As many of you know, I have German roots (Walz) (Dinkelbuhl) to be exact.  The Christmas Markets are always a wonderful source of nostalgia, culture and roots.  As I am reaching for my German Passport, I will be going to Germany over the Christmas Market time.  What special German traditions should I be learning about?  Stay tuned, as you know, no one loves reconning a new situation than I.  Please feel free to comment.

 What is the only country with LOVE in the name? 

Slovenia!! 

Join Speak! and myself, the guest speaker Claudia Wisdom-Good  at The VAULT in Charlottesville VA on January 21, 2025, Tuesday, at 5:30pm for an unforgettable journey to Slovenia, a small but stunning country nestled in Central Europe surrounded by Italy, Austria and Croatia. Slovenia is one stop for unrivaled beauty, rich history and local cuisine. From the breathtaking peak of Mt. Triglav in the Julian Alps to the subterranean world of the Postojna Caves and the enchanting shores of Lake Bled and Piran, Slovenia’s landscapes will captivate your senses and offer unlimited hiking trails and spas for all.

At our Tea and Travel event, you'll delve into the vibrant culture of Slovenia, find off-the-beaten path secrets in Ljubljana, with its picturesque architecture and lively atmosphere. Uncover the history of medieval castles perched on cliffs, learn about the Lipazzan whites stallions, and hear about the artists, architects and culinary experts. Come and explore the deep traditions that have shaped this remarkable nation.

But that's not all—Slovenia is a paradise for food and wine lovers! Discover the flavors of the region, and sip on world-class wines produced in the 28,000 registered lush vineyards. Pick from several Michelin starred Hiša (house/restaurants) and spas to end the day!

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just looking for your next adventure, our event will inspire you to put Unesco’s easy, safe and great value Slovenia at the top of your bucket list. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore Europe’s hidden gem! We will be inviting you to join us for our small-group 10 day adventure Spring 2025 in sLOVEnia! 

 Please reach out for the details and the special offering  during the month of September!

What do these words mean? Geode, Throat Diver, Scandiculture, Brennivin, Raest, Slippurinn, Eddas, oh and of course, the Viking Icelandic horse?

Come and find out!

Heading to Iceland and the Faeroes on a 

Ten Day Silversea Voyage 

to experience S.A.L.T. on the luxe and intimate Silver Moon -

July 14-24, 2023

Sea and Land Taste is offered both onboard at the Kitchen, Bar and classes and at destinations in bespoke S.A.L.T. excursions.  This is  Silversea's new culinary experience, that will enliven any destination as it is curated for a real foodie experience, as well as of course, all the other amenities that I will share as I go!

Where to pick, on these hazy, hot and humid  days of summer in Virginia....Why not to Iceland and the Faeroe Islands (Danish)  on the Silver Moon, Reykjavik return 10 days! 

About five years ago, I attended an Iceland weekend while visiting Toronto, which included art, then films (with my BFF Brenda), an Icleandic Dinner with Garrett (who else is the best sport about dining?) and bought the book Independent People by Halldór Laxness, winner of the nobel Prize in Literature. ISBN 0679-76792-4. It's been on my list to explore, understand, experience the culture, the people and the food.  I love a new destination for me, that I can immerse in pre-trip, don't you?  Joining a Silversea cruise is truly an optimal way to explore a place like Iceland. Unpack once, (with the butler doing the organizing...) be on the sea (we are in the middle of the ocean anyways, aren't we?) and have plenty of summer light (mostly 20+ hours a day) to explore each and every stop, which are great long days! Brilliant!

I just read an exciting article from Adam Sachs, the former Saveur editor-in-chief, who is spearheading this new program for Silver Moon, and Silver Dawn (my Petra/Petra experience that I am hosting in January 2024, P.S.  cannot wait for the S.A.L.T. experience in this region!).

Please take a read, if you ever thought Iceland was not about food, read on, and add this extra amuse-bouche to the long lists of opportunities, from hiking, photography, fishing, bathing, painting, touching, smelling, and water...the land of Fire and Ice, Here is the lowdown on the food 

https://discover.silversea.com/to-the-curious/salt-kitchen/s-a-l-t-spotlight-heres-why-icelands-culinary-scene-will-surprise-you/

There is also a S.A.L.T. Lab Radio on Spotify - will listen to the one on Lisbon's Cacué today!

Why don't you think about joining me? The value on Silversea is unsurpassed, luxury, quality and just 600 passengers make for a truly bespoke experience.  To be in Iceland, and on the Silverseas, to me, could not be better.  We have ten days exploring eight destinations around the whole island of Iceland, plus a big day on Faeroe Islands.  All of the destinations have included excursions, that are beautifully curated by locals.  The value that I can offer you booking with me, as  an Ensemble/TEN advisor will please even the most discerning traveler - please reach out, @540.718.4046 or jetsetwisdom@gmail.com for further information!  

And as a special special, I can offer $500 off the Silversea published rate, on their website, just because I can, as per my personal connection last week. This is just for my cruise on July 14th departure, #MO2320714010.  There are other departures available which have very special amenities that I can offer.

That being said here is your link to incredible offerings with Silversea: www.silversea.com and let me know if I can help you decide where and when you'd like to experience this kind of cruising!

All photos ©Silversea Cruises Ltd.

The Atlanta Olmsted Plein-Air Event is in Atlanta as I write.  Yes, my friends I am off on a quick little trip to spend a couple of days with my friend Merrily and forty of the best plein-air painters in the country.  This, not the usual trip for Jetset Wisdom, but this, the new normal.  For us. Just a bit longer I suppose.  Not diminishing such an incredible event, but embracing that we have the time to enjoy domestic offerings like never before.  We look forward to sharing with you the beauty of Atlanta private gardens,  spring blooms and beautiful paintings done in the Goizueta Gardens of the The Atlanta History Center. This is the 7th Olmsted Event, titled so appropriately "Resilience". That we have. And we all are standing proud and strong that we will get through this! A favorite muse, from Aix en Provence, Jill Steenhuis is painting with the invitational. I have participated in a two day painting retreat with her and she is extraordinary in her skill and her spiritual journey through painting. More to come! Where is your next domestic adventure taking you?

Art and Food 2018

Slow Food in Turin * Art in Lombardy  * Painting in Franciacorta 

   9 days/8 nights 

September 18-27, 2018

All of your senses to be filled…Italian style....La Dolca Vita!

Join  J E T S E T WISDOM this fall in Italy for the biennial Slow Food/Slow Wine and Terra Madre at Salone del Gusto in Torino, the secret art jewels of Milano (including the Last Supper), and finally three full days of painting in the Franciacorta regions peppered with winetastings, shopping at the world-famous Franciacorta Shopping Village and luscious Agriturismo foods.

Leaving the US or Canada on Tuesday September 18, 2018 and arriving in Milan, Italy on Wednesday September 19, we will be either meeting in Torino at our landmark hotel if you wish , or at a pre-arranged location at 0:930 at MXP Malpensa airport for the 1.5 hour drive to Torino.  After check-in you will have the option of a late afternoon tour of this baroque beauty called Torino to the Italians, (Turin) followed by a welcome local Piedmontese dinner.  Get familiar with the city of Torino and rest up for the opening day of Salone del Gusto- you will need comfortable walking shoes for our next couple of days.  

