Happy Mother’s Day…
Happy Mother’s Day
Italy…Here I Come
If this looks like something you’d love to be doing right now…think about booking a trip to Italy.
Looking for a fantastic cooking experience in Tuscany? Recently, I partnered with the owners of Watermill at Posara, Tuscany. This unique setting is the ideal place for their relaxing, inspiring, fun-filled painting holidays and creative writing courses.
They also offer unique self-catering holiday accommodation in three self-contained apartments. The mill has been beautifully restored and furnished and all the bright, well decorated bedrooms enjoy lovely views over the river, the gardens or the mountains.
Check out their beautiful and historic watermill beside the River Rosaro in the small village of Posara. Peaceful and secluded, yet part of the village, the mill is just a mile or so from the walled medieval town of Fivizzano with its cafés, restaurants and shops. This is the heart of Lunigiana, in the North-west of Tuscany.
If you’re interested, bookings should be made using the Watermill’s Booking Enquiry Form at http://watermill.net/mill-forms/form-cooking-holiday-enquiry17.php. If you book via this form, you can use my name as “Introduced by Wendy”. You might just get some special treatment…or a glass of wine!
I’m ready to go…how about you?
A Few Simple Tips For Your Next Big Trip
A little research goes a long ways…especially if you’re traveling to a new place.
Some ideas to think about for your next trip.
Ask for senior discounts or frequent user plans for fares, hotels, and tickets.
Know what to expect on your trip by researching airport terminal maps, customs forms, immigration forms, and travel regulations in the country of your destination.
Print out and share your travel documents. Make copies of your boarding pass, driver’s license, emergency contacts, medical information, passport ID page, travel insurance documents, and visas. Keep one copy with you, send one to the people you are visiting, and give one to your traveling partner.
Leave the bling at home. Wearing expensive jewelry can make you an easy target.
Avoid airport hassles by arriving at the airport, terminal, and gate early.
Keep medications handy by placing them in your carry-on bag.
Drink plenty of water, especially on long flights.
Bring something healthy, like energy bars, fruit, or nuts.
Stand up and stretch as often as possible to avoid deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, which can cause death.
If spicy foods don’t agree with you, avoid them. If traveling in a country where you don’t drink the water, then don’t drink anything with ice in it or fruits or vegetables where you cannot remove the skin.
San Carlos Borromeo Del Rio Carmelo
Certainly one defining piece of California’s history is the missions. Mention California missions and many people immediately bring to mind an image of a large, stone church, a bell tower, and a peaceful setting. Think of famous ones like San Juan Capistrano or Santa Barbara. Yet, while many of the 21 missions throughout California did look somewhat similar at some time in history, individually they offer their special window to California’s past. All missions are California Historical Landmarks; many have also been designated as National Historic Landmarks.
Few states, or regions within states, have such a visual, physical timeline of history as the California missions. That all started when the Spanish government extended its empire in the New World, settling and protecting the whole territory north of Mexico City…the northern frontier. Missions were the quickest and most effective way to colonize and control this huge area, now called Alta California. After all, missions, to some extent, had been used successfully in Texas and Arizona.
Missions and padres were the ideal plan in the church’s mind, as well. What better way to convert the natives to Christianity? However, the padres knew that in order to continue to receive any support from Spain, they had to be productive. That meant to produce more food, cured cattle hides, tallow, wine, fabrics, and other desirable goods. And, for that the padres needed the natives to tend the fields, herd the cattle, construct buildings, and start a new town surrounding the mission.
Let’s start exploring San Carlos Borromeo Del Rio Carmelo, or the Carmel Mission, as it is one designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.
Father Junipero Serra and Don gasper DePortola led the first Spanish expedition to the area we now know as Carmel and Monterey. Second, of the missions Father Serra was involved with, this one started in 1770 when Father Serra hung a bell from an old oak tree in what is now the site of the Royal Presidio Chapel in Monterey. A year later, Father Serra moved the site of the mission closer to the Monterey Bay…better water, better land for growing crops, and less tension between the soldiers from the Presidio and the American Indians he was trying to convert.
