It’s 2024, how did that happen? life seems to be flying by at warp speed and writing has not been a priority for the last couple of years. Life has been filled with travels, and recovering in between. I feel like I’ve been hibernating since November. Like many guides, this is my time off and since I am getting older, my body really needs to be nurtured. I have been plagued by sciatica since last March so I am trying to get it under control with weekly visits for PT and massages. That later is more pleasant. 😂 if you have never had sciatica, consider yourself lucky, it is most unpleasant for those of us who spend a lot of time on our feet! I am also patiently waiting for a hip replacement which I was hoping to have in November of 2023 but the wait list where I have chosen to have surgery is long as it is also one of the best in the country. Maybe November this year….🤞
The last few years have been filled with positive personal challenges as I have tried to expand the types of tours I work on. I started working on new tours when I turned 50 and Covid threw a monkey wrench into that plan, but that seems like ancient history now. Since going back to work, I have added 4 new itineraries that I do for Adventures with Sarah, in addition to all my Rick Steves’ tours and a new one is in the works. I am adding Sardegna into the mix starting with 2 private tours this year and can’t wait. Many people have asked for my 2024 tour schedule so here is what I am up to with a little backstory first for those of you who don’t know me.
I moved to Italy in 1997 thinking I would stay for a year or two, learn the language, and return to Seattle to open an Italian restaurant. At the age of 27, I had already worked in food & beverage for 10 years and loved it. (I really just like meeting and connecting with people in general.) One of my students (we were both adults) asked me on a date and 27 years later, I am still in Italy, happily married to Mauro with two beautiful boys, Filippo and Emanuele. They are starting to make me feel old since they both tower over me, and the oldest is out of the house and finding his happy path back in the States.
Finding my dream job as a guide was serendipitous when I was given the opportunity to interview at Rick Steves’ Europe in 1999. Back then it was Europe Through the Back Door. I already knew about the company and had bought a rail pass and hostel sleep sheet from them before my first trip to Europe in 1993.
I met Steve Smith (he in most of Rick’s videos on France) who has since retired when I went to dinner at my Grandpa’s house while back in Seattle for a few months to contemplate marrying Mauro. He encouraged me to send in my resume and called me a few weeks later for an interview. The rest as they say, is history! 2024 will be my 25th year of guiding!
Working with Sarah for the last few years has allowed me to expand my horizons and create and collaborate on new itineraries starting with The Pleasures of Piemonte, where I get to share my corner of Italy. It’s slower-paced and includes things that I love about the region I call home and is fairly unknown to North American travelers.
Other tours I do for Sarah are Naples, Puglia, Venice (not this year) and coming soon, Sardegna. Do I have a favorite you ask?
Not really. Italy is so varied from region to region that each one is different and I thrive on change and variety. I like to push myself to learn new things and transmit cultural differences in addition to sharing history, art, architecture, and delicious food. Never forget the food! Travel and understanding the differences and similarities wherever you go, make our world a better place. And as I already said, I like people which is why guiding is still my dream job.
Where will I be in 2024?
March 24-30 Best of Rome with Rick Steves
April 18-26 Sardegna with a private group with Adventures with Sarah
May 10-18 Heart of Italy with Rick Steves
June 2-14 Best of Tuscany with Rick Steves
June 29-July 7 Venice Florence Rome with Rick Steves
September 6-14 Heart of Italy with Rick Steves
September 20-30 Puglia and Basilicata with Adventures with Sarah
October 1-10 Pleasures of Piemonte with Adventures with Sarah
October 16 – 24 Sardegna with a private group with Adventures with Sarah
October 28-Nov 6 Venice Florence Rome with Rick Steves
Whew, it’s going to be a busy season so I think I will continue to curl up by the fire and hibernate a bit longer. In between cooking and cleaning.😉
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I am sharing some of my favorites and hope they inspire you to join me in Italy. And if you have any destinations you