London, Paris, Berlin and Udine. Yes, Udine. And let’s not forget about Grado, Salice and Trieste, most definitely Trieste. This is Friuli Venezia Gulia region of Italy, spread across the far northeastern corner of the nation. I first read about this stunning region of diverse landscapes, languages and cultures over 15 years ago and swore that someday I would see it for myself. This June I finally did.

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is a quintessential Italian dish known around the world, despite taking many twists and turns on its voyage. Last month I had the unique opportunity to be an observer at a cooking demonstration conducted by Maestro Ivan Bombieri, Chef at Risotrante La Taverna, just outside of Udine, in Friuli Venezia Giulia region. Mr. Bombieri is a soft-spoken, charismatic man of no pretension who like his cooking to speak for itself.

Rodney Dangerfield told his doctor about all of his ailments, whereupon the doctor said, "I'll tell you what's wrong with you --- YOU'RE CRAZY!"

The distinguished city of Bordeaux in southwest France with its astounding urban historical center noted as a World Heritage Site boasts a glorious buffet of sidewalk cafes and restaurants with legendary cuisine honoring French culture and their indisputably sophisticated approach to gastronomy. Dining here offers a lifetime of pleasure for the Bordealais as well as an enduring love affair with some of the world’s finest wines produced by hundreds of nearby wine chateaus.

If I asked you what was the most memorable trip or the most difficult journey you have taken, what would you say? Maybe you had a lengthy delay, canceled flights or some other challenging issue. Sometimes a dream vacation can become a nightmare. We can’t control every factor. In the dozens of countries I have traveled in I would list my “escape” from Liberia during the civil war as among the most stressful.

At a wine merchant's warehouse the regular taster died, and the director started looking for a new one to hire. He posted a sign at the entrance to the building: EXPERIENCED WINE TASTER WANTED – POSITION STARTS IMMEDIATELY.

In The 400 Blows Truffaut introduced Antoine, a 12-year-old at odds with the world in which he found himself. Antoine lost his girlfriend to an older and more masterful rival in the opening segment of Love at Twenty. Now, after two failures (not only of execution), Truffaut has returned to that character, but Stolen Kisses does not mark a reprise of his most confident style.

Few words inspire adventure and travel like Jeep. From its inception in the early 1940s, this first-of-its-kind off-road vehicle took soldiers to battle and civilians to thrilling, hard-to-reach destinations. In the process it became a legend.

A man was in dire straights. Sales were way off and he was about to lose his business. His home was almost in foreclosure. He couldn't pay his bills. He didn't know what to do. In desperation he went to see his priest and seek guidance.