Carmel Mission, named for an Italian Cardinal from the 16th century, Saint Charles Borremeo, now became Father Serra’s headquarters for expanding the California missions. Father Serra would go on to be directly involved in building seven other missions.
The Carmel Mission, like the rest, was originally built of wood and mud, then adobe. These mission buildings weren’t meant to last forever…only as long as the roof could keep the inside safe. In 1793 Father Serra’s successor supervised the construction of a more permanent structure, which also met with some vandalism and decay. Restoration began in 1884, with major work started in 1933. Most of that ongoing work is what we can visit today. Further work continued from 1936 to the 1950s as more buildings were restored, culminating in the designation of the mission as a Basilica, the highest honorary rank for a church.
Check out the thickness of the walls as you walk through the courtyard. Made of native yellow sandstone blocks from the nearby Santa Lucia Mountains and mortar from ground up abalone shells from the beaches, the church is 150 feet long, 29 feet wide, and 33 feet high. Manuel Ruiz, a master mason from Mexico City, incorporated Moorish elements in his design…complete with a Moorish window, or star window, over the entrance.
When you enter the church…look closely. The walls seem to taper inward to an arched ceiling. Actually, they start at five feet thick at the base and become wider as they go up, thus curving the walls inward into a parabolic arch. Just one more unique feature of Mission Carmel. Look up. The ceiling looks like stone when it reality the ceiling is restored with a lime plaster made from burnt seashells and painted to look like stone.
Both bell towers have held a variety of bells over the years, ranging from four to 11. The larger tower again has the Moorish influence in its dome. Why did the missions have bells? With nobody wearing watches…bells were used to call everyone to church service, to regulate daily life in the community, and to announce meals.
When you take the time to visit this piece of California history, walk through the reconstructed Carmel Mission, wander around the irregularly shaped quadrangle courtyard, quietly enter and marvel at the design of the sanctuary, and pay a visit to the cemetery where many graves use abalone shells as markers.
Visiting today you see buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as more recent construction; all built in the California mission style. Due to foresight on the part of Father Villarasa in 1851, he removed statues, paintings, and other artifacts for safekeeping when the roof was in stages of collapse. For that reason, today many of the church’s interior furnishings are original. Be sure to check out Father Serra’s 400-year-old Bible.
If you go: The Carmel Mission is located at 3080 Rio Road, Carmel, CA. Admission to the museum and grounds is $6.50 for adults. Check the website for more information on hours and admission, www.carmelmission.org. You should know there is a private school, grades Kindergarten through eighth, in use on the grounds and you may not be able to visit the church if it is in use by the students. Check before you go.
Stay Healthy While Traveling
No one wants to get sick while traveling. Check out these precautions, things to pack, and enjoy your trip.
First-Aid Kit
A small first-aid kit stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes and other medical necessities is always a wise thing to have on hand. If you’re flying with a first-aid kit in your carry-on, remember to double-check it for any items that might not make it through airport security. Small tubes of antibiotic cream, for instance, should go into your quart-size plastic bag of liquids and gels, while sharp items such as lancets or large scissors could be confiscated. Small scissors (with blades shorter than four inches) are fine.
Vitamin and Prescription Drugs
If you take vitamins or prescription drugs, it’s a good idea to have a way to keep them organized. If you need a certain one daily, you might want to get a container to organize them. It’s a good idea to keep the prescription bottle with you. It’s also a good idea to have an extra copy of your prescription in your wallet.
Sunscreen
Sunburn not only causes pain and unsightly lobster skin but can also contribute to heat exhaustion. Look for travel size containers.
If you’re planning on snorkeling, remember to choose a reef-safe sunblock. Chemicals found in most sunscreen brands contribute to coral damage.
Nasal Mist
Low humidity in airplane cabins can dry out the mucus membranes in your nose, which are essential in preventing illness. Keeping these delicate tissues hydrated with a saline nasal spray during long flights could help you fend off germs from the guy coughing and sneezing behind you.
