So we've all experienced the feelings of transformation or enlightenment while we've traveled on vacations... We're forced to see far off lands and cultures thru new eyes... and this excitement stimulates your brain's production of natural dopamines, serotonins, oxytocins and endorphins... all the "feel-good" chemicals! We urge you, on this upcoming adventure, to get the very most out of it, by deciding before you go to heighten these experiences by being open & positive to everything around you...
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The Roses |
In Tuscany, you will be surrounded by endless possibilities to "fertilize your brain & your soul..." While many of these things will be obvious, others are much more subtle, and you actually must seek them out... Americans are some of the wealthiest and most travelled tourists in the world, so there are lots of places that cater to Americans... If you want an authentic experience; avoid these places! Get off the beaten path, and experience the real Italy! Yes, it could take an extra 10 minutes to decipher the menu when it's not in English, but it will definitely be worth 10 minutes of your time!
You will be surrounded by new foods and smells and we certainly urge you to open your mind to trying them... Maybe it's the Lampredotto sandwich (4th stomach of the cow), the Lardo di Colonnata (spiced pork lard cured in marble) or of course in Tuscany, Cinghiale (the Wild Boar), Coniglia (rabbit) and Picciona (pigeon) and one of my favorites; Polpo alla Griglia (grilled octopus). And of course there's so many incredible specialty cheeses & meats in Tuscany!
But beyond the foods & wines, there's still tons of possibilities to nurture your soul by sincere interaction with the local people... Take the time to realize that even interaction with someone like the Customs officials or the attendant at the rental car facility, offers opportunities to bond as citizens of the world... I'll never forget talking to a man at an outdoor farmers market in Cambodia and asking him "how are you today?" His reply to me was "I am truly blessed..." It opened a short, very enjoyable conversation, but more importantly, things he said to me that day were very moving from an international perspective, and he made an indelible mark on my soul... it not only helped me to grow spiritually, but more important - it changed my life forever!
Always remember that you truly are an ambassador of your country when you travel... The people that you meet and interact with definitely project their feelings about you onto the USA as a whole... And this, this is where you have a chance to really make a difference in how the world sees the United States... Whether you give a coin to a street musician, or a sincere compliment to a chef, you have these few moments to truly nurture your soul... to learn something... to convey something... and perhaps, if you're lucky enough, to create a bond, if only for a few minutes... or if you're assertive enough, a friendship that will last a lifetime! We have many guests that have been on our trips that keep in touch regularly with some of our local friends we've introduced them to in Italy... With social media these days it's so easy to create these international relationships.
These super special experiential moments come only to those who take the time to look for them... So by all means, - pause, take a breath, and take the time to look for them! Our Tours are very different... They're specifically designed to deeply immerse you into the magic of the local culture... And because of our extremely small groups, you'll have lots of these opportunities... Know that the Tuscan people are very, very friendly... We'll be introducing you to a lot of our local friends... Start a conversation... ask polite questions... give compliments... ask for advice... Show them pictures of your children, and ask to see theirs! Ask a waiter to recommend something new, something unlike what you'd normally try... How's the pigeon today? You'll have the rest of your life to have a Reuben Sandwich... So today, maybe try the rabbit! Ask for a picture together... Smile... look them in the eye and sincerely thank them for their help... And if you can form that magic bond like so many of our guests have done, it will pay dividends for the rest of your life!
Communication only ever truly happens if the person on the receiving end understands exactly what you are trying to convey... And to this end, we urge you to not only carry a phrase book or translator, but use it... even if it seems awkward... the other person will sincerely appreciate your trying... but more importantly, the act itself conveys amazing compassion and respect... In our business, we get to hear people's "bad vacation stories" all the time... And it's so easy for people to be cynical these days... Commit to making this your best vacation ever! Recognize that this is a special time in your life... That you're on a very special trip, and that you've earned this... Enjoy every minute of it, embrace the diversity of different cultures... open your heart and watch the magic just happen! We work hard to nurture this in our guests, and so we're the lucky ones, we get to see it all the time! Take the time to smell The Roses... It's truly magical, but the magic only only comes to those who look for it!
see you in Tuscany...
T & T
