Waiting for You
It is devastating for me, an American, to know that at present Americans are not permitted travel to Italy or to the European Union.
Italy — a country with profound ties with the United States, on myriad levels — weeps as a result. But there was no alternative to this decision, which is an exercise in self-responsibility.
Our Canadian, Australian and New Zealand clients are welcome, and will find Italy absolutely enchanting this year, perhaps more appreciated than ever by Italians, who this summer are exploring it thoroughly, more so than ever before.
Italians can see the effects of their determined national self discipline during those months of lock down. In the Campania region (Naples, Capri, Amalfi) there are no new cases in the last 24 hours. In the Tuscany region, there are 5 new cases. In Sicily, no new cases. In the Lazio region (close to 6 million people), 9 new cases.
Italians are exploring cities that have long suffered the effects of unsustainability, and are getting a chance to rethink overtourism amid the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, especially on weekdays and by night… what a joy to wander in evocative places where crowding just a year ago made evening walks much less pleasant.
The European Union’s “accepted visitor list” will be assessed every two weeks, and it is conceivable that our American travelers might be here in time for the grape harvest, for the first funghi porcini, for the olive harvest.. and for the best swimming of the year, from mid September onwards.
I am hopeful, ever hopeful, and am continuing my travelling and archiving…
The peonies are in the very last flush of their bloom at the Giardino delle Fate, a late spring and early summer highlight of our individual garden-themed travel plans. This is such an interesting place.
At its peak nearly every time of the year — that is, so beautiful you cannot believe it — is La Foce, in the Valle d’Orcia of southern Tuscany.
Much of Italy is a natural garden. At its peak now (take note for your 2021 calendar) is the Fioritura del Pian Grande di Castelluccio in Umbria, a coming together of the flowering lentil, poppies, gentianella, narcissus, violets, clovers, oxalis.
We keep trying wines with our friends, so will have new discoveries for you when you return.
We eat sfogliatella and drink espresso so that we know that our sources are as special as ever .. for when you return.
We continue to sniff out passionate people who devote their professional lives to good cooking, and who share our belief that the very best Italian food is the product of superb ingredients manipulated as little as possible.
Italian flavors and big tastes do not need to be rearranged, or heightened.
All of the restaurant on our lists, and where we book for you (and where you are often looked after by the owner) are of this belief.
Italian tastes sing. But you do need to select your trattoria or restaurant with care. That is where we come in.
I am continuing to take cooking classes.
And hunting out beautifully performed music for you to enjoy.
Did you know that on July 6 La Scala in Milan will begin its summer concert season, to the joy of classical music lovers and Milanesi ?
Italy is of course not one country but more like hundreds of countries. You can can have breakfast in Rome and lunch here, in Rovereto, which is tucked into the foothills of the Italian Dolomites, and culturally another world.
In time for an evening aperitivo you are here, walking, in the Alto Adige..
And in the meantime, may I invite you to visit our new website ?
For those who are longing for Italy, it may be just the right aperitivo before the feast of a trip.
Marjorie
www.insidersitaly.com