Antibacterial Hand Gel and Wipes
You’ve probably read about some study reporting how many germs are all over your airplane tray table, your remote, the seatback, and more. It’s true. Have some antibacterial wipes in your bag for these spots.
Insect Repellent
If you traveling to an area affected by mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects, remember your insect repellent.
Compression Socks
Travelers on long flights are at greater risk of deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, a potentially dangerous condition in which a blood clot forms within a vein, usually in the leg. If such a clot spreads to the lungs, it could have life-threatening consequences. Wearing compression socks helps keep blood circulating to and from the legs, and could help prevent DVT.
I Need a New Bag
Your travel bag needs to be replaced. Where do you start when looking at a new piece of luggage?
Start by weighing it empty. Many bags are marked ‘lightweight’, but what does that mean? If the weight is marked on the tag, weigh it anyway. If you’re looking for a carry-on bag, try to keep it to less than 10 pounds.
Speaking of carry-on bags…did you know each airline controls the size requirements of your carry on? The TSA does not. So, your bag may make it through security and then the gate agent might ask you to gate check it due to its size.
Not all overhead bins are the same size. When reading the tags on carry-on luggage, you’ll note they say ‘will fit in most overhead compartments.’ That’s why you need to think about dimensions of your new carry-on bag. With a range from 45 linear inches to 55 linear inches, there’s quite a difference among airlines. Delta, United, and American seem to be the smallest, while Virgin and Southwest are the most generous.
Dimensions include wheels. When measuring a new bag, be sure to include the wheels. Most likely the tag will only have the bag dimensions.
Wheels…do you want two or four? Up to you, but I like four on my carry-on. I can turn the bag sideways in the aisle and it rolls perfectly, without hitting anyone as I go by.
Pockets…good or unnecessary? Some bags have so many outside pockets, it seems like a waste to me. You might think differently. That’s why you need to decide if you want them or not before you buy. Pockets on the inside are a much better idea for me. Again, what do you like?
Price…definitely something to think about. Is cheaper better? Not necessarily. Is more expensive always better? Not necessarily. What you need to do, is check the bag closely. Are the seams well-constructed? Are the handles easy to grip for your size of hand? Do the wheels appear sturdy, or do they wobble and feel flimsy in your hands? Doe the telescoping handle go up and down easily? If something feels off about it, it might not be your best choice.
Material…soft sided versus hard. Do you need the bag to be waterproof? Is this bag going to get a lot of hard use? Do you have a preference?
Color…ahh, black versus non-black. Look at the baggage carousel. Black is definitely the predominant color. Want yours to stand out? Buy a different color. What if the bag you want only comes in black and hot pink…and hot pink will not work for you? Buy the black one and add some colored tape to the handle. You don’t need to put a bunch of ribbons, yarn, or silly things…unless that’s what you like. You can just add some simple colored tape found in any hardware store. It makes your bag easier to spot in the sea of black bags.
Brand…does it matter? Some companies have excellent warranties. If that is something you look for, you should check out bags made by those companies. Be sure to check what that warranty covers and understand the difference between full warranty, lifetime guarantee, and limited lifetime warranty.
More About Cooking in Tuscany…I’m Interested…How About You?
L’Arte di Mangiar Bene
A unique week-long cookery course in rural Tuscany
learning the art of eating well from the Italians
Saturday 19 August to Saturday 26 August 2017
L’arte di mangiar bene, the art of eating well, lies at the heart of the Italian lifestyle — and that’s just what you’ll enjoy during this cookery week. You’ll learn the secrets of healthy eating from The Watermill team, among them an Italian grandmother, an organic farmer and our gardener’s wife! You’ll choose freshest local ingredients (many from our own gardens) and prepare them deliciously. We’ll visit markets, vegetable gardens, olive groves and vineyards.
The Italians are the healthiest people in Europe and this is due not just the quality of the food, but to la bella vita italiana, the relaxed lifestyle which means taking time to talk to friends and to enjoy their company, not least in convivial meals around the dining table. You’ll be savouring all that, too.
