Travel Talkk (KK Robbins)
Explore every episode of Travel Talkk
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Feb 2024 | Paris: Love Is In The Air | 00:15:00 | |
KK takes you on a Tournée Romantique (Tour of Romance) with perfect stops for two throughout the City of Love. Be our podcast hero! Subscribe and help spread the word. ________________
Hotel Château Voltaire in the Saint-Honoré quarter, near Place Vendôme, the Louvre & Jardin du Tuileries https://www.chateauvoltaire.com Dear Jane, a coffee café set up to look and feel as if you are in your friend’s cozy kitchen instagram.com/dearjanebakery The Wall of Love in Montmartre, an area of Paris with sweeping views and cobblestoned streets The Instagrammable Café Le Vrai Paris - The Real Paris http://levraiparis-bistrot.com/ Montmartre Cemetery with Michel Berger and France Gall L’Hotel Particulier Montmartre near the idyllic Villa Léandre https://www.hotelparticulier.com/ Museé Rodin - The sculpture garden was in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris https://www.musee-rodin.fr/ Pont des Arts to Cour Carrée, the square courtyard in the Louvre Palace Le Café Marly - a brasserie under the Louvre Arcade https://cafe-marly.com/ Flâner (an aimless stroll) through the Jardin des Tuileries Georges - Rooftop Restaurant at The Centre Pompidou https://restaurantgeorgesparis.com/ Chez Francis - café with tables facing Eiffel Tower https://chezfrancis-paris.com/ Chateau Voltaire’s sultry bar… Soixante Quinze cocktail - A (French) 75 A Bientot! See you soon. Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | Paris : Hidden Gardens and Underground Art | 00:15:00 | |
KK reveals hidden gardens and artistic metro stations, all while stopping for souffles along the way. ________________ Shownotes Places KK mentions in the show: Le Récamier : A garden terrace cafe and KK’s go to for soufflés. Lerecamier.com Musée Carnavalet: The free museum of Parisian history with secret access to THE garden. The main garden restaurant is now under new ownership as FABULA and will reopen in Summer 2023. Carnavalet.paris.fr / www.fabula.paris Hotel Les Tournelles: Charming, very reasonable hotel with exceptional A/C near Place des Vosges lestournelles.com Place des Vosges: Popular large square with cafes and center park. Jardin de l’Hotel du Sully: Sully’s secret garden behind the red door, in one of the corners of Place des Vosges Hôtel de Sens: another lovely garden near Pont Marie Ile St Louis: the smaller of two islands in the Seine. Where KK likes to stay and she ate lunch at… Sorza: cozy restaurant on Ile St Louis with a prix fixe menu. KK loves the Parmesan Soufflé and pastas. TOP THREE METRO STATIONS WITH ART: You must arrive on or track down the number 12 line to find a Crossword Arrive via the number 11, to be in a submarine. Take Line 1 to this stunningly intimate “gallery” full of replicas from the Louvre Musician Joe Santoni - IG @joe.santoni Bonne nuit- - good night! Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | Sicily: Towering Taormina | 00:15:00 | |
KK walks the ancient town of Taormina, abuzz from being the location for season 2 of The White Lotus. - Shownotes Places KK mentions in the show: Catania: Large city to the south, and closest airport to fly into. Mount Etna: Italy’s largest and most active volcano Villa San Giovanni: A small town on the mainland that sits at the entrance of the Strait of Messina and where the train ferry begins/ends. Strait of Messina: The narrow body of water that divides Italy and Sicily and home to Scylla and Charybdis Messina: The city on the Sicilian side with a Golden Madonna guarding the port entrance San Domenico Palace: The Four Seasons property that is the