“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”
Matsuo Basho
Dog In a Box
Born in Ponsacco, Marty came to live with me in Lucca at the age of two months. Our home is a dreamy and wonderful town…a jewelry-box-of-a-city surrounded by a Renaissance wall which is actually a tree-lined boulevard filled with bicycles and joggers, walkers and lovers and, every morning, the two of us on our daily outing. Since Lucca is doggie-friendly (he has dinner at Burralli and cappuccino at Tessieri as well as a treat awaiting at the local butcher shop) I have tried my best to take him with me anywhere I go.
Questions about Traveling Native: Organic, Local Enjoyment
This week, a discerning traveler and food critic inquired about joining our upcoming cooking tour in Tuscany this July. Here are a couple of her questions and our responses.
The Long Haul
We had a rough start and after the first year it could have dissolved into history. But I chose Italy again and again. Not because she was beautiful or romantic but because she asked a lot of me. It took a long time, many years, before I trusted that she wanted me. It took time to see that her demands were forcing me to build a framework for a new home.
I Want You to Know: Barga
On one of our days together, we'll make our way up the same road on our way to Barga Vecchia. We'll explore the inner castle and the dining scene, get to know some of the folks who live there. We'll and take time to explore the Duomo di Barga and gaze over the Serchio valley from the top of the world.
The Best of Siena is Pretto: Food for a Better World
Inside Pretto, pages of poetic discourse warm the atmosphere of this very unlikely positioned refuge of hospitality. But the power of this ethical and mouthwatering eatery is greater than how well it stands out against its harsh backdrop. Pretto is, in itself, a hub of wellbeing. It was born of a desire to sustain the pure and honest work of local farmers and artisans who, in turn, sustain the integrity of the land out of gratitude for what the land gives.
Keane and The Fire in Barga
Keane’s work is different. His is the work of an artist who has a vision and then manifests it out of pure passion.
Traveling Native Italy in 2015
As I introduce six special events, I honor the friendships and experiences that allow me and inspire me to share the Italy I adore with you. These adventures on the horizon are truly a tribute to the unique, talented, and passionate individuals that have welcomed me into their lives, kitchens, and hearts over the years... I invite you to join us in celebrating what I understand to be The Italian Art of Enjoyment.
Novembering: Clasped hands, love anchors, and the beauty process
This is our life: shortening and widening the physical gaps between our family of four and the people we love at distant points on the map, adding love anchors here and there as we move, settle, depart.
Anniversary Day: Welcome to The Scenery
On the same day, for the past 16 years, I quietly celebrate my anniversary with Italy. This year, I am in Barga for the occasion. Here, from in a little house I am renting with my family, I celebrated by taking in the view.