Florence & Me

This week I wanted to dive back into the legends and stories of Florence. These stories come from a book called Strolling Through Florence by Franco Ciarleglio. It's my most favorite book because these stories are so incredible. They are a crowd pleaser too. If you want to learn more about Florence, these types of stories tell us what life was like during Dante's lifetime.  I hope you enjoy i...

Giulia is back to tell us about her favorite dishes in Italy. These dishes are must tries (at least once) to learn the stories about each dish depending on the region. I love cozze (mussels), vongole (clams) and Giulia reminded me about coniglio in umido (rabbit), polenta and cinghiale (wild boar). My mouth is watering how about yours? As always, these are suggestions for all who are traveling to...

Is Italy on your mind? Well I have a retreat for you!   Learn all about this retreat September 2-9 2023 on this episode. You'll learn:   What's included and what's not. When you need to book: DEADLINE is MARCH 12TH to pay your deposit. What activities you'll experience. What kind of retreat it is. Who can participate. How many people can participate. What's our Villa experience like.&nbs...

Well what do you know, we are talking about Italian food again. :) Giulia and I discuss what it was like growing with Italian grandparents and how they taught us about food. Food is so important for Italians. It is something to share, to explain culture and of course to enjoy. It's so evident why the mediterranean diet is the most popular way to eat all over the world. Pasta is a dish I could neve...

Giulia and I are back with some more wine knowledge. Giulia went over the most popular grapes and types of wine in Piedmont and Veneto. And I talked about my favorite region Tuscany from sangiovese to trebbiano grapes. I also tell you about the most famous grapes and wines in Umbria.  We share which wines you can drink as a table wine to the wines that need a hearty meal.  I hope you enj...

This new years was different for me. I didn't feel as melancholy as I usually feel. I was excited! I created a vision board for 2023 on the 31st. I used to create vision boards every year in my 20s. I'm so in love with this one. Hope you have an amazing 2023!! I'm hoping to connect more with my audience, here's how you do it:  Send me a voicemail message here , with your questions, travel que...

We dove deep into the wine doors spread all over Florence & Tuscany. These doors have been around for 5 centuries. And during the recent pandemic they re-opened for wine & food service. Owned by most of the noble, wealthy families of Florence, these buchette were popular by all people. Wine was drunk by all classes. Given to the sick, in moderation and mothers of newborns. Even today it is...

Giulia from Urban Yolk is back! She and I discuss the meaning of wine in Italy. We compare the differences between South African & American wine cultures. Wine is such a big part of Italians culture. Not just for drinking but for making wine for over 4,000 years. I hope you enjoy it! A little more about Giulia: Urban Yolk Youtube - all about Giulia's move to Italy with her 6 cats and husband,...

I'm so excited for you all to meet and get to know my dear friend Giulia. Originally from South Africa, she and her husband (and 6 cats) recently moved back to Italy. We have reconnected which has been amazing for us and now we are creating and building our businesses together. YAY! You'll learn how we met or what we remember from meeting each other. And you'll get a feel on how much we both love...

Cantina La Frasca is the first vineyard I've visited outside of the Chianti. This is also the furthest south I've visited a vineyard. I was welcomed by Matteo on our first visit, last June, with a smile. Our tour of the vineyard seemed more than an hour because we talked and talked and talked about all the amazing traditions his family created because of this vineyard. A very small vineyard, they...

Castelfalfi is a resort town. If you are looking for a morning visit to a historic borgo on a hill, Castelfalfi is the place. We visited here in early October, I was so surprised of the beauty that surrounds this angelic place. It is on the high end of restaurants, shopping and hotel experience. If you are like me who likes to visit and that's it, then I would recommend it. The views from above ar...

Monteriggioni was one of Stefano and I's first stop on one of our week long vacations in Tuscany. I had never heard of this town and was glad we spent the morning here back in 2012. This castle was a lookout for the Sienese army while Florence and Siena were battling over land and cities. I plan on taking my clients here just to see what it looks like on top of the wall. You can so so far over the...

Thanks to all my listeners and all new clients contacting me for trip consulting. I truly appreciate your business.  This episode highlights Altiero Winery in Greve in Chianti. This vineyard is a newer one for me, because my first visit was in September 2021 with Chelsea. I've talked a lot about Paolo and how passionate he is about his wine. And I love everything about this place and Paolo.&n...