setting for The White Lotus in season 2 Corso Umberto: The main thoroughfare which runs the length of the village Porta Catania & Porta Messina: The two “gates” at each end of the upper town Piazza IX Aprile: The center piazza, distinctive with checkerboard marble tiles and expansive views Via Naumachia: The lane leading to the roman wall and city gardens Testa Di Moro: 11th century folkloric colorful statues Lady Florence Trevelyan : English Gardener with storied past The Beehive: Known on maps as Villa Comunale di Taormina, it was Lady Florence’s most impressive garden pavilion Belvedere (di Via Pirandello): The scenic viewpoint overlooking the beaches of Mazzaro and Isola Bella Isola Bella: The tiny island once owned by Lady Florence Salita Castello: The trail leading to Taormina Castle and the Chiesa (Church) Madonna della Rocca Teatro Antico di Taormina: A dramatic ancient Greco- Roman theatre that is Taormina’s main attraction Andrea Bocelli: The worlds most beloved Italian tenor. Tickets https://www.ticketone.it/event/andrea-bocelli-taormina-2023-teatro-antico-di-taormina-16544492/ ____ Join KK this Thursday in our next Sicilian seaside, the town of Cefalu. Ciao, Bella! Bye, beautiful! Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 29 Feb 2024 | Sicily: Cefalù and the Sea | 00:15:00 | |
KK escapes to the medieval town of Cefalù on the northern coast of Sicily finding plenty of food and drink along the way. SHOWNOTES - Places KK mentions in the show: La Rocca: The Rock. 270 meters high. Like Gibraltar it dominates the tiny village Caldura Bay: a much less crowded beach and coves on the quieter side of Cefalù Hotel La Calette: KK’s go to hotel surrounded by Mediterranean gardens overlooking the sea. Calvetta Selvaggia: A secluded swimming cove Calette Reef Club: Elevated “beach” club with day beds and water sports in protected cove Duomo: Cefalù’s Cathedral with Golden Mosaic of Christ KK’s favorite upscale eateries: Cortile Pepe Triscele instagram.com/triscele_ristorante Mandralisca Sedici Brama Porta Marina: Grand archway and one of Cefalù’s most photographed spots that opens onto Spiaggia del Porto Vecchia…a small manicured beach Lavatoio Medievale : Ancient Arab Laundry Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau: a wine shop with tiny balcony over the sea where we had Etna Bianco - Giovanni Rosso and formaggio Via Mare: seaside path along the rocks Jureka Wine Bar: Cocktail heaven… Go to instagram.com/traveltalkk for Jureka reels and recipes Join KK next week as we leave Sicily and fly 200 miles south, to the islands of Malta. Arrivederci amici- goodbye, friends! Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 05 Mar 2024 | Malta: Knights and Nights | 00:15:00 | |
KK shares just a few of the reasons why everyone should experience the Mediterranean islands of Malta . SHOWNOTES - Places KK mentions in the show: The Republic of Malta -A small nation made up of the three islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino - Valletta - the main city named after Grand Master Valetta who helped lead the Knights to victory against the Ottomans Barraka Lift - an elevator from the Grand Harbor to the Upper Barraka Gardens Upper Barraka Gardens- Small garden with WW2 command center underneath and with views over the entire Grand Harbor and Three Cities Knights of Malta- or Knights of St John - a Catholic military order that was formed in the 11 century. Pastizzi… traditional savoury pastries filled with ricotta or curried peas St John’s Co-cathedral -Massive cathedral with tombs of former knights and the famous Caravaggio painting, ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ Triton Fountain - Marking the entrance of Valletta