You’ll stay in stylish bedrooms in elegant buildings around the sunlit courtyard. The mill’s gardens, secluded millstream paths and riverside walks are all yours to enjoy. This is the art of eating – and living – well!
Our unique cookery course
On this cookery course with a difference, you’ll gain hands-on experience of cooking mouth-watering, healthy Italian meals with the freshest ingredients. The emphasis will be on culinary techniques that will help propel the healthy Italian lifestyle into your own home.
Our team is led by Lois Breckon, who has masterminded the Watermill menus for many years, and her friend and colleague Ingrid Fabbian, an expert on nutrition, as well on the preparation of home-made pasta and bread. Our Italian experts include our cook, grandmother Mirella Musetti, professional chef Angelina Benedetti, organic farmer Federica La Sala and our gardener’s wife Marida Tognini. We will share their decades of culinary and horticultural experience, based on knowledge passed through the generations of Italians.
Your hands-on cooking sessions and our daily demonstrations will cover many aspects of the Italian and Tuscan cucina, from appetisers (antipasti) to after-dinner biscuits (biscottini) and much else in between; from pane to pasta, through main courses, to homemade puddings and ice cream.
There will also be trips out to markets and food producers, to an ice-cream parlour and a hill-top gourmet restaurant, and a panigacci evening (rounds of unleavened bread brought hot to your table and served with local hams and cheeses.) So, as well as learning l’arte di mangiar bene you’ll also sample the vita bella italiana.
Everything is included in the cost of your cooking at the watermill: all tuition, accommodation (including all linen and towels), pre-dinner aperitifs, all meals and wines (including outings to charming local restaurants) and all local transportation (including transfers to Pisa airport and an excursion by train to Lucca or the Cinque Terre). You get to Pisa, Italy, we do the rest!
Please go to www.watermill.net to learn more.
The Rutherford Grill In Napa Valley Is Always A Favorite!
Always a favorite place to stop when in the Napa area.
Yesterday’s meal was fantastic…now I need to figure out how to make it.
Simple Suggestions To Get The Most Out Of Your Trip Abroad
I’ve posted several suggestions to get the most out of your trip. I’ll continue to post those…
For today, take a look at these simple suggestions…
Map your location
Most of us already check street maps a few times before a trip to make sure our hotel is close to downtown or a planned drive isn’t too long to do in a day — but there are many more riches to be found if you spend a little more time with a mapping app.
Preview the traffic
Before I fly into an airport, I check the route from the airport (or the rental car garage) to my lodging.
Read a history book
Sure, you’ve probably read guide books. But, this can help you gain appreciation and understanding of the various tourist landmarks you might visit. That way they won’t seem like just another thing to gawk at and move on.
Look at photos
Again, take a step beyond the guide book and check out some extra photos.
Learn a few phrases
I find it a good idea to learn several phrases. Please, thank you, and hello go a long way. For me, I learn even more. I want to be able to read the menu and street signs. If you can’t speak the language…at least smile.
Help…I’ve Lost My Wallet! Some Travel Tips
Lost your wallet when traveling?
Here are a few tips if you think it’s lost.
Contact your bank to change your PIN and cancel and replace your ATM card.
Contact your credit card companies. You should be traveling with only one or two, but call them immediately.
File a report with the hotel where you’re staying, the local police, and anyone else your concierge recommends.
You will need to contact the DMV to replace your driver’s license when you return home.
You will need to contact any insurance companies, if you carry those cards with you.
Pay close attention in the next few weeks to your bank statements, credit cards, and anything else that doesn’t look right.
To back up a few steps…what are some things you really don’t need in your wallet when you travel?
Your Social Security card…leave it in a safe place at home.
Any cheat cheats with PINs or passwords, especially for bank accounts.
Blank checks…not a good idea.
Your Medicare card…after all, it has your Social Security number on it. Instead, make a copy, block our several digits of your SSN, and keep that in your wallet. Hospitals can look you up if they need to.