I’m guest blogging over at Haymes Paint’s blog today.
Tag: rome
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A week in Italy
As most of you know, my husband and I recently set off from Sydney on our six-month European adventure (don’t hate us). We just arrived in the Motherland (the UK) and it’s so good to be (second) home! I thought I’d share a few pix with you from the week we just spent in Tuscany and Rome, on our way here.
We spent the first four days in Tuscany, staying here. The accommodation was rustic but comfortable and in the middle of the very pretty countryside. No internet for four whole days, I tell you! Apart from the fact that running your own business means you always want to be able to check your email just in case the world has ended, the break from social media and connectivity was actually lovely. I read half a book, I took lots of baths and walks (mainly because there was only one English TV channel and you can only watch so much CNN) and really relaxed and switched off.
But most of the time we were learning to cook with the super charming Chef Claudio. I can now confidently make ravioli, gnocchi (two types), spaghetti with clams, focaccia, baked fish and so much more. These were all very simple, Tuscan recipes made with local, seasonal ingredients, which made them very straightforward and tasty. I left inspired! I’m not a very adventurous cook but now I can’t wait to expand my dinner party repertoire beyond something out of Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals! We also explored some gorgeous little towns with cobbled streets, visited markets and butchers and tasted the local Chianti.
The weather, as you can see, was perfectly springlike and around 21 degrees most days.
We then spent three nights in Rome and did all the usual tourist things. It’s a very impressive and iconic city, of course, but I can’t say I loved it. For me, it didn’t have the charm of Venice or Paris, but it was great to experience it nonetheless. Every travel experience is worthwhile if you ask me, and you’ll never love everywhere you visit. And that’s ok.
No more travel for a couple of weeks now and a good chance to catch up on work (so far working remotely has been just fine) and spend some quality time with my family. Next trip is to the international furniture fair in Milan, thanks to Freedom Kitchens and Caesarstone. I’m sure I’ll have lots to share from there!
Ciao x
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Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to Europe I go!
As you read this, I will have already left Australian shores as my six-month adventure with my husband Damian begins! The last couple of weeks have been full on, with lots to organise, two weddings of dear friends, a very early morning trip to the flower markets (wedding-related), many farewell meals and some very last-minute packing. I imagine the reality of this trip will only really sink in as I sit on the plane and enjoy a little enforced relaxation!
First stop is Singapore (you have to break up that killer journey somehow!) for two nights, followed by a week in Italy (you may remember I won this trip to Tuscany and Rome last year as part of a blogger promo with De’Longhi) and then onto the Motherland, the UK. Then before we know it we’ll be off to Italy again, as I attend EuroCucina and Salone del Mobile (thanks to sponsorship from Freedom Kitchens). The rest of our trip is TBA but will include trips to as many European destinations as we can afford and fit in around working, as well as all of June in the States. We will bounce back and forth from my relatives’ homes in London and the Wiltshire countryside. Having family happy to take us in makes this trip infinitely more doable, as does being able to work from anywhere with an internet connection!
As far as you’re concerned, this blog should be business as usual, with my editorial assistant Olivia Shead (based in Sydney) and I (based in hotel rooms, cafes and quite possibly Apple Stores and Starbucks with free wi-fi) bringing you all the usual Aussie content as well as some exciting European extras, videos, reviews and interviews. You can find all the content from my travels in the new, dedicated Addict Abroad section. Please continue to email me as usual and I’ll forward it, if appropriate, to Olivia, who will also be attending events in my absence.
My trusty MacBook Pro is about to get even more battered!
Look out for heaps of photos on Instagram, of course!
For more on why we’re going away, read this post. I’d love to hear your recommendations of must-visit European destinations or design and interiors treasures in NYC, San Fran, Chicago, Boston or Vancouver. Please comment below.