at the City Gate, and hub for the central bus depot with service throughout the main island of Malta Mdina - The Silent City KK visits for lunch and “meditation” due to the quiet, pristine streets. Markus Divinus …the boutique winery from which KK orders a Zafrana cuvée, their take on Sauvignon Blanc with local Girgentina grapes Mdina Glass - Exquisite hand blown local glass https://www.mdinaglass.com.mt/en/home.htm#.Y_4REezMI_W Sliema…. The town across the opposite side of Valletta where KK scours Zara for her next outfit The Embassy Valletta Hotel -KK’s go to hotel with rich, sultry rooms, some with sea view balconies, and a rooftop pool overlooking the Madonna Basilica..and where KK ends her night. https://www.embassyvallettahotel.com/ The Harbor Club - Mediterranean with a French influence restaurant with terrace down at the Grand Harbor https://www.theharbourclubmalta.com/ Rabbit - Brought here by the Phoenicians, and on practically every menu including the national dish, Rabbit Stew The Bridge Bar - Jazz club with outside tables on staggered street steps, where KK listens to Etta James and reminisces about her love of Malta. Join KK in two days, and continue through these Maltese Islands only this time on a private boat wandering in and out from the sea. Bomba! YES! (When an plan comes together perfectly) Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 07 Mar 2024 | Malta: Blue Grotto to Blue Lagoon | 00:15:00 | |
KK hires a boat and charts a custom course between two of Malta’s islands from the Blue Grotto to the Blue Lagoon. SHOWNOTES - Places KK mentions in the show: The Embassy Valletta Hotel -KK’s go to hotel with rich, sultry rooms, some with sea view balconies, and a rooftop pool overlooking the Madonna Basilica. https://www.embassyvallettahotel.com/ Grano - Epic sandwiches Instagram.com/granomalta Oriel Windows - Iconic painted window boxes on buildings Marsaxlokk - the fishing village with colorful wooden boats called Luzzu Grazzi ħafna! Thank you very much! (For Captain Marcellino) Blue Grotto - Group of arches and caves that have been carved into the cliffs by the sea currents, with small boat tours from shore. Um El-Faroud Wreck - Popular diving site near The Blue Grotto Dingli Cliffs - White cliffs on southwestern side of Malta Popeye Village - The original film set of the 1980 film Popeye with Robin Williams Comino - The smallest of Malta’s three islands and home to The Blue Lagoon Cominotto - An even smaller islet with beach near Comino St Paul’s Bay - Cove near St Paul’s Island where Apostle Paul shipwrecked ____ Join KK next Tuesday when she will counter the myth that there is nothing to see in Napoli! We will also start sessions of Q and KK…where KK will answer your burning travel questions. Saħħa! Sah-ha! Cheers! Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 12 Mar 2024 | Naples: Birthplace of Pizza | 00:15:00 | |
KK dives deep into Napoli taking you on a tour of the historic center, proving that this hectic city is worthy of a closer look. Shownotes Places KK mentions in the show:
Aperol Spritz in the afternoon.
Via Benedetto Croce, 3, 80134 Napoli NA, Italy
Via dei Tribunali, 32, 80138 Napoli Antica de Michele is the pizzeria in Eat Pray Love
https://www.museosansevero.it/ The uphill train that takes you from Via Toledo to the Vomero district and viewpoint at Castle San Elmo overlooking the city. Galleria Umberto - Massive glass shopping arcade Piazza del Plebecito with domed church and the Royal Palace - https://palazzorealedinapoli.org/ Grangusto - Artisan grocery store https://www.gran-gusto.it/ Winehouse Napoli at Grangusto Via Nuova Marina, 5 Andiamo. Let’s go! Join KK next time for insider tips on navigating Italy.
Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | Italy: Day Trips From Naples | 00:15:00 | |
KK bikes through the palace gardens of Caserta and shares tips for navigating Capri, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Shownotes Places KK mentions in the episode: Train from Napoli Centrale to Caserta The Royal Palace of Caserta https://reggiadicaserta.cultura.gov.it/en/ Capri - Island in the Bay of Naples with Capri Town, handmade sandals, and the stunning La Palette Restaurant overlooking the sea. Instagram.com/lapaletteristorante Sorrento - Town known for lemons at the end of a peninsula, closest to the island of Capri. Amalfi Coast - stunning drive and coastline with small towns with the most notable being Positano, Amalfi Town and Ravello Pompeii - the ancient ruins of the town destroyed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius Join KK next time when we will leave Italy and head to one of the many places she calls home, Amsterdam. Zie je daar! See you there! Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 20 Apr 2024 | Netherlands: My Amsterdam | 00:15:00 | |
KK and a local friend take you on a walking tour through the city to go beyond the obvious and share their Amsterdam. Shownotes Places KK mentions in this episode: Amsterdam Centraal - Amsterdam’s central train station. Take free ferries on the northern end to explore the North, full of museums and cafes. Dam Square - the central square with Royal Palace and the Kalverstraat shopping street running through it. Nes - the “invisible street” that somehow remains calm and quiet in the middle of the chaos Friendship Cruise - a funfilled one hour canal boat tour Wynand Fockink - The Sippy Place Begijnhof - Hidden Garden dating back to the 14th century The Pancake Club - where KK goes for poffertjes - tiny, heavenly, pancake pillows Vondelpark - expansive city park with wide paths and lakes De 9 Straatjes - The 9 Streets - quaint design district full of boutiques, hotels and cafes The Dylan Amsterdam - lovely hotel in The 9 Streets in former mansion with stunning garden courtyard open for lunch, dinner, and drinks. The Houseboat Museum - on the Prisengracht Canal The Pulitzer Amsterdam - elegant hotel with spacious peaceful garden where KK likes to brunch on rose and a Monte Cristo. Pulitzer Bar - Jules and KK’s velvet “office” Westerkerk - The church adjacent Anne Frank’s House Anne Frank House - must see museum depicting the days of when Anne Frank and her family and friends hid from the Nazis before being caught during WWII annefrank.org *book tickets before leaving home La Trattoria di Donna Sofia - Italian Restaurant in the Jordaan Goed idee! Good idea! Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 21 Mar 2024 | Netherlands: Day Trips From Amsterdam | 00:15:00 | |
KK pilots a boat through countryside canals, explores a field of windmills and finds a palace of peace in easy side trips. SHOWNOTES Places KK mentions in the show: A’dam Lookout - Rooftop swings and elevator light show atop A’dam Tower Theetuin Overleek - Secluded tea garden cafe amongst giant cows. With small boat rental to follow a canal path through picturesque villages. Haarlem and Zandvoort - “Little Amsterdam” and the beach, on the same train line, 15 and 30 minutes from Amsterdam Zaanse Schans - windmill village just outside the small town of Zaandam. Also 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam and then to reach Zaanse Schans, you can continue a few more stops to the Zaandijk station, but from here it is a 15-20 minute walk. There is also a bike rental directly in front of the train station. https://www.dezaanseschans.nl/en/ Muiderslot - 13th century moated castle surrounded with formal Gardens. Allow time before or after for a drink or more in the nearby village of Muiden. Castle de Haar - Stunning Castle and Grounds near Utrech The Hague - home of the Peace Palace https://www.vredespaleis.nl/?lang=en Peace Palace video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJZlqGxRHYA Delft- Canal town known for its blue and white pottery. Leiden - Town with a floating Christmas market that fill the canals. Keukenhof - Dutch Tulip Gardens of near the town of Lisse, open late March - mid May TRAINLINE - The app KK uses to book all her train travel. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trainline-buy-train-tickets/id334235181 Join KK next week when she rides into her home state of Texas. Giddyup! Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 27 Mar 2024 | Texas: Austin & SXSW | 00:15:00 | |