Salone Del Gusto is throughout the city of Turin at many different venues - Opening at 10 till 9:30 pm - a full and active day, but as much as you desire as your hotel is centrally located right in the fashionable Quadrilatero Romano district, an area known for its fantastic shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The San Giovanni Cathedral – home to the Turin Shroud – is right next door. We'll have dinner together as a welcome Wednesday evening, and also Friday evening. Thursday evening* will be a meet up for aperativo, you will be tasting all day at Salone del Gusto.

Thursday and Friday will be spent savoring the twenty regions of Italy at the Slow Food/Terra Madre Salone del Gusto show.  They are still finalizing special packaging, tastings, lectures but rest assured we will have plenty to choose from.  You’ll also have an opportunity to see the museums within walking distance, central as you wish.

Leaving Torino on Saturday midday, we will drive to Milan (about 1-1/2 hours) in our private coach. A lovely walking tour of your new neighborhood, next door to Pinocateca Ambrosiana, Peck for noshes, (as in if you're peckish) and The Duomo (cathedral) steps away from Palazzo Reale, housing one of the many world class collections. We'll glimpse into  a private palazzo The art world in Milan is all about beauty and exploration.

Minutes from La Scala ,  bohemian La Brera with its private galleries and Pinocateca La Brea, you will feel at home in this small private hotel, sharing harmony, culture and silence.   Milan promotes several museums housed in grand Palazzi locally, we’ll fit in at least two, and a stop at the Castello Sforzesco before a walk through Parc Sempione’s Trienelle Museum . Aperativo is a must on one of our evenings.

We will leave on Monday midday for a short drive up to Franciacorta to our agriturismo stay of three nights. Filled and inspired by the art of Milan and Turin, we will surely enjoy some plein-aire.  Do not worry - if painting is not your thing we have lots of other activities in mind.  However, painting in the vineyards and terraces of our lovely agriturismo should be a priority.  This undiscovered region is not to be missed.  Lago Iseo is beautiful, and the place of The Floating Piers exhibit in 2016:  www.christojeanneclaude.net/projects/the-floating-piers. 

We conclude, quite fittingly in the champagne region of Italy - (francia corta - short French) with amazing champagne.  We will have some time for a wine tour and  serious retail therapy at the close by Franciacorta Outlet Shopping Village for those interested.  Wednesday evening will be our farewell dinner at the agriturismo tasting their food and wine.

Flight transfers to Milan Malpensa or Bergamo from Franciacorta, morning of Thursday September 27, 2018. included.

What’s included/ what’s not …

9 days/ 8 hotel nights  Inclusive of almost all meals  (except denoted by *), with wine and water and gratuity, entry to Slow Food for two days,  two special event programs within the Salone del Gusto, Terra Madre, lodging in charming 4* hotels with double occupancy,  transfers and transport in a private limo coach throughout our 9 days. Other than airfare of your choice, everything is included but your retail 'therapy'!  Breakfast is included each morning at all of our hotels,  WIFI is complimentary. 

Limited Single occupancy available upon request at an additional fee. Airfare and airport transfers are not included other than Malpensa Milan, nor is travel insurance, which I would recommend. Please be advised that this tour is all about painting, art and food - and lots of great walking, especially at the Salon del Gusto.  Our first stay  is within the center of Turin of course for a respite when needed.

A deposit of 50% is required to hold your spot. All major Credit Cards are accepted.   This trip will be limited to 12, and spouses/partners/friends  are welcome. 

 Visa , MC and  Paypal accepted.  3% discount for check/cash.  

Please email Claudia Wisdom-Good at jetsetwisdom@gmail.com or 540.718.4046 for  pricing, further information, to sign up or any questions.  Don’t miss out - Terra Madre/Slow Food is only every two years -this Jetset WISDOM trip will not  be repeated until 2020. 

Having recently fallen in love with Vienna, our very last day was spent at the Upper and Lower Belvedere Palace, as well as the stables (Orangerie) and Menagerie.  The Upper Belvedere is where Waldmuller's largest collection lives.  His portraiture left me breathless.  Makes me, the lowly non-portraiture painter take up some serious time, maybe in the October retreat at Capon Springs with the Firnew Farm Artists Circle, to paint a portrait - maybe, albeit a daunting quest. See the link,  Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller | Belvedere palace and museum Vienna

The day began in search of the final collection of Klimt in Vienna, after seeing Beethoven's at the Seccession, The Albertina and The Leopold's collection, we gleaned an awful lot  about how Klimt became the first president of the Seccession and how his peacefulness at his Austrian lakehouse depicted such deep quiet, then changed into his more 'modern' works, as in Woman in Gold.  However, finding Walmüller at The Belvedere was just one of many equisite collections of Austrian Art.

The music, operas and art of this elegant city makes this a #1 destination for me.  Given that Austrian Air flies direct non-stop from Washington Dulles is another efficient reason to give Vienna a vote!

I Was A Jet Set Stewardess (Full Episode) - just watched this Smithsonian Channel documentary last night, thanks to my good friend, Sue, who was astute enough to know I would never have this opportunity on my own television!

 Of course, being Jetset Wisdom, I loved the title.  That this has been (one of) my careers for the past twenty-six years, the doc definitely depicts the finer times of our lives.  Although many of the glamourous aspects (like week long sojurns in Fiji) were before my time, we still have the power and the ability to show up for someone's birthday in London, a wine show in Paris, the EXPO in Milan, visiting family in faraway places, and Fat Tuesday in Rio.

Our life is truly, something to behold. Here is the link  http://bitly.com/1o780yH

Enjoy! And look for my new posts on the trips to Great Britain this spring!

After all the hoopla surrounding this year's Virginia Film Festival this past weekend -  and after trying my best to grin and bear it through two of the films, In Confidence (what were you thinking - you are over 40?) to Karate Tango (which should've been left on Broadway, I'm thinking), it is with such excitement and hope, for a young artist, and daughter of a BFF, to share a link for her IndiGOGO project, Before the Wave.  Please watch her trailer and watch for updates.  I find it fascinating, that she will produce this film with very limited funds, and tell a story that needs to be shared. Check out the link! Impressive work Molly - can't wait to see the finished film!

Join  J E T S E T WISDOM this fall in Italy for the biennial Slow Food/Slow Wine and Terra Madre at Salone Internazionale del Gusto in Torino, the Truffle Fair in Alba, Piemonte l’Osterie & Le Vinerie and three days discovering the secret jewels of Milano including a day trip to the Lake District.  

Dates are October 23-November 1, 2014.

Leaving the US or Canada on Wednesday October 22, and arriving in Italy on Thursday, October 23, we will be either meeting in Torino at our chic, artsy albergo, or at a pre-arranged location at MXP Malpensa airport for the 1.5 hour drive to Torino.  After check-in you will have the option of a late afternoon tour of this baroque beauty called Torino, followed by a welcome local Piemontese dinner.  Get familiar with the city of Torino and rest up for the Opening Day of Salon del Gusto- you will need comfortable walking shoes for our next three days.

The next two days will be spent at the Slow Food/Terra Madre Salone del Gusto show.
 J E T S E T WISDOM has your tickets purchased for unlimited entry, and will include  two special event programs (TBD) for our  group.  Slow Food is not just about Italy, although the 20 regions in Pavilions 1, 2 and 3 of  the Salone del Gusto could fill your entire two days if you wish! The OVAL holds food producers from over 5 continents.  

