Io sono innamorato! (I am in love)

That's right! I am in love!!!!

Ciao amici!

I thought I would put some thoughts to words during a quick break for the day. I spent the morning touring the lovely city of Pistoia and I must say, I am in love with Pistoia. There is something about this city that I can't explain. It's the feel of the place I think that just gets me. As I was walking around the city, learning of its history and taking in its beauty, I was also imagining myself moving here with my first love... Josh, of course! :)

If you have visited Pistoia you probably know what I am talking about. If not, you don't want to miss this hidden gem in Tuscany. I dream of moving here after my wedding, taking Italian courses and spending time with the people of this area. In all the time I have been traveling to Italy, I never once wanted to stay in one place so much. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the areas I have visited in italy and Tuscany specifically, but this town feels like it was made for me.

Why you ask? First, it is a small area that is not overrun by tourists. In lieu of the souvenir shops on every corner, you find true Italian shopping. You are close to the more popular areas like Lucca and Florence but far enough away that you don't have the stress of big cities. Plus, everything you need is right here. There is a daily market for food, a weekly market for fine clothing and so much more.

I hope to send my friends and clients that have already experienced the major cities of Italy. This is a great city for people who now want to see a different side of Italy and the Italian people.

Oh, it's time to go to a wine tasting in Capezzana. I will write about it and more about the city soon.

Ciao for now!

Goodbye old friends, hello new friends!

What a morning. The birds and I were up early. I made my bed, packed most of my belongings, started some coffee and hopped in the shower. This is my last day in the Cortona area for this trip. As much as I will miss Barbara and Stefano, I am ready to move on in this trip. After pretty much a full day off yesterday, I am ready to get back to work and explore new options for my clients.
On our way to our next hotel in the Lucca area, we are going to stop in Siena for lunch and a quick self-guided tour since this will be Joan’s first time to the area. Upon our arrival in Pietrasanta, we will unpack and then start work with a wine tasting and tour of the winery. It’s a tough job, but I gladly will do it.

So, to all a fabulous day wherever you are. I send love and sunshine from Tuscany your way and hope that you can join me in Italy next year with the Bite of Italy tour. Of course I can assist you with travel plans to go on your own, but it is my wish that one day (if not in 2012) we can all experience this wonderful country together.

Ciao for now!

Oh Tuscany, how I have missed you!

Aren't you supposed to be working, you may ask? Well, I am! I am "testing" the property to make sure my clients can have a relaxing, enjoyable vacation. My test proves 100% positive! Joan and I enjoyed some sun by the pool today, went into a local grocery store to grab a few items for dinner, and are enjoying our first day off if you will.

The flight in was tough with screaming babies and uncomfortable seats, so there was not a lot of sleeping on the plane. By the time we got to our hotel in Florence, we were toast! The night was saved by a fantastic dinner at an off the beaten path restaurant in Florence where I tasted the best pasta ever. I will more than likely make that the new "Welcome Dinner" place for the Bite of Italy Tour in 2012.

Yesterday we went to a friend's family cattle farm. It was so great to hear Athos speak about his cattle and the passion and love he puts into his job. Italians truly see food in a different light than Americans and I simply can't wait to share that with my clients. I got some great videa (I think) of it and as soon as I figure out how to work the video software I will upload it for all to enjoy.

Tomorrow we are off to Lucca, a great city in Tuscany. I will be inspecting a new property and experiencing some new tours so stay tuned to hear about them and all the experiences along the way.

Ciao ciao ciao!

Travel with Drea starts again on May 05, 2011

That's right folks! I am back!

I am leaving again for Italy on May 05, 2011 and this time I am acting as a co-host of a culinary tour, Bite of Italy. My partner in crime: Joan Autry of Tutti a Tavola cooking school in Snohomish County.

We are starting in Tuscany and the plan is to have you, our fans, follow us through Facebook and our blogs. Oh, and I have added a camcorder to my arsenal so I am hoping to get some great footage for everyone to watch.

For all our Facebook fans, I am sure there will be plenty of "Where is Drea?" opportunities, so make sure you check often if you want to win some cool prizes!

See you in Italy!!

Andrea King