KK gets the lowdown on the South By Southwest Festivals in Austin, Texas with the help of a special guest. SHOWNOTES Places mentioned in the show: SXSW More detailed info to follow! Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 28 Mar 2024 | Texas: SXSW and Round Top Roadshow | 00:15:00 | |
KK discovers more about the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, and then heads to Round Top for their world renowned Antique Week. SHOWNOTES
In Austin: Arlon Studio: Austin recording studio for Wille Nelson and Johnny Cash Dante’s Hi-Fi: Cool vinyl spinning lounge The Continental Club SXSW Musicians to check out: Amanda Sum instagram.com/amandauhsum Coco Jones therealcocojones.com The Nude Party instagram.com/thenudeparty Blondeshell instagram.com/theblondeshell War & Treaty instagram.com/thewarandtreaty Je’ Texas ————— In Round Top: Katrina and her no nonsense redesign : katrina.leonard@yahoo.com Blue Hills - https://www.bluehillsatroundtop.com/ Then Market Hill - Paul Michael https://markethillroundtop.com/ McLaren Antiques The Arbors Cisco Village Prost / Country Sunshine Pizza & Townsend Provisions ——- Bader Ranch With Stash Style - with vintage fashion and hats from Sissy Light And Lady Elaine Air Stream Bar The Porch and Studio Penny Lane Excess and and NorthGate The Junk Gypsies Warrington: known for having the best deals EAT: Lulu’s for Italian Royer’s Cafe for steaks, Grilled shrimp poboys and incredible pie. Royer’s Pie Haven Round Top Smokehouse for BBQ Local Roots for 6” tall chocolate ding dongs. The Eliis Motel: late night drinks STAY: The Flop House : Shipping Container Lodging Recycling The Past: Giant warehouse of architectural pieces The Frenchie Round Top: The Hamptons, only in a pasture in Texas The Vintage Round Top: Modern Texas Chic guesthouses. Oak Bones: one of the newest additions, with rustic cabins and a sultry little restaurant. Rancho Pillow: Guesthouses on a boho chic ranch with outdoor bathhouse. They hold two events, Barn Sessions and Feast in the Fields. Thelma’s Garage: A rustic, yet modern suite at The Wander Inn, with dual clawfoot tubs overlooked by a mural of a shirtless Brad Pit _____ Join KK next time, when she will head for the high seas to chat about what to look for when choosing a Mediterranean cruise. Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 08 May 2024 | Mediterranean : Cruise Ship Tips | 00:15:00 | |
KK sails through the Mediterranean sharing why cruising these waters is a fabulous option, even for non-cruisers, and offers tips from what to look for no in a cruise to making the most of your time in port. Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 15 May 2024 | Mediterranean: Easy Cruise Ports | 00:15:00 | |
KK continues cruising the Mediterranean from episode 13 and takes a closer look at a long list of easy cruise ports from Spain to Greece. SHOWNOTES - Places KK mentions in this episode: The Straight of Gibraltar Gibraltar - 15 min walk to the town or take a tour up to The Rock from port entrance. Malaga, Spain - walk 15 min or take short paid shuttle to old town and beaches. Cartegena, Spain - docks across from old town…eat Tapas! Island of Mallorca - Shuttle or Taxi to Palma Old Town, or taxi the opposite way to beach coves. Stunning island. Barcelona - A short paid shuttle drops you across from the base of Las Ramblas. A pedestrian boulevard that runs up from the sea into the heart of Barri Gotic, the old city. Marseille - Gateway to Provence - Best to use a ship or prearranged tour. St Tropez (tender) Ship tenders drop you in town. Monaco - Ships dock or tender directly into town. With the palace of Monacoville above and the yacht harbor below. Villefranche sur Mer - a tiny village, 15 min by train from Monaco. Calvi (tender) - on the French Island of Corsica. Tenders drop you right in town. Livorno, Italy - Not easy but the gateway to Tuscany. Top pick here is a day in Lucca or San Gimingnao. Civitavecchia - port of Rome. Take the train, but only to save money. Otherwise, take the ship transfer, which drops you in Rome and guarantees to get you back to the ship in time. KK also mentions the Etruscan town of Tarquinia. Naples (listen to episode 7) - easy to explore Naples, Pompeii, or catch a ferry directly from the port to Capri or Sorrento. Take