The Show is over 65,000 square meters, and showcases almost one thousand food producers, as well as 1200 wine labels that participate in the Vini Slow program.  

Our 3 days will start with transportation from our hotel to the Lingotto Fiere, location of the Salone del Gusto. The show is open from 11-11, and our hotel is conveniently located so you may come back, relax, and choose to return to the show in the evenings.  Saturday evening will be dinner in Torino, after a final aperitivo.  Breakfast is included each morning at our hotel,  WIFI is available for a nominal fee.

Leaving Torino on Sunday after breakfast, we will continue into Piemonte and arrive at the Alba Truffle Fair held only on a select few Sundays.  Spending the afternoon in this quaint but vibrant city, we will arrive in time for an aperitivo and dinner in La Morra, our home for the next 3 nights.  Full breakfast and wifi included.

Monday and Tuesday we will explore the wines of Piemonte with a private driver, staying at a perfectly situated and appointed,  Corte Gondina in La Morra  (which was reviewed recently in the Wine Spectator).  La Morra is located in the centre of the Barolo area of Langhe, and produces over 40% of the Barolo wines.  The town is full of jewels -   lovely trattorie and shops, with walking trails through the local wineries.  Dinner is included Sunday and Tuesday,  however, Monday dinner* will be on your own.  

We will stop for lunch at local Osterie along our wine routes both days and will be included.  Our region is renowned for both Roero (whites) and the long heady line of Barolos.

Wednesday morning we will leave after breakfast for our final three days in Milano. On the way, we will stop into BRA, the city that began The Slow Food Movement.  

Milano resonates with sophistication, beauty, art, fashion and architecture. One of my all time favorites to explore.  Next three nights, we will be staying right up the street from famous PECK and the Biblioteca-Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. 

Minutes from La Scala, The Duomo and bohemian La Brera, you will feel at home in this small private hotel, sharing harmony, culture and silence.  Dinner together and prepare for a Thursday filled with exploring the Design capital of the world.  Milan promotes several very small and private museums, housed in grand Palazzi locally, we’ll fit in at least two, and a stop at the Castello Sforzesco before a walk through Parc Sempione’s Trienelle Museum.  

We will have an aperitivo atop La Rinascente department store overlooking the Duomo.  Thursday Dinner* on our own most likely at a spot in La Brera.    Final day of Friday is on your own:  can be spent either going to an outlet shopping village outside of Milano, a train up to the Lake District - think Garda, Maggiore or simply boat to Bellagio, (an hour away by train), seeing The Last Supper, or just exploring more of Milan and picking up last minute gifts and shoes (!)   Private aperitivo on our balcony looking over Milan before a final dinner at one of  my very favorite spots, included.

Flight home on Saturday, drivers will be arranged at approximately Euro 20 per person to Malpensa, upon request.

9 nights, 10 days.  Inclusive of almost all meals  (except denoted by *), with wine and water and gratuity, entry to Slow Food for three days,  two special event programs within the Salone del Gusto, Terra Madre, lodging in charming 4* hotels with double occupancy (single occupancy available upon request at an additional fee), transfers and transport in a private limo throughout Piemonte Wineries and  from Torino  and back through to Milan hotel.  Airfare and airport transfers are not included, nor is travel insurance, which I would recommend. Please be advised that this tour is composed of a lot of walking, especially at the Salone del Gusto.  There is minimal seating at the Show, unless you are in a conference or pre-arranged venue, lunch, dinner, etc

A deposit of 50% is required to hold your spot.  This trip will be limited to a small number of 8-10 people.  Credit Cards and Paypal accepted.  3% discount for cash.  Please email Claudia Wisdom-Good at jetsetwisdom@gmail.com for further information, questions and an application form.  

Don’t miss out - Terra Madre/Slow Food is only every two years -this Jetset WISDOM trip will not  be repeated until 2016!

"WHERE DO I END AND YOU BEGIN" was the title of the recent Edinburgh Art Festival in Scotland.  The title of the show, from work by Shilpa Gupta, India, was explored with the five commonwealths invited to co-curate the show:  Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa and of course, the United Kingdom.
The "curation" started over a year ago in Edinburgh, when the Director of the EAF, friend, Sorcha Carey, invited this stellar group to thinktank with the words "common"and "wealth" coupled with the concept of  "being in common" in a truly global world.   The project comprised of recent works by over twenty artists.

My favorites pieces seen on my tour with Sorcha  on August 25th were from New Delhi's Masooma Syed (I am not from the North...) South Africa's Kay Hassan (My Father's Music Room) and Canadian, Rebecca Belmore (Fringe), oh, and the beautiful blue-eyed, kilted, and bejewelled, tammed and bearded stranger. 

Diverse still 'life', as per last week's lecture series, by Leslie Barham of Firnew Farm Artists Circle, on STILL LIFE - need not be on a flat surface.  The City Art Centre was alive with video, photography, textile; and on site at the Old Royal High School was an install called The Sovereign Forest, investigating mining resources and privatization in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.
My Father's Music Room depicted a reconstruction/still life of how music has always been a central componenet with blacks and working class communities, even though in South African's case, through very supressive regimes.

Massoma's 3d multi media delighted with five structures from discarded cardboard Scotch drink packaging and other collage from her private collection, depicted 'spirit' both the intoxicating scotch drink (made in Scotland and India), and also the notion of spirit of the divine.  It was a collision of histories, cities, and racism all arriving on the same stage.

FRINGE from Belmore is a large reclining nude woman with a deep scar down her back - appears at first as blood - but was really a wound sutured with beadwork - suggestive of a process of healing, and referencing the Anishinaabe tradition.

The AEF runs the month of August in Edinburgh Scotland, in conjunction with the FRINGE Festival throughout thirty locations, including the Old Royal High School to small galleries across the city and most public museums.  Join us next year with Jetset Wisdom.  www.edinburghartfestival.org. More on the FRINGE later, 

Torrontés 101: Argentina's Summer White | The Latin Kitchen Fabulous article about my favorite Argentine Whites, from non other than Andres Rosberg, Sommelier and friend!  BRAVO - so happy to see the Torrontés get some good PR! Right up there with the Fianos and the Roeros of Italia!  This photo is from Ruca Malen where we very much enjoyed their Torrontés in their beautiful tasting room in Mendoza past February! Next stop region of SALTA!

 j e t s e tWISDOM

takes off for Argentina February 9-19, 2012

Just when you thought the chill of winter wasn’t showing it’s frigid face, it’s here. In the
20’s today! What better time than now, to choose a last minute winter getaway down to Argentina. Seasons are opposite, and what better time to enjoy mid 80’s, and long, light summer nights sipping on fruity Torrontes by day, and sultry Malbecs in the evening.
Departing on Thursday, Feb 9, you will be met at Buenos Aires (EZE) Ezieza Pistarini
airport on Friday to start our 10 days/9 nights exploring three diverse areas of Argentina.
Time to get settled in Palermo, we’ll be there for 3 nights, in other words, a perfect long
weekend in one of my favorite cities in the world - before taking off for Mendoza on Monday afternoon.
Staying at a stellar, boutique hotel, we’ll have time to relax at the pool, have breakfast, before heading out for the day. Palermo has a special ‘Circuito Diseño’, many designers on small streets, and with the 3.90 Argentine peso to our dollar - the prices are truly a bargain! Leather abounds, but also clothing, accessories are a cut above! Each day, we’ll have some time to relax, shop, or take sun in our perfect location.

