Castello Aragonese at the Volcanic Island of Ischia, Italy

Ischia is the island of restoration, of vigour, of history and splendor. This treasure chest island of delights however has been desecrated and subject to innumerable violence over the years. This history of abuse continues in the present, as the lure of the quick buck continues to play its role in unlawful building projects, damaging the land and the environment.

14C Temperature in Ischia

Castle Hopping in Italy

Our view of the Castle from the Yacht

Despite the damage strewn across its past, Ischia has an enduring beauty and attraction, due to its riches in natural resources. The island has a unique supply of hot springs, spas, volcanic mud and valuable minerals -- thus healing and renewal have become a resource by which the Island has improved  its economy and found its zenith as a hub of well being for countless visitors. 

Magnificent Panoramic View on top of the Castle

Long Walk Inside

It is the largest of the three islands off the coast of Naples with its exquisiteness rising from the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Inside the prominent Castello Aragonese:

The Aragonese Castle which was built on a rock near the island in 474 BC, by Hiero I of Syracuse. At that time, Parthenopeans (the ancient inhabitants of Naples) occupied the island, captured by Romans, and then again by the Parthenopeans. Today the castle is the most visited testimonial of the island. 

The way in is through a tunnel with large openings which let the light enter. Along the tunnel there is a small chapel consecrated to Saint John Joseph of the Cross (San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce), the patron saint of the island.

The Gardens of La Mortella, situated in Forio-San Francesco, belong originally to English composer William Walton. Walton resided in the villa next to the gardens with his Argentinian wife Susana. When the composer arrived on the island in 1946, he immediately called Russell Page from England to lay out the garden where magnificent tropical and Mediterranean plants were planted. A museum dedicated to the life and work of William Walton now comprises part of the garden complex. There's also a recital room where renowned musical artists perform on a regular schedule.

Giardini Ravino is a botanical garden with one of the richest collection of cacti and succulents cultivated outdoors in Europe. Giardini Ravino has been honoured as the most ecofriendly property in South Italy by the OPE (European Parliamentary Observatory. This botanical garden is owned by Captain Giuseppe D’Ambra as a result of his 50 years of great zeal and loving work.

Surrounded by a park, the Villa La Colombaia (called "The Dovecote") was made by Luigi Patalano, a prominent local communist and journalist. It is now the seat of a cultural institution and museum dedicated to Luchino Visconti – institution that promotes cultural activities such as music, cinema, theatre, art exhibitions, work-shops, and cinema reviews. 

Without a doubt, Castello Argonesse prominence on the Ischia skyline makes it hard to avoid and who would want to? There is also cafe and a hotel at the top that visitors must try...... and don't forget your camera as panoramic views that you will never forget awaits you!

Inside the Palace of Minos in Knossus, Crete

Lets travel to Ancient Greece: Inside the Palace of Minos in Knossus, Crete

Knossos, the capital of Minoan Crete is grander, more complex, and more vibrant than any of the other palaces known to us. It is located about twenty minutes south of the modern port town of Iraklio.

Knossos was inhabited for several thousand years, beginning with a neolithic settlement sometime in the 7th millennium BC, and was abandoned after its destruction in 1375 BC which marked the end of Minoan civilization. 

It was immediately rebuilt to an even more detailed complex and until its abandonment was damaged several times during earthquakes, invasions, and in 1450 BC by the massive volcanic eruption of Thera, and the invasion of Mycenaeans who used it as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC.

The British Archaeologist, Arthur Evans who excavated the place in 1900 AD restored large parts of the palace in a way that it is possible today to appreciate the grandeur and complexity of a structure that evolved over several millennia and grew to occupy about 20,000 square meters. Walking through its complex multi-storied buildings one can understand why the palace of Knossos was associated with the mythological labyrinth.

The Greek Mythology tells us that the palace was designed by famed architect Dedalos with such complexity that no one placed in it could ever find its exit. King Minos who custom made the palace then kept the architect prisoner to ensure that he would not reveal the palace plan to anyone. Dedalos, who was a great inventor, built two sets of wings so he and his son Ikaros could fly off the island, and so they did. On their way out, Dedalos warned his son not to fly too close to the sun because the wax that held the wings together would melt. In a tragic turn of events, during their escape Ikaros, young and impulsive as he was, flew higher and higher until the sun rays dismantled his wings and the young boy fell to his death in the Aegean sea. The Labyrinth was the dwelling of the Minotaur in Greek mythology, and many associate the palace of Knossos with the legend of Theseus killing the Minotaur.

For the tourist today, the area around the ramp which leads to the main palace, immediately exposes the rich strata of ruins that span millennia. To the left of the entrance ramp three large kouloures in the shape of large round pits reveal in their deep bottom the remains of Prepalatial building ruins. 

The palace of Knossos was the center of administration of the entire island during Minoan times, and its position as such allowed for unprecedented growth and prosperity as witnessed by the plethora of storage magazines, workshops, and wall paintings. 

The Throne room with its gypsum throne and benches to accommodate sixteen persons, the central courtyard, and the theater, along with the royal chambers paint a portrait of Knossos as a forum of elaborate rituals and extraordinary historical occurrences.

Travelling inside the Palace at Knossos certainly brings the majesty of Minoan life to contemporary reality.

I Found Mine Campaign

Just want to share this article posted in Jobstreet.com - I found mine campaign which runs all over Asia.

"I was able to visit places here in the Philippines most have never seen before and some 107 other countries because of the jobs that I have obtained through JobStreet.com"

As early as 2003 while she was still in second year college, Sports Science major, RHEENA VILLAMOR, used JobStreet.com to explore opportunities in the media industry. After working as a TV Sportscaster for a number of years, she was able to bag a post at a cruise ship.

She decided to return to the Philippines and found herself looking for her next big career adventure. "But I feared of not getting a job right away so I used my account with JobStreet.com again… I applied immediately," Rheena said. She was called for a job interview three weeks after and was hired as FTX Manager. "It wasn't hard after all!" she exclaimed.

Presently, this very energetic lady manages the gym and spearheads acquisition and promotion of company products. On the side, she also does events for a chain of restaurants.

"I was able to visit places here (in the Philippines) and some 105 other countries because of the jobs that I have obtained through JobStreet.com," she proudly shares. What was the key to her successful career journey? "Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sail." So imparts, Rheena, who continues to sail on to more career high tides.

Rheena Villamor
FTX Manager and TV Sportscaster
JobStreet.com Member Since 2003