a train to the Palace of Caserta. Taormina - You will tender in to the beach town of Giardini Naxos , and are under the town which sits 200 meters high above. You can spend a day at the beach or make your way up to the town. Listen to episode 3 for more on Taormina. The Island of Malta - Ships arrive just a short walk from the Elevator lift to the town of Valletta that I mention in episode 5. Around the Boot of Italy we turn north up into the Adriatic Sea which runs along the entire eastern coast of Italy. Greek island of Corfu - Watch the Durrells of Corfu - 30 min walk along the waterfront into old town or catch a taxi at the main gate for $15/up to 4 ppl Kotor, Montenegro - ships sail through the stunning bay of Kotor. One of the scenic highlights of the mediterranean. KK eats pizza by the slice at Pizzeria Pronto. Croatia - Dubrovnik - Take flat rate taxi into town. Split - usually a 10-15 min walk into town Korcula and Hvar - small islands where tenders drop you in town . Vodice and Zadar - small towns only a short walk from the pier. Nafplion, Greece - A great port for boutique shopping, eating gyros and swimming off the nearby beach. Any small Greek island likely has the same playbook… a walk through a quaint village, seaside lunch, and an ocean swim… within walking distance from the pier. Mykonos - Known as the party island, it is the greek’s answer to ibiza. Rhodes - Ships dock in old town and 20 min walk to the beach. Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 21 May 2024 | Greece: Stunning Santorini | 00:14:59 | |
KK covers the dramatic villages and beaches of Santorini by quad bike and shares why it will always be her favorite of all the Greek Islands. SHOWNOTES- Santorini - popular name of the island. Also known as THIRA. Fira - Main town on the island and also referred to as THERA or THIRA https://goo.gl/maps/udetffMzARjDSMFFA Oia- Loveliest village on the island and pronounced EE-ah https://goo.gl/maps/9N3keu5tpcgWFicw8 Spanakopita - Spinach filled pastry Santo Winery - santowines.gr https://www.instagram.com/santo_wines/?hl=en Assyrtiko … a white wine varietal, similar to a Sauvignon Blanc Yamas! - Cheers!
http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh355.jsp?obj_id=2410 Red Beach - Accessible on foot or by boat. White Beach - Only accessible by boat, pick up available at these coordinates https://goo.gl/maps/HYtqiqa7GazPebff7 Black Beaches - Kamari (most popular) Perivolos and Perissa (farther from Fira, but best) Aegean Safran - Resatuarant and Beach Club Bar on Perivolos Beach, with a Santorini Salad - Salad unique to the island with local tomatoes and soft cheese. Don’t miss the Tzatzki and fried potatoes, as well. https://www.instagram.com/safranaegean_restaurant/?hl=en Tephra Cocktail Bar or Deilino - Sunset spots in Oia...or find these spots on maps and look for others nearby. https://www.instagram.com/deilino_food_drink_shisha/?hl=en Open Air Cinema near Kamari with a full bar and lounge beach chairs. To secure your ticket, you must be in line well before the sun sets. Barolo Restaurant - New restaurant that is all the buzz this season. https://www.instagram.com/barolorestsantorini/?hl=en Let KK know where you’d like her to take you next! info@kkrobbins.com Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||
| 04 Jun 2024 | Santorini: 2 Days of Indulgence | 00:13:48 | |
KK settles in at Andronis Arcadia, a resort & spa on the edge of Oia, a picturesque village on the Greek island of Santorini. SHOWNOTES Places KK mentions in the show: Andronis Arcadia https://www.andronis.com/hotels/andronis-arcadia/ Pacman Sunset Bar & Beefbar - two restaurants on property at Andronis Arcadia Lauda Restaurant at Arcadia’s sister property Andronis Boutique Hotel. Exquisite nine course tasting menu at oldest restaurant in Oia with views of the caldera. Ammoudi Bay - The bay just below the cliffs of Oia. Accessible by 15 minute walking path from the edge of the village or via road. Therasia …a very small island in the caldera. Access via water taxi from Ammoudi Bay and go for lunch at Qhera. Marikay’s (Hassapiko on Google Maps) Late night music and crafted cocktails in the village of Oia Andronis Arcadia Playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6uVwcmgIyFHQ7f7N4V5Jyz?si=906cadde6c1a428f https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Zkni3OfgNmZVr1RtBkSKf?si=e57b39e681704444 Find KK at kkrobbins.com | |||