If you've always desired to learn some Tango, I have a studio and 3 private lessons with Alejandro set up for our group, starting Saturday morning, followed by an evening of Milonga dancing to relax and show off what you've learned.
Lunch is on your own, but I have a great place for calamari and pasta!
Dinner is planned down at the restored Puerto Madero waterfront, with an after dinner ‘passeggiata’.   Remember, Argentina is made up of many Germans and Italians, and even thoughSpanish is their language, Italian is very prominent! So, either way, you can get some practice!
We’ll discover the treasures of the infamous San Telmo Mercado on the
Sunday, Of course, a chance to wander through the Recoletta to see Evita and
frankly, one of my favorite photo-op cemeteries in the world. fit in either the
Palermo Botanical Garden for some shade, or cool at the MALBA (Muséo de
Arte LatinoAmericano de Buenos Aires). Sunday evening will be dinner at
the very best LOMO in Argentina, LaCabrera.
Monday morning we’ll have another Tango lesson, quick lunch at the hotel/
or last minute stops for shopping before our short flight to Mendoza at 3pm. We
leave from the small local airport, which is a mere 20 minutes from Palermo.
We’ll arrive in Mendoza Wine country, just in time
for a wine flight at Vines of Mendoza with Juliette
and Mariana. This is the best to get started on our
journey of 3 days of wine tasting in the UCO and
Lujan de Cuyo. I’ve chosen a special selection
to whet your appetite.

Settling into our town of

Chacras de Coria, we will be

centered in Mendoza for the

next 4 nights. Pool time will

always be an option after a

delicious breakfast. For the

next three afternoons, we’ll

be exploring wineries in a

different area each day, with

our guide.

On Tuesday,

it’s an overthe-

top lunch

at O’Fournier

Vineyard,

including a

special flight

of wine and

tour of their

cellar.

Dinner on

your own in

town at one of

the many

choices.

Wednesday,

15th morning

on your own,

with lunch, leaving after lunch for our wine tour. Dinner is planned at a special Mendoza

Asado.

Thursday, 16th - we will have a ‘farewell Mendoza’ dinner in Chacras de Coria after a full

day of tasting.

Friday am, leaving on the short flight back to AEP Newbery airport, we’ll be met by our

driver to take us to the

Pampas region, and

through to San Antonio de

Areco. 2 nights at a luxe

boutique hotel with pool,

to relax, have a massage,

and wander amongst the

silver and shops so very

different than Buenos

Aires. This is the region of

the gauchos.

Saturday we’re planning

on a day out at an estancia,

hiking, photography,

horseback riding, an

ASADO for lunch, and

truly an incredible ending

to our trip!

Dinner on your ownwhich

after this ASADO

BBQ, will not be necessary

most likely!!

Sunday will be your return flight back to the

US/Canada/Europe. This is an evening flight,

you will arrive home the next day, so that we

will have an opportunity to spend the day

having a massage, lunch and a last chance of

shopping before leaving for EZE International

Airport.

SOME IMPORTANT DETAILS:

PLEASE CONTACT ME AT JETSETWISDOM@GMAIL.COM for further information!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting and listening to songwriter, Louisa Branscomb at our Fresh in the Field weekend, at Firnew Farm last month. Tonight, I found this blogpost of a recent experience with the May tornado, and her beloved home, Woodsong Farm, I wanted to share this. Her songwriting is up there with the best, I'm thinking this post is so true from her heart, and just shows how vulnerable we all are to grief and to Mother Nature. She is one incredible lady, and what a pleasure to have her join into your life's experience:

tornadoreflections: The Grip of Grief: I don't want to mislead that every moment is transcendent, or that I'm any better than anyone else at finding redemption amid the dirt and d...

Yesterday, just had the best day 'touring' favorite spots in Richmond. Starting at the MAC store at Shortpump, I had my ONEONONE with Krista, who showed me how to integrate my new 17minutes VOICE Record of Chiesa Cristiana Evangelica Battista di Roma's special choir (rehearsal for Pascua this weekend) into 80 photos and 2 videos of recent photos from The City of Eternal Light.  This will have to wait until a quicker upload - thank you to Hughesnet's archaic 200mb load for the day limit!

Onwards to an 11:30 luncheon at LEWIS GINTER with our Firnew Artist Circle. 16 of us met for many great photo and painting ops, and a guided tour of these incredible acres of beauty including ORCHIDS GALORE a temporary exhibit of Orchids. Make sure to grab lunch at the Teahouse - the view is breathtaking.

Next, we drove down to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to their PICASSO temporary exhibit from Paris.  If you do go, plan on downloading their online guide gratis - onto your iphone - no need to buy the audio tape at the museum.

Link for the audio  is VMFA: Audio + Virtual Tours: Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris Audio Tour.  Well worth the visit down - I would've liked to spend more time at the Museum - but how much can a group from the farmlands of Madison do in one day!! We're planning our next trip soon (either Italia or Richmond, or both!  This group simply rocks!)

Next stop - yes this day keeps going! Was to waitlist for the MAPPING THE DARK collaboration of friend/teacher, Rosamond Casey - yes got the last seats available and well worth the risk. An interesting study in human desires, collections and weaknesses, directed by Fran Smith.  I had stopped off for a quick visit with Italiana Christina Ball of SPEAK and her daughter and doggie then onto The Blue Light Grill  on the downtown mall for a a bowl of Mussels steamed in white wine and bacon broth with a gorgeous glass of fruity 2009 Burgans Albarino at $9/glass, or your can buy, possibly at Robert's Market Street for $14/bottle..

from Google: Robert Parker 90 -The 2009 Albarino is light gold-colored with a lovely bouquet of white flowers, hazelnut, peach pit, and mineral. On the palate it is surprisingly complex for its bargain price with a viscosity bordering on opulence. If you enjoy Albarino, this is one to buy by the case.
Burgans' Albarino is an annual Best Buy in this journal but the superb 2009 vintage in Rias Baixas has carried it to new heights."

Who would ever say that life could be boring!!!  La Dolce Vita....
Off to Milano for Easter, and then London for two breathtaking days ar the World Photo Festival in London - every so slightly missing (really - a good thing, honest!) THE wedding. Think: Spring. Garden. Vacation. 

Romance, texture, glamorous, vivid colors, sexy feels resonate with Palm Springs!  Adored it 4 years ago for Thanksgiving, and fell in love this time!  I can't get enough of that over-the-top showbiz flamboyance!  I know that I am on vacation when I am there! Yes, this was my vacation, clearly.  Too many very good margaritas, coupled with killer Mexican for lunch on a daily basis. But aside from all of that foodie stuff, Palm  Springs is simply eye-candy.  It just is.  

Finally, a small dream comes true!  Beginning June American EAGLE flies out of C'ville!

American Eagle Airlines Announces Jet Service From Chicago O'Hare to Charlottesville, Va.

 Thoughts of family and friends at the Duomo.
 My photo of our luncheon Puntarelle
 Via Corso !0 - amazing pranzo and shopping
 Tiffany's Tree in the Piazza Duomo, Milano
Duomo Floor - so exquisite!
Click on the link for Puntarelle for a wonderful history lessons, thanks to The Italian Notebook.

