We have been in Stresa, Italy for three weeks now and my obsessions list is huge. So I thought I would start off by sharing the obsession I need the most, the one I use the most and the one I am having a hard time saying no to.
Skyroam, I need you so
So, when we first hatched our plan to become somewhat nomadic, I knew I needed decent internet. As a freelance writer with daily deadlines, no internet is no bene (as they like to say in Italy).
Before we came over, we did a little research and found Italy’s internet to be less than stellar. And then we learned the house we were staying in on Isola Pescatori relied on the internet from the restaurant below us. I was not feeling all that confident about fast, reliable internet.
So, I went in search of a backup plan. Our backup plan was Skyroam. Skyroam is a global hotspot that connects you to the internet in over 100 countries.
We initially bought the box, for $129 (we had a discount) and 5 day passes for $40, but it soon became apparent that we needed it daily – at least for this first leg of the trip. A month’s pass is $99. You can also rent the box for a monthly fee, but it made more sense just to pay the one time fee and top off our day passes when needed.
Now, to be quite honest, it isn’t always the fastest and it can lag a bit at times. But for me, it beat the alternative. Stresa isn’t like the U.S. There isn’t a Starbucks with great wifi on every corner. In fact, I am not even sure there is a Starbucks in Stresa.
So, thank you Skyroam for allowing me to stay connected so I can assure my mother that I am still alive and turn in my articles so I can keep traveling.
You, too, can stay connected while traveling (or in your car). Receive 10% off with the code NOMADINGABOUT on Skyroam.
Lovin’ me a Love Handle
I knew my phone would be my lifeline to home. It would be responsible for documenting this journey and keeping me in touch with both friends and family where I am and back home. I needed an easy way to carry my phone and keep it more secure.
Enter, the Love Handle. The Love Handle is a strap that affixes to the back of your phone and eliminates the need to actually hold your phone. Do you ever get phone holder cramps? Okay, so I’m not sure that is the technical term but it a real thing. One additional bonus to the love handle is it makes taking selfies much easier.
I have been traveling with it for three weeks now and I love it. LOVE. IT.
I used the iPad love handle for my iPhone. I bought one of each size, but the small one for the iPhone was just a bit too small. In fact, when Way tried it out, it came right off. Sheesh – men!
Anyway, the best $10 I’ve ever spent on Amazon. You can check Love Handle out here.
Aperol Spritz? Oh, yes, please!
And finally, my latest obsession, the Aperol Spritz. Yes, that picture was taken in Stresa, Italy. I especially adored the pepper plants in a Cuba box.
The northeast Italian aperitif made with Aperol and Prosecco. Aperol is an Italian apéritif made of, gentian, rhubarb, cinchona, and more. Aperol is bitter and smells and tastes like Campari. The cocktail itself is a bit sweet and a bit bitter. Oh, and it is lovely on a warm afternoon.
We were just meant to go for a pre-dinner cocktail, but we stayed for two. Let’s just say I was very happy. Oh, and I started texting my editor. I am not sure that was such a good idea. But I am still employed so, no harm – no foul.
I first had one of the scrumptious cocktails at the Scottsdale Culinary Arts Festival (it was made with Campari, though) way back before I had children (gosh, I feel old). I probably haven’t had one in about 15 years. I am so very grateful my old friend came back into my life. I assure you, I won’t let her get away so easily this time.
How to Make the perfect Aperol Spritz
- Add ice to a tall glass
- Fill half the glass with Prosecco
- Then fill the rest of the glass Aperol
- Finish with a dash of soda (or ginger ale or sprite)
- Garnish with a slice of orange
And there, you have it … my latest obsessions. I have a huge list of more obsessions to write about but for now, I am off to enjoy a Spritz.
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You should know that if you click on a link in this post, Way and I may earn a penny or two. Hopefully two so we can split it up easier. If you click enough times (as in every day for a few weeks), we may actually earn enough for a cup of coffee. In which case, I won’t tell him because … coffee.
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