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The Everyday Gourmet
Travel Newsletter: April 2002
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UPDATE AND PREVIEWS
By the time you receive this I’ll
be in Italy for the spring season, but wanted to update you on what’s
happening.
The February trips to finalize
Provence and Amalfi were wildly successful! I know some of you think I
just go over and play around, but that’s not so, it takes lots of
exploring, sleeping in uncomfortable beds (so you don’t have to), eating
in mediocre places. All in an effort to make the trips as wonderful as
possible.
NEW PROVENCE – Finally Perfect!
I am sooooo excited about our new
home base for the Provence trip, as well as our new resident/guide,
Carla. Some of you may remember Carla from previous Tuscany
trips – she
works with me there also. It so happens she is from Gordes
in Provence – easily one of the most beautiful and charming towns of the
area (photo)
Because we’re based in Gordes we
are in the center of everything. Plus our lovely lodging is
authentically French, but has the added advantage of a swimming pool and
Jacuzzi – hard to beat.
Delightful little bistros, the
lavender museum, glassblowing, candied fruits, olive oil, pottery,
cheese, wine, cooking classes – you name we get to experience it.
This trip will charm you out of
your sock tops! (certainly did me)
AMALFI COAST – October 27-Nov.
3, 2002 (still warm in
this sunny region)
After our triumph in Provence, we
were definitely “up” for Amalfi. Aside from missing a major turn in the
road (sign was removed 3 months ago, but who’s counting), the experience
was PERFECT!
Mamma, (pictured left) our cooking
instructor is an absolute dynamo – perpetual motion always wanting to
feed you just a bit more! Fortunately we walk a lot in the breathtaking
town of Ravello. You don’t want to drive here – we leave all the driving
to the professionals, who I think have nerves of steel.
Ravello is a maginificent tiny
town perched high above the Amalfi Coast. (see photo) Our four star
hotel offers breathtaking views up and down the coast. One lovely view
after
another.
As a plus, the hotel is considered one of the finest dining rooms on the
coast – people come from neighboring towns to eat here.
We’re just a hop, skip and jump
from Pompeii, so there’s a day trip there, along with a stopover in
Naples for some of their famous pizza.
We see and taste Limoncello,
mozzarella, wine, olive oil and possibly in the fall a chestnut
festival. Bring your walking shoes because there’s a lot to see and do
here – we try to do it all!
CARNIVAL – Feb. 22-March 2,
2003
On my recent east coast trip I
indulged my fantasies and went to CLOAK AND DAGGER costume maker to try
on some costumes and possibly order something. Well, 2 1/2 hours later
I found I had fallen in love with more than ONE costume. Fortunately we
will be attending several costumed events. I do have a favorite – I’ll
try to take a picture and show it to you in an upcoming newsletter. I
felt just like Renaissance Royalty. IF you’re thinking about doing
Carnival AND you have the opportunity to go to Boston, be sure to
contact Dina and go look at her selections. She says “if you bring me a
picture, I can make it for you.”
Here’s her website again:
Cloak and Dagger
Reservations are already coming in
for Carnival 2003, space is limited to 8 people so if you’re interested
send in your registration.
IN THE FUTURE
SICILY – In Process
Dessert Lover's Paradise
I’m scheduled to go to Sicily in
October to begin planning a 2003 trip (probably fall).
Think marzipan, desserts of all
varieties, as well as seafood, beaches, warmth, fun and excitement. Some
of you know that my favorite dessert wine is from a small island off the
coast of Sicily. (Moscato de Pantelleria).
This island paradise has long
fascinated me. I’ve been in love with Sicily, or at least the IDEA of
Sicily, since 1978. I’m am excited that it’s finally coming about.
NEW ROME
Still looking for that Perfect
location to base a Rome trip. I
have
a new contact whose family lives there and is hard at work exploring
possibilities.
All roads DO lead to Rome (at
least in Italy), so if we find the right place – we’ll add it to our
schedule.
Photo: Trevi Fountain
TOUR SCHEDULE
2002 FALL
Sept. 22-29:
Provence
Sept 29-Oct 6: Riviera/Cinque Terre
Oct 6-13: Venice
Oct 13-20: Tuscany
Oct 27-Nov 3: Amalfi Coast
2003
Feb 22-March 2:
Carnival! Venice
Spring & Fall dates not yet established
Future
Sicily, Rome, Piemonte, Umbria
France: Chateau Region, Savoie,
Alsace
Past newsletters
Fall/Winter 2001-2002