Puntarelle  LINK FOR THE ITALIAN NOTEBOOK.

The view of the alps was

breathtaking into Milan on
Wednesday morning -
where is my real camera;
although I must say,
iPHONE was a lot better than niente!!
 Who says February cannot be a great month, even if we are

starting to be weary over the winter weather! Not the typical start of a month for me, but given our dreadful course of weather these past couple of months, I've bucked up, and
enjoyed, ok,
really savored new adventures:
Hot Vinyasa class at
www.yogaforthepeople.com
sushi at Nana Sushi,

coolest Negroni and antipasti
on the Navigli in Milano,
enjoying lunch at the Anema e Cozze in the warm Italian sun
watching the gorgeous passenger/aka Fendi model on
Men's Fashion Week Milan on FTV

 Marco Aneli's exhibit was the world premier of his project done in New York - quite provoking! Look at these faces!!!!

 Favorite window on Via Casale in the Navigli district - YOU'RE MY FAVORITE WORK OF ART.

Car waiting for me in the lobby? Thank you Melia!!!! 

However,MILAN 48HR does just as good to get around for 48 hours - try it!!

Love this illustration of the Grotto Beach Resort ...
I know that I keep saying my word for 2011 is STILL.
This grotto photo, I took with my IPHONE to me says STILL.

The rest of the 9 days, still - maybe not so much
NYC view and my new friends: Jax and Yasmiin!!

Home for one day, before I leave for Buenos Aires for pretty much the rest of the month! BRAVA!!! Tango, hopefully long lunches and late dinners with friends, visits to the new Hotel Fierro that the Rosbergs are involved with (Fierro Hotel) Tango lessons at Borges Cultural (TANGO Lessons) and lots of Malbec and Manzo!
Oh and one bottle of Uxmal Sauvignon Blanc!!!

I was one of the bloggers to attend THE WRITE TASTE seminar with Salty Seattle, SippitySup and Food Woolf fellow food bloggers.  We had a chance to up our writing skills: sharing in the  tasting, smelling, and writing about the food at our table!

This was one of the Breakout Sessions that FOODBUZZ sponsored at the Sir Francis Drake.  All of us, good writers, or not, feel that we can always improve. I definitely feel that my ideas, photographs and level of blog content far surpass my writing skills.  Is this why I find it so difficult to sit down and WRITE?   My favorite was the list of foreboden words, we as foodbloggers chose, coupled with the list Brooke reports that are strictly not allowed in her journalist post at a paper.

So, this morning, I'm reading a new book review, "BITTER IN THE MOUTH", and one link leads to another. I find this:  SYNESTHESIA -hot word of the day. In one of the condition's rarest forms, gustatory synesthesia, selected words make it possible to taste a word. Now that would be writing a blog! Rustic, smoky, fruity  (adjectives to describe my recent Venison meatballs, glazed with Damson Plum preserves!)

http://www.reference.com/browse/gustatory+synesthesia?

These ideas all add up to my latest quest to better my writing, hence improving my chances of writing my blog at least weekly!! Saluti and grazie to Linda, Brooke and Greg!!

Just returned from a mouth-watering experience at SLOW FOOD's Salone del  Gusto in Turin, Italy.  Myself and one other 'hungry for SLOW FOOD experience' Italian speaker  tossed out sleeping and opted for a 2 hour train ride from Milan to Turin's Lingotto Fiere.  The eighth biennial food and wine festival is like no other in the world. Coupled with TERRA MADRE,  this year they had over 200,000 visitors,  many from outside of Italia, and from what I gather, a group even from our area Charlottesville division of Slow Food!

To give you an idea of the scope of this incredible , SLOW FOOD  began 20 years ago to battle the fast food beginning to  show it's ugly head in Italy.  Since then, from what I understand, it has grown to be quite a movement.  Now in many other countries, we in the Piedmont of Virginia even have our own brand new group, with my good friend, Christina Ball as one of the directors. I am very excited to become involved in this, since I am also working on an innovative dining project with local produce in our art group; primarily as a sharing of good slow food and artistic recipes!

My take on this 'hurried' 10 hours, was that I couldn't get enough of the tastes, friendships, interest in beautiful slow food, most likely paired with delicious artisan wines and beers. I cannot wait to slow down enough (!) to go back and enjoy the next one for days!! We accomplished only the 20 (twenty!) regions of Italy - each region had over a dozen different offerings, from cheese to pork to chocolate!  After over an hour in our first, Campagnia, we had to regroup and step up the pace, or we NEVER would have even done that.  The Slow WINE had to wait for the next show, and so many different lectures, cooking demos, next time.  We did squeeze in a cooking dem from my favorite region, Puglia, with my new friend Michele Bruno, president of Slow Food Puglia, that brought back dreams of Santa Maria del Sole, and their own slow food.

I've uploaded  a few of the shots I have taken, just on my way out to San Francisco, for the FOODBUZZ blog fest.  More info to follow.

But I will say this in closing:  in 2012 I am  planning on a group to make our way to Italy, enjoying Slow Food as one of the 3 'events' in the jetsetWISDOM trip.  Promise more to come! Meanwhile, savor the feel of this incredible exposition! Divertiti!!

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Join me with a small group of like-minded new and old friends.  Arriving Buenos Aires Thursday, April 8 - departing Ezeiza (Buenos Aires) Saturday April 17th, 2010.

 If you've always desired to experience sultryTango (with Alejandro), sip fruity Torrontes and deep dark Malbecs (with Julia), learn a bit of Argentine history at Evita's historical cemetery in Recolleta, discover treasures of San Telmo while practicing a bit of español with Pablo - before dining on mouth-watering LOMO with Chimichurri at world-famous asados and all at incredible value...This is your kind of trip!   And wait, this is only our first stop - before flying off to the ANDEs for a mouth-watering experience in culture and  wine-tasting in the posadas of the Mendoza region for 6 more days - 3 in the middle of the UCO Valley, and 3 more in the Luján de Cuyo in the town of Chacras de Coria.   Oh, and by the way, April is our fall - so the perfect time to discover new leather jackets, vest, boots, and of course bolse (purses) of the region -beautiful quality, outstanding design, and amazing value!

SADLY, life has been so busy - I apologize up front for the 'tardiness' of this plan!  I just came back from Mendoza and Buenos Aires late January filled to the top with ideas, new friends and and an for-sure incredible itinerary. 

 Should I wait until next year?  I don't think so!  So please, I ask you to join me this APRIL for 10 days of pure decadence - pure joy - and tastes and smells and beauty that you have never ever experienced.  The peso is at 3.80 per dollar - as opposed to .65 Euro per dollar! How could we wait.  Fortunately, most of you have your own lives and control of stealing away for 10 days - and I count on you to just step up to the plate and savor ARGENTINA!

 This is the launch of my j e t s e t WISDOM travel - and what better place than the frontier of Argentina! Hope you can join me!  