I'm still on a high from my retreat. I've been debriefing and thinking hard on how I want my next retreats to be and convey. I got great feedback from my guests and enjoyed getting their feedback being first time Italy travelers. More news coming on what each new retreat will include. Also Giulia has been the best gift this year thus far. I haven't seen here in 10 years and she made the trip down...

I'm back from another trip to Tuscany. Our first retreat was a HUGE success! I got great feedback and visited towns I haven't been to in 20 years. It was great looking at Italy through the eyes of a first time traveler to Italy. More good stuff is coming. Be on the lookout for an email with all of the details for our upcoming retreats!  Not on my email list, sign up here . You'll be the first...

This is usually not a phrase I like to say about Italy.  But be aware of what could happen on your travels to Italy. I talk about staying away from gypsies at all costs. Tourist trap restaurants are the worst. Traveling in August, you could easily die of heat exhaustion. I hope this episode is informative for you before and during your travel in Italy.  Not on my email list, sign up here . You&#39...

Thank you for listening to my grieving episode today. My dear Nana passed away on Monday September 12th. I've been having ups and downs all week. Grief is hard. I don't like talking about it. I just like to cry it out. Like many of us do. I'll be in Italy soon. 4 more days. I can't wait to be back and breathe the Tuscan air! Not on my email list, sign up here . You'll be the first to hear about my...

Trains, Planes and automobiles(one of my favorite movies) and all of these modes of transportation are prevalent in Italy. If you choose to train it all over Italy or rent a car, these tips are great for you. From validating your ticket to passing on the left while driving, remember you are in another country and there are rules. I hope this episode gives you some knowledge for your upcoming trip...

This is all about what I do 30 days before I travel abroad. I'll share tips and tricks for new travelers to Italy. This trip is my first Travel Retreat called Wine & Relax Retreat, I'm very excited about it!! So many plans, so many amazing adventures are ahead of us. Also Stefano's sister is getting married right after our retreat, so a bit of family time will be had as well. So excited to cel...

I've been hinting about this story for a few episodes now, so here it is. Brunelleschi's Dome is a masterpiece sitting in the city center of gorgeous Florence. The construction was the innovation of Filippo Brunelleschi. Never has this masterpiece been replicated. It is a sight, needless to say. It takes my breath away every time I see it pop into view around the corner. A smaller replica of the d...

I had an identity crisis when I first moved to Florence. I didn't want to be seen as an American. I wanted to be known as an Italian. I still struggle with this. When you decide to travel or live like a local, you have to consider many things from your why, your privilege, being uncomfortable, observe the locals, be curious and get off the beaten path. First things you can visit the famous landmar...

Our Tuscan Wine Club is finally ready to be shared. The waitlist is available on Truly Italy's website. Sign up so you know when the doors open in January 2023. The club includes 12 bottles for the year (3 bottles sent quarterly from 4 small, family run vineyards). Learn more about our club on our website.  Traveling in small groups is becoming the norm in Italy. It's easier to find a table a...

Wow! This trip came and went so fast. Stefano and I had a relaxing time as well as great wine-tastings. We talked shop with some new vineyards and some old vineyards. By "shop" I mean business and by business I mean wine club. :)  I'm creating a Tuscan Wine Club that will start January 2023. Be on the lookout for a link for the waitlist. Only 10 memberships will be offered to start....

It's that time again. Italy here we come! This upcoming trip is a huge research trip. I cannot wait to share what I got up my sleeve. SO EXCITED!! We will be visiting vineyards, villas, and much more. Creating a network of Tuscan vendors for clients like you. These trips have become a staple in our diet that is Italy. :) I can't wait to see friends, family and most of all the seaside! Su...

I first visited Siena in 2002, exactly 20 years ago. I went from memory of places we visited on our guided tour of Siena. One of the things I thought was fascinating was that Siena is home to the oldest bank in the world, Monte dei Paschi di Siena. I remember feeling so honored when I got one of my first bank account in Florence from this bank. What a history! The Duomo of Siena is quite spectacul...