Paula's Tour Talk

Eat Pray Love

I just saw the movie the other night, and I am happy to say I liked it much better than I thought I would. It's perfectly cast, the locations are gorgeous, and it's entertaining and true to the book.

Of course, I especially enjoyed the scenes in Rome: the food, the people, and the sense of modern life taking place amid so many centuries of history. It was good to see the "real" Rome with its graffiti and less-than-elegant neighborhoods rather than the Spanish Steps or Trevi Fountain.

I haven't been as far south as Rome in a few years, and I'm thinking it's time to spend a week or two exploring this magnificent chaotic city again.

The India and Bali parts of the movie are quite fine, too, and the characters are unforgettable.

All in all, I'd say grab a girlfriend and go. You won't be sorry.

Gearing Up for Tuscany

In less than 2 months, I'll be back in Florence and I can't wait.

A slight twist has me in Pisa for a few days and the tour will actually start there. I'm looking forward to spending more than a day in Pisa and especially to seeing the Leaning Tower and the Duomo lit up at night.

I plan to walk along the Arno and visit the lovely church Santa Maria della Spina. "Spina" is thorn and the church claims to have a thorn from Christ's crown. There are gardens and small museums to visit.

Pisa has some great little trattorias, too, and a couple of famous chocolate shops. 

Then there's Siena, San Gimignano, tiny walled Monteriggione, and a fabulous lunch at an agriturismo where they produce the fine white wines of the region.

This trip, I think there will be time for us to spend an afternoon in Lucca and another in Fiesole.

And, of course, I never get tired of showing my clients the masterpieces and the overlooked treasures of the Uffizi. And the David, the gorgeous frescoes of the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Orsanmichele, Santa Maria delle Carmine, and all my other favorite places...

I'm looking forward to truffles in pasta, cinghiale (wild boar), and all the autumn specialties in my favorite restaurants. Oh yes, and the cooking class day, shopping day, and sunset (with a glass of Prosecco) and the view from the Piazzale Michelangelo.

Yes, I am counting the days.

If you aren't lucky enough to be joining me this time, maybe you can make it this spring: Best of Tuscany: April 3-12, 2011. You can save $200.00 if you act fast.