Mendoza is a mere hour and a half from Buenos Aires - and we'll fly into this beautiful little city in time for our first wine tasting at Vines of Mendoza - before being driven down to the Uco Valley, home for the next three days.  Enjoying wine tastings, art galleries and lots of time for painting, yoga, horseback riding in the Andes, and amazing photo ops with the fall colours in full force.  Wine-pairing lunch at O. Fournier, a private tasting dinner at Posada Salentein, all included in your price. Enjoy a bit of relaxing after our four days in Buenos Aires (our first stop - which will be exhilarating and definitely not relaxing - although I have got us booked in for a great afternoon of reflexology and a massage! while in the city)  After winetasting as several of the UCO Vallely wineries - which are deep and sultry compared to Lucán de Cuyo - our next stop!  3 nights in the historical town of Chacras de Coria - a mere 8 miles from Mendoza City -but a world away from the bustle.  We'll enjoy incredible lodging, cooking fresh pasta, drinking special edition wines from the posadas, and have an incredible mix of rural and city for our final 3 nights.  Leaving for Buenos Aires on Saturday afternoon for your evening flight  -or stay with me and fly up to Salta....oh when must this end....I could stay in this country FOREVER!!!!!

The final dessert is this:  Your total cost includes:double occupancy,(single upon request/availability)  10 days, 9 nights including domestic transfers, drivers, tips, 4* accommodations for 9 nights, all tours (city and winetastings), tango, full breakfast every morning, and 7 dinners and 2 lunches (2 full meals per day), leaving you just enough time to enjoy a slice of Italian pizza or an empanada for lunch before or after your lessons (tango, cooking, wine tasting) of your choices.  You will have afternoons free in Buenos Aires, and mornings free in Mendoza - to always let you be you and enjoy the moment -whether it be shopping for those white boots, or napping in a chaise in the library...$2,750 US (not including airfare or transfers to/from Ezeiza)  Email me for a .pdf of a full itinerary and pricing at jetsetwisdom@gmail.com

Tucker Hill's monotype prints: "Champe Plain Valley near Etlan, Virginia, August, 2005" This is the last post that Tucker wrote, January 31. It is so humble, poignant, sweet, exactly as he was. We will deeply miss you, Tucker Hill.

This past weekend, all the who's who in FASHION were in Rio for the OI FASHION ROCKS. OI, a leading telecommunication company was the sponsor for the show at The Jockey Club in Rio, (site of Casa Cors this year also).  The following video of P. Diddy (Puff Daddy, Sean Combs) is shared here to show what a performance he can put on. Incredible.  On the way home to New York we caught up for a quick photo with my friend Laura.

The following, thanks to Fashion Windows Network:
Diddy Performance at Versace Show

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Truly, one of my favorite lunches was on Crete; in a breathtaking little Grecian village:  we wandered down from the (flower-power hippie/nude) beaches and caves of Matala  and ordered this egg and spinach plate- sat under an umbrella and enjoyed  - I don't remember what we called it, or what those handsome Greek gods called it, all I know is that it's the bomb, and we probably ate  for lunch - 2 weeks straight!  A brief sidenote on Matala, Crete: Matala was chosen in late sixties by the "flowers' children" to become their "paradise on earth". Although is not likely to meet hippies any more, Matala still carries an aura of libery and "flower flavor".  The most beautiful beach in the world - still to this day, for me.  I was there in 1975! Let's go back and each spinach pie!

Allora, the recipe (as of) today:
I decided to wilt the fresh (2cups) of spinach with freshly sautéed (in olive oil/balsamic) ,chopped  mayan (sweet) onion and some garlic, first.
While the spinach is wilting, brown up some beautiful Pancetta and drain.
Preheat oven to 350, and spray a small cast iron pan with PAM.  
Place one piece of very thin swiss cheese in bottom, layer on the mixture of spinach, sprinkle on that perfectly-browned Pancetta, then break 2 eggs into the 'nest' of spinach .
I ground some fresh pepper/good french salt on top, then added one more  thin slice of Swiss, topped with a bit of Tarragon.  Bake for 20 minutes - check after 18 minutes - eggs should be firm, not hard! 

Ingredients:
2 organic fresh eggs
2 cups of fresh spinach (from the Farmer's Market if possible: Local FOOD!)
2 T of Tarragon
2 T of EVOO
1 T of Modena Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 c. Pancetta (optional)
1 large sweet Mayan onion sliced thin
2 cloves of garlic, pressed, into the carmelizing  Mayan onion
Freshly ground pepper and good french salt

Do enjoy - it is incredible!! For vegetarians, you certainly may leave out the Pancetta...still delicious!

 Commissione Giovani NY to Host First-Ever: “Young Italian Music Festival” on October 28th.

This would be an event not to miss - what a great venue. For tickets, http://italianmusicfestival.eventbrite.com/

Craving it. Just do it.  On the weekend, I bought same very, very fresh Escarole, and had about 1/2 lb of cannellini from Milan.  Dying for that Tuscan Soup, starting to feel the Virginia fall here at the farm, although the afternoon sun is still hot on the skin, it definitely cools in the evening.  The  first time I tasted Escarole and Cannellini Sopa was at Macaluso's in South Beach on Alton Road - about 8 years ago. It was incredible: garlic, beans, escarole, broth, parmigiano reggiano.

Here are the ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons very good olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 large carrot, cut into small dice
• 5 large garlic cloves, peeled, flattened
• 3 cups (packed) 1-inch pieces escarole (about 1/2 large head)
• 4 cups of homemade chicken broth - (NOTE: you could use canned...but why...just plan ahead, and bake a chicken the night before..)
• 2 1/4 cups cooked Cannellini beans 

• 5 long thin beautiful slices of the best-you-can-afford ParmIgiano -Reggiano formaggio

Saute up the onion, carrot and garlic in the olive oil: 4 min. on med-low

Add in the Escarole (that you have already wilted in a bit of simmered hot water for 5 min)

Remove the garlic.

Add in the 4 cups of broth, and the beans.

Simmer for 20 mins.

Put those gorgeous slices of formaggio in the bottom of the soup bowl, and divvy up:

Top with another slice of the P.R. if desired: Serve!!!

For leftovers: perfect:  REFRIGERATED, AND BROUGHT TO A SIMMER A DOMANI!

If you'll notice, the wine of the night was a deep, velvety Malbec, ESTIBA-I from Argentina...I'll be sourcing this to see if we can buy it here in the states...yes it was that good!   Meanwhile, enjoy the moment and look at this hearty, yet not too heavy, soup for the beginning of fall!

The Piedmont Environmental Council's Annual Meeting this month focused on making the food and farm connection in Virginia's Piedmont.
Workshops included: What's in the Conway River; Energy Smart Solutions; The Route 29 Solution; Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers; Ask the Experts; Protecting Your Farm: Conservation Easements 101; Camera Capture: Documenting the Wildlife Around You; Illustrating the Piedmont Vision; Sustaining a Community Food System; and, Chesapeake Bay Restoration. I attended Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers. This panel was young, vibrant, and very energetic with regards to growing not only vegetables, but farmers.
My largest inspiration came from Trista Scheuerlein,Program Director for the Headwaters/Public Schools Farm-to-Table program. Their mission is to teach kids in Piedmont public schools how to prepare, plant, seed, and nourish gardens with the final reward of taking home the fresh vegetables and fruits they produced. Another workshop I attended included Janet L. Bearden, Project Director of a new project for a multi-use Cannery in Madison County. Really interesting concept that will be not-for-profit, but will support the food needs of the Piedmont, and offer a place for residents to process their produce. Write to beardenjanet@hotmail.com for more info on this brave project.
Firnew Farm, the beautiful location, has quite the history; in 1812 John Fitzhugh Conway, a cousin of James Madison, built a five-room house on a beautiful knoll by the Conway River. Today, the original Federal house provides the central structure of a much larger home, which incorporates an old winter kitchen with warming oven and exposed wall. Firnew is protected in perpetuity under a conservation easement. Conservation awards were presented to Trish Crowe, Nick Kotz and Kathleen Kilpatrick. A special award was presented to Jack Snyder of Orange County for his efforts to have more than 700 acres of Montpelier placed in conservation easement.

