The mood seems to change every year at this time. “Ultima Giorni” Rosy reminds us from the back seat as we exit the Outlet Mall. This shift isn’t foreign to me but it is my least favorite part of preparing to exit the spot which is responsible for much of who I am and will always will be. Every friend here (dear and not so) knows our departure is near. Each …
Friends are such an important part of life, especially when they are enthused about a shared passion. Cortonese, Ivan Botanici caught it and said yes to helping me produce a bi-lingual, Ten Years in Tuscany book launch event in Cortona. Trying to use the past three launch events a model wasn’t an option. I’m in a foreign country, 7500 miles from my resources. My biggest fear: Would anyone come? Like …
[ Montepulciano, Italy by Larry Snyder ] Although our coordinates look similar year after year, we’ve come at it from a different direction this time. Pisa is a seaside, regional Tuscan airport accepting jetliners full of primarily Euro fliers seeking some Vitamin D, a well-priced glass of vino rosso, and a bit of stylish culture that comes in many forms. Celebrating the arrival of all our four checked bags, we …
[ Sotto Montepulciano ] There’s a push, a tangible draw coming from within this Ryan Air 737-800. It’s time to create. For this short window, I’m free of the norm, to take chances while I occupy land that nearly built the act of creativity. Feeling the need to up my artistic game, this trip has to be big on discovery. Not necessarily new destinations, although that is tempting. The surgeons …
I had a feeling when we pulled into the carpark (British term) and I noticed several signs noting our destination a UNESCO World Heritage site, that this was to be a memorable visit. Our favorite Brits, Bill and Tina, wanted to share one of their national treasures knowing we fancy (another British term) ancient stone structures that once welcomed holy residents. Fountains Abbey and the adjoining Studley Royal Garden has …
