The Moongate is a national symbol here on Bermuda. Many homes are graced by this unique stone entrance. However, the Moongate is not a Bermuda invention. A sea captain returning from Asia brought the design to the island in 1860. Today, the Bermuda Moongate is a symbol of prosperity and good luck, especially for newlyweds who pass through.

Mark Twain may have said it best: “You can go to Heaven if you want. I’d rather stay in Bermuda.” What’s not to like about Bermuda - our little island neighbor in the Atlantic? Friendly people, pink-sand beaches, snorkeling and scuba wreck diving, colorful houses, championship golf, scooters and the iconic pink bus, crystal-clear turquoise waters, shopping, fishing, history and fun. It has been a few years since we last visited Bermuda. It’s great to be back rediscovering this sociable little island.

Enroute to Bermuda on the Celebrity Summit, we have been impressed by Celebrity’s efforts to protect passenger health. In the Oceanview Cafe, Pool Grill and the AquaSpa Cafe, outside of the carving stations, most entries, salads and desserts are presented in single serving, personal sized, uniquely designed dishes. Bread slices are beautifully wrapped in paper and kept fresh. Sushi and other gourmet delights are now commonplace.

The AmaWaterways AmaPrima took the #1 ranking ahead of 280 riverboats in the new “Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe” guide, due out in July. Overall, 11 AmaWaterways river boats scored impressive 4-star plus, the Berlitz top category. According to Berlitz, AmaWaterways “spends more on food, wine and food service training than almost any other river cruise company.” Go Bucket List Travel still has french balcony cabins available on the sold-out 7-night Christmas Market Cruise leaving Budapest on December 3 for Nuremberg, sailing on the brand-new AmaSonata. Please call us at 855-GOBUCKET for details.

Enjoying traditional festivals is always a wonderful excuse to visit Italy.

Each June 16 and 17, Pisa transforms itself into a fairytale kingdom as it celebrates the feast day of Saint Ranieri, Pisa’s patron saint with the Luminara di S. Ranieri, an event that dates back to 1688 and the Palio di San Ranieri which has its origins hundreds of years earlier. On June 16, the eve of the saint’s feast day, the Pisa paints itself with over 70,000 “lumini” [small glass votive lamps burning oil or wax] on the windows, balconies palaces, the parapets along the river Arno and the bridges while many other candles are set free to float on the River Arno. The evening concludes with a massive fireworks display.

The following day four boats representing the four Pisa districts compete in a rowing competition down the River Arno. The winning team isn’t selected until a rower climbs the 25 foot flag pole at the end of the course and captures the flag.