www.pecva.org

Recently, returning from a 12 day cruise, on the decadent Oceania's Insignia, we arrived in Venice, for our final day, and overnight.  There are a couple of very fine details about making Venice one of your favorite destinations.  The finest detail, is at the end of your journey. Whether you are disembarking from a cruise (in my case), or leaving your hotel, the preferable choice of transport is a WATER TAXI.  Not only is it a very efficient way to get 'out of dodge', without question, it is an exhilarating arrivederci to Italia!  Lugging luggage over the steps of St. Mark's, onto the Vaporetto, squishing into a 12" square area with your bags, and hoping to be able to hop off at the right station is not for the faint-hearted, especially after a stunning visit in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  Nor is buying into the 'excursion' fare of the ship to transport you (with hundreds of others) to the airport....Don't do it to yourself!

 My driver of the day happens to be LUCCA, my very very favorite Italian name.  Lucca, at Venice Water Taxi is your man.  24hours a day...phone is +39.041.5229040...request my Lucca, but most likely any of their drivers will indulge.  The boats are superb, spotless and it's reminiscent of   a James Bond movie in a cigarette boat....with a very fine Italian flair!...AND between 4-5 people will only run  about E25 each with a generous gratuity (read: lots of luggage:   5 girls and 12 days...madonna!!!)  I had to attach a photo of Angie from Marbella, feeling quite smug about the whole moment!  Bacione , Venezia!

Another little detail of making the most of your visit, is planning a very early visit to  St. Mark's Square. Once that's done before the crowds (that would be by 10am),  spend time over in Accademia, visiting the museums (Galleria dell' Accademia is full of top art from the Venetian Renaissance), enjoying dinner at one of the many local osterie or trattorie, one of my long-time favorites is Trattoria Ai Cugnai at 857 Dorsoduro, which is run by 3 sister-in-laws and their sons - quite a handful, I must admit!  Buy yourself a day pass on the Vaporetto, and get out of the main areas - Venice is so full of secrets and surprises. Explore!! By the way, I'd love to hear what your favorite travel wisdom is about  Venice?

Links for this jetset wisdom tip: www.venicewatertaxi.it ,  www.veniceairport.it

Last night was the first in the "TREASURES OF THE TABLE" series hosted by SPEAK LANGUAGE CENTER.  We had the extraordinary talent  of Mr. Chris Mattera, of Belmont Street Butchery, Richmond presenting the total lowdown on salumi.  We're voting that Chris needs his own Food Network show! Bello!! Not only were we able to taste Coppa, lardo (Lardo di Colonnata), Mortadella, Prosciutto, Rigatino (a cousin of Pancetta), Salame and Spalla, but he told us passionate tales of how he would produce these products, both in a small town in Tuscany, as well as in his shop in Richmond.

We started with a  small appetizer of Rigatino over Chicken Liver Crostini. Paired with di Leonardo "Toh!" da UVE ($11.99) from the town of Manzano in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, one of the most north-eastern regions of Italy. This "Toh" is 100% Friulano, a fuller bodied grape than the Pinot Grigios.   A crostino is a small piece of dried toast with a topping, that can range to a small dab of pesto, fish and herbs, or in this case Rigatino (similar to our bacon) on a chicken liver pate.  In my cooking school in Florence, we made beautiful crostini (plural) each day with crusts from the day before, added fresh herbs with a little protein, and that usually got our day off to a powerful start!

Mortadella was my favorite.  It is very finely textured cooked sausage, almost fragile to taste, but spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and mace and studded with cubes of creamy white pork backfat (Lardo), finished with peppercorns and pistachios.  Typically it was made in a mortar....Mortadella, sometimes known as the great-grandfather of Bologna (or Baloney).
The Bresaola was gentle tasting, but firm consistency, and paired well with the Colsanto (Rosso Umbria 2004 @ $10.99!!  For many of us, the Lardo was a bit hard to 'swallow', literally.  Salt-cured pork fatback...not to be taken in large quantities...but apparently quite often served on toast in the morning....Okay...probably not on my toast...but.the Italian Lardo is cured in caves up in Northern Tuscany, near a very good friends' home in the small farming  village of Luscignano - right in view of the Carraras.
  A visit in itself, to see the humongous caves with the huge slabs of marble, brought down by massive trucks on a small winding road...not for the faint of heart, but just the same an incredible area to explore, hike, ski.  If you're interested, a great website for home rentals in a very unspoiled area of Toscana is listed below. The first time I sat on their terrace drinking prosecco, I thought the marble was snow - it is quite a majestic sight.

We also enjoyed tasting an amazing value Lambrusco.  Emilia Romagna is home, of course to Parma and Modena (you figure this out..), so their rich frizzante Lambrusco can hold up to a variety of fairly serious salumi, prosciutti and cheeses. At $6.99, Canina Social di Gonzaga Lambrusco - very nicely priced.

One of my favorites wines for the evening, rivalling Patricia Kluges' SP Rose @ $28.00 was the Rocche Costamagna Rosao Ose Vino da Tavola 2008 @ 9.99,  perfectly paired with the sweet (La Chinata) Paprika Coppa (a smaller capicola).

  Christina Ball, the owner/director of SPEAK Language Center  has moved into roomy quarters in the Glass Building in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia to provide her language students a beautiful setting  - which definitely doesn't hurt the learning!  Attendance has flourished!  But, what makes SPEAK so exceptional is Christina.  More about Ms. Ball in another post! But in the sharing,  she also invites her students and guests to attend cultural  venues -usually on the weekends. This allows students  of all languages to come together, for a bit of a social, a bit of a chat, (in the language of your choice since almost all of the instructors attend) and always a bit of an innovative wine-pairing with Robert Harlee of MARKET STREET WINESHOP & GROCERY, also in Charlottesville.  Cannot wait for the next Treasure from Christina, pictured far left....I hear it goes with the La Chinata Paprika from Spain....Manchego? Spero di si!

Contact Robert, the owner of the Market Street Wineshop to order any of the wines at wineshop@cstone.net.  Other links from this article:
www.speaklanguagecenter.com
http://www.belmontbutchery.com/

www.labellatoscana.com.

Photo and video credit  of HT.

Who says you must go to Alaska or South America to whalewatch.  Just off the beautiful terraces of my friend's home in Pender Island, the Orcas come to play. Not just once in a while - often.  This becomes the favorite 'happy hour' of each day very quickly, in fact, no matter what the day holds - hiking, Victoria, going to the market, you must get home by dusk to watch for the friends that Helen has.  For those of you not familiar with Pender Island - it can be reached by seaplane in a short 45 minutes from Vancouver, and is located very close to the (more) famous Salt Spring Island.  This is somewhere to live for your soul. It is breathtaking, quiet, simple and surprisingly, very Mediterranean in climate. Pack your bags! September is one of the finest months! And I hear the Canadian dollar is not too shabby.
See the backstroke here on youtube  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW4f7yuNLqI

This just in from none other than Russ, sometime Team Member of jetset WISDOM, back from  his sail. Incredible experience, and jetset ting up and around the top of our continent on the FIONA. Bravo Russ and welcome home!
Fiona Sails the Northwest Passage in 2009: Back from the Ice

Last week I loved shooting the spectacular scenery flying into Rio. But, life only gets better - especially with this jetset moment.  Well today, with thanks to Ken Pavés,  I had the absolute thrill of a lifetime .... getting my bangs trimmed a la Ken (also left-handed) but god, my scissors left an awful lot to be desired...he suggested we do a 'waiver' on the quality. I'm not sure Oprah would approve.... Nonetheless, if this isn't the epitomy of  what Jetset Wisdom is all about..seizing the moment!....Ken is one of the loveliest men I've met - charming, funny, very handsome, and then...he  just ran with what started out to be a bit of a joke, considering he cannot 'carry' his magic (scissors) with him on board.   My scissors, well, that's another story! Here is an article that I found on Oprah.com. It just shows how elegant this man from Michigan really is:  http://www.oprah.com/article/style/hair/beauty_hhair_ken

Tomatillos like it when it's hot
Yours might grow but maybe not Don't despair for all is not lost
Your local grocer has them at a very low cost

Taking these photographs earlier in the week, I questioned why my beautiful Tomatillo shells 

were seemingly empty of the 'tomatillo' 

and this sweet poem from my friend, Khalil, 

who has one of the very best farm fresh food markets             

at the Madison Farmer's Market, after writing about 

ROASTING his (I'M SURE RIPE AND PERFECT) TOMATILLOS!

Khalil Hassan

Today is the day.  The "Italian Girls" are off to dine in a farmers' field - with Outstanding in the Field....more later - very excited!    www.outstandinginthefield.com 

Ok - this is a good one:
What do you think this means?

(Avere) Ho ben altro da fare.

Answer tomorrow - Italophiles, let's hear what you think this may mean???
Great tries!
Avere ben' altro da fare - technically means 'to have better/other things of doing
But the idiom is  
TO HAVE BIGGER FISH TO FRY!

To start off the Labor Day Weekend right, I flew from Sao Paulo to Rio! Dying for shots of the Atlantic Forest, I was able to take in some great sites.  Albeit with an aircraft window between me and the subject matters, I did enhance and play with most of the photos, but I think you will agree - this is GOD's Country -how beautiful and sacred! Hope you enjoy!
And, please, when you have a moment here is the link   :atlanticforest.org/

In celebration of being at Ca'del Bosco for 5 days, I tested out a very basic CURRY Recipe, and continued to make a delicious Vegetable Curry from my vegetables from assorted neighborly gardens. My favorite book, right now, is from the owners of MASALA ZONE  in London. This is one of my favorite Indian restaurants, so I was thrilled to receive this from one of my best foodie friends, Adam.  It's called "50 Great Curries of India", and, I must admit, a bit daunting, in a wonderful, creative way. However, that's why it's important to start simple. And get the basics down. Camilla Panjabi offers lots of great direction  in her book. Key is to carmelize the onions properly because once you start adding in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, fenugreek (my addition) and curry powder, with of course, garam masala and paprika (I used my Spanish La Chinata Pimenta versio), it becomes almost a 'paste of onions' See my photo,  it looks incredible: Add a cup of water to the 'paste' and cook for 10 mintues. After that you can add in a couple of fresh diced tomatoes or a  can of Muir Diced and let it simmer and mix in for about 5 minutes.  Then the fun begins.  Add in your choice of vegetables:  I chose fresh potatoes from the garden (quartered and parboiled), squash, corn,and chick peas.  All diced to a bite-size.  I also added 2 cups of vegetable broth (from cooking the potatoes for about 15 minutes).  I brought this all to a boil, then let this simmer for about 1/2 an hour. At the same time, I made Jasmine rice.  Serve this beautifully seasoned curry over the rice and garnish with lots of fresh cilantro!  You've made your own first, healthy curry! I made enough to freeze 3 servings to bring to work!

INGREDIENTS:
4 T. OIL
1 LARGE Onion sliced thin
2 cloves of garlic
1/4 sq of fresh Ginger (I only had the the l&Perrins root ginger)
3/4 t Coriander powder
a pinch of Turmeric
1/4 t. cumin powder
2 t. garam masala
1 t. paprika
2 tomatoes
Salt
chopped Cilantro leaves for Garnish
Mixed diced fresh vegetables: Squash, corn, potatoes, carrots
1 can of Chick peas
---------***** ENJOY!!!

Ok, so I didn't make it too far today to explore the Mercado in Sao Paulo, or lunch at Tent of the Nile (there's always next week...this time with my camera!) but this Saturday afternoon, and apparently says the owner, EVERY Saturday afternoon, on the corner of A.Franca, a few blocks from Jardin - a neighborhood get together - everyone drinking large Brahma Cerveja - grilling all kinds of meats, right on the sidewalk of a hectic busy street - just in front of the Franca Luncheonette. Party ON! They were having so much good fun, laughing, chatting, Samba music blaring at 4:00 in the afternoon. The food smelled out of this world - an outdoor BBQ Brazilian style - Braselieros - they get it! It's on my calendar for September!

Truth be known, it's a deliciously bad habit:  arriving at a new destination, even an old destination, and craving to get into the sync or the drum of the local gourmet food shopper.  That's it; shopping with the locals, be it a small neighborhood market on Saturdays in Paris' Algerian area, a big grocery chain store in Milano, or walking down 3 blocks to my favorite Jardin grocery, Pão de Açúcar (sweet bread)....It is what it is. Awesome.

All I know, is that the growing pantry in my farmhouse in Rural Virginia is probably, well, I hate to say it....quite enviable.  Case in point, I had family visiting from Canada last week; the one and only  potential foodie was kidding..."oh wow... let me see...bold coffee beans from (of course) Brazil, French (salted) butter from Brittany, earthy olive oil from an agriturismo in Umbria,Italy, clean strong mustard from Paris (no, not Grey Poupon...Aroma.), anchovies from Argentina, paprika from Madrid, etc. etc. -I would love to have this in my kitchen, as would my Mom" she confides with a grin. I said," but as long as you take on TRAVEL with a vengeance, you can!!!! "

But that's my gift. That's what we GET out of flying all night long, with 200+ people for 9+ hours.  We get to grocery shop. And then bring it on home and cook with our prized harvest.  Sadly, every single 'stewardess' does not cook, but when we do - we can raise the bar on any menu! With our declining US $$,  It definitely beats buying a pair of sexy sandals for 135Euro. I'm not saying that doesn't ever happen, but this soaking up the local is right up there with taking photos of sunsets from the rooftop of Hotel Unique in Sampa, Brasil, after a Caiparoshka with Lychee, as your 'take home, or take away'..  
A home version, case in point, would be this photo of the groceries from my last MIlano trip, with the Kitchen Kitty Lacy - definitely more excited than I (maybe she knew I'd be home cooking for a few days). I was very sad, this was my last trip to Milano for a while.....and I had just received my frequent shopper card at Esselunga!!  Che peccato!