The Traveling Vegans – return to Kaua’i

It’s been a while since the last Traveling Vegans update. Our time in Europe and on the mainland was incredible. We posted regularly while we were traveling. Visit here for an archive of our European Adventure.

Since we last wrote, our new book, The 30-Minute Vegan has been released. It’s off to a great start and is being promoted at Borders Books nationwide. Check it out at a store near you!

Mark also appeared on CBS 4 Denver to share a few recipes from the book. Visit here to see the video clip.

We have been back on Kaua’i for the last week – enjoying the beaches  and working on recipes for our next book on Asian vegan cuisine – details to follow!

In the cyber world, we have been using Twitter almost daily to post updates on the most up to date vegan news and events from around the World. Please visit here to follow us on TWITTER, so we can share this information in more real time.

Here is a sampling of  the latest greatest twitter posts

• V is for vegan http://bit.ly/WHldu
• Twitter vegan advocacy http://bit.ly/vjfC4
• Please share your reviews of The 30-Minute Vegan on our Amazon page http://tinyurl.com/n7no3j
• Twenty-one day vegan kickstart http://bit.ly/FYI4p
• Vegan wedding series: working with caterers http://tinyurl.com/rdj5×3
• VERY IMPORTANT ARTICLE!! The Meat of the Problem – http://bit.ly/579OP

We are in the beginning stages of our next Vegan Fusion Newsletter.  Please visit here to be placed on our mailing list.

To a wonderful Summer!

Hanalei, Kaua'i

Traveling Vegans – Cinque Terre, Italy

After Villa Lina, we began our trek back to Amsterdam. We stopped off at Cinque Terre, along the magnificent Italian Riviera. Cinque Terre consists of 5 villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore) along the Mediterranean coast, that are connected by a walking trail with breathtaking ocean vistas. Its so beautiful, the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, Italy

Traveling Vegans – Villa Lina, Italy

After Rome, we visited with our friend Paola who owns and runs Villa Lina historic villas, in a town called Ronciglione, near Rome. Please check out their website to get a full picture of how incredible it is. Villa Lina is on over 80 acres of land with vineyards, orchards, gardens and trails. The land is rich with history.

We discussed the possiblity of creating a raw food retreat there in the Summer of 2010. Please email Mark@veganfusion.com if you are interested in receiving information as our plans develop.

Upper pool

The dogs of Villa Lina

Ronciglione, Italy

The crew at Villa Lina

Vineyards

Olympic pool

Villa Lina

Jennifer and friends

Ronciglione, Italy

Traveling Vegans – Rome, Italy

Rome is a magical city. Its one of those places where the history is so a part of the present. We visited many of the major sites including the Roman Forum, Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican. We even got a glimpse of the pope!

Colosseum, Rome

Sistine Chapel

Forum, Rome

Ceiling of Sistine Chapel

Forum, Rome

Sistine Chapel

The pope at St. Peter’s Basilica

Traveling Vegans – Assisi, Italy

After Siena, we were off to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. We were excited to visit this city. Our Vegan Fusion World Cuisine contains a photo of the magnificent cathedral. Assisi is breathtaking. Most of the buildings are build from pink limestone. Many narrow streets, with colorful flowers and vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Assisi, Italy

Assisi, Italy

Assisi, Italy

Assisi, Italy

Assisi, Italy

Assisi, Italy

Olive trees

Assisi, Italy

Assisi Cathedral

Assisi Cathedral

Traveling Vegans – Siena, Italy

After Florence, we spent the night in Siena, a remarkably well-preserved Medieval city, with a huge and active central square. A couple of times a year they even have a horse race in the square called the Palio di Siena.

We visited the home and saw the relics (including the thumb!) of St. Catherine, the patron saint of Siena.

Jennifer in Siena

The hills of Tuscany

Jennifer in Siena

Siena, Italy

Piazza Del Campo, Siena

Saint Catherine of Siena’s former home

Siena, Italy

The Duomo of Siena

Hemp soft-serve anyone?

Traveling Vegans – Florence, Italy

After our week in the Dolomite area, we journeyed to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. We visited Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizzi Gallery and got to spend time with our friend Jerrod from Kaua’i. In the Uffizzi Gallery we heard the classic museum line from an American woman. She peeked her head into a large room of paintings and turned to her husband and said “More of the same.”

Sunset in Florence, Italy

Ponte Vecchio, Florence Italy

Ponte Vecchio, Florence Italy

Replica of Michelangelo’s David

Mark, Jennifer and Jerrod

Traveling Vegans – Northern Italy

After Venice, we spent a week up at our friend’s place in a little village called Coltura – by the foothills of the Alps. We had a deep sense of history in the small villages we visited in the area. We took a road trip through the Alps that was filled with heart opening beauty at every turn. The Dolomites are mystical – sheer cliffs along side lush green meadows and tiny alpine villages. We were surprised to learn that German is the primary language in much of the area.

Near Coltura, Italy

Chino’s wine vat for homemade wine

Italian Alps

Castelrotto, Italy

Italian Alps

Turquoise lake

Majestic Alps

Breathtaking!

Traveling Vegans – South of France to Venice, Italy

After Normandy, we headed to Toulon in the South of France. There we spent some time with Jennifer’s friend Stephanie and her mom, soaking in some Mediterranean rays. After a couple of days, we were off to Venice, Italy. The city is like a living museum, with narrow streets, adorable buildings and  canals. We stayed in Lido and took the boat every day into the center of town. Our days were filled with wandering the city in awe.

Stephanie and Jennifer in Sanary, France

Sanary harbor, France

Viva Venezia

Adorable architecture

Piazza San Marco, Venice

Venice, Italy

Gondolas in Venice, Italy

Stephanie and Jennifer in Sanary, France

Sanary harbor, France

Gondolas in Venice, Italy

Traveling Vegans – Normandy, France

When we last left off, we were traveling from Paris for Normandy, France. Our friend Dorothea owns and runs a magnificent B&B, Château de L’Isle-Marie , chosen by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of 50 romantic getaways worldwide.

We got to spend a night at the Chateau and explore the property, which was originally owned by one of King Lous XIV close friends. The D’Aigneaux and their descendants have lived on the estate for over a thousand years.

Château de l’isle-Marie

dining room at Château de L’Isle-Marie

Let there be music!