photographer Ivan Siggillino, Make Up Artist/Hair Artist Lorena Palmieri, and Photographer Assistant Simone Toson. The Black and Paper team shot menswear swimsuit looks over 2 days.
A Room with a View of the Courtyard
The Aqualux Hotel is a modern interpretation of a classic Roman Resort Villa. There are spaces for capturing light and keeping cool. The interior gardens and pools offer relaxation while shielding guests from the outside world. Sadly, due to the fact I was working on the production. I did not have as much of an opportunity to enjoy the hotel.
Outdoor Buffett
Fresh Pancakes on Tap
Breakfast Done Right
What’s on offer?
However, I delighted with other offerings, especially the resturant and dinning setting. To say nothing of a breakfast buffet with an omelet chef, my favourite, then an outdoor dinner buffet. All of this while sitting alongside canals, waterfalls, and small pools.
Pools
Outdoor Pool
Indoor Pools
Designed to showcase eight pools, Aqualux Hotel features four indoor pools with four outdoor pools. The indoor pools are enclosed inside a glass atrium. The first floor jacuzzi overlooks the pools and outside courtyard. Outdoors, the large main pool in the center of the hotel is the hub for swimming or chilling out under the sun. The patio areas are designed for tranquility.
The all suite rooms have Internet access with terraces facing the courtyard or outward with mountain views.
Finnally, The service was impeccable. The staff was professional and accommodating during our stay. They knew us as if we were worked at the hotel. As a guest, experience the casual luxury of the Aqualux Hotel, Team Black and Paper recommends it. We had a great time shooting the production.
Want to know what my experiences were like in Paris during Couture Week? Check out some of the videos. It was never boring. Sometimes a challenge overcoming old values. All things considered, I plan on returning. But Paris always excites me.
A Big Thank You to Canon. They loaned me a camera.
What is a holiday in Italy or France without food? Resisting was futile. Good food should be enjoyed! The diet got tossed out the window. Give in to temptation if it tastes good. I guessed I sinned a lot. How many Hail Marys will I have to say is a guess.
While traveling around Italy I learned I am not cooking pasta correctly. Particularly wonderful, a seafood pasta from the Italian Riviera. I usually boil it or over boil it to the point of it being a soggy string. No more of that! I have decided to be more careful. Al Dente is now on the dinner plate with a bit more olive oil.
Seafood Pasta Fantasy White Chocolate Heaven Panna Cotta with Love
Lastly, my final plate in Italy shocked me. The best desserts I have EVER HAD! Or at least on the top 5 list. A salty pistachio panna cotta and a White Chocolate cream soup made with balsamic.
FRANCE
In France I had the best baguette of my life. The owner of the hotel said “this is the second best in the area. The best one is a bit more expensive.” Sadly, there was no time to find the “better one”. But there is tomorrow.
The coast is about sea, especially fish. We skipped the front row establishments for the 3 row streets. Finding a very authentic place turned into a fun outing. It must be good place. The same people were there. The waitress was friendly, if not very familiar with customers.
Fries Avignon Market HallFish Deight
Of course, while in Provence, making time for buying cheese, wines, and herbs started as a simple task but became an endeavor of fun. In a small village, the local shop introduced me to a rosemary cheese. The market hall in Avignon offered a variety of Olive Oils. Buying two flavors, one spicy, the other sweet, mission accomplished.
It goes without saying, throw a rock while driving you hit a vineyard in France. Of course, we stopped, tasted, then bought a case of Red, and a bootle of Sparkling.
Culinary delights traveling for 3000 kilometers. Delightful!
Staying on Lake Garda with all of its romantic charms offers much to travellers. Walking along the shore, watching the joggers at sunset, made for a perfect setting. It is easy to fall under the charm of this Italian destination. A place to unwind in slow mode.
After attending the ITB Travel Fair 2019, I learned the travel field continues to grow. More want to get away, however, questions are being asked of the effects. “Overtourism” is becoming common. As a result, Many cities have become overwhelmed by holiday makers. Town centers have been abandoned for tourist. Barcelona, Venice, and Prague are being hollowed out. Coping with the traveler influx has become political and economic topics.
Apartments used for AirBnB, big hotel chains grabbing any available space. Public spaces flooded with visitors armed with selfie sticks. Locals started rebelling against tourists, weary of the temporary guests. The answers are not easy. Recently, a picturesque Parisian neighbourhood petitioned to place gates on the street to stop the weekend Influencer invasion searching for the the perfect gram.
Less Painful
Qatar Airways Economy Class
Can flying economy become human again? Perhaps flying in the back of the plane will improve. Airlines are upgrading their services with new seats offering more leg space. Can the budgets say, “AMEN!” Middle East carrier Qatar Airways ups the game. I checked out their new Airbus livery. I give it top marks. A wide choice of in flight entertainment, bigger food portions, and even Godiva Chocolate for dessert. A good product for those looking for a better travel experience without breaking the wallet.
Africa Rising
AFRICA TOURISM
The Gambia
Africa is rising. The continent offers destinations based on experience: a trek to Victoria Falls or a Safari in Namibia. Many countries are developing tourism infrastructure, upgrading airlines while building hotels. Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone, two places not known as tourist friendly locations, are open for business. Asking adventure seekers to give their countries a try.
Colombia
Gay Cartagena
Colombia continues to move forward on all tourism fronts. A place once known for drug cartels and civil wars has made great strides to become a travel destination. Blessed with an extensive beach coast, mountains, and an multicultural mix of people, the South American country is rolling out the carpet for every type of visitor. Brimming with a smile, the marketing head told me how his country wants to become a top LGBT holiday spot. Many cities have pride and other gay friendly festivals. The capital city Bogota, has a large gay population with many bars and clubs. Moreover, Cartagena and Medellin have vibrant scenes worth exploring. I placed Colombia on my travel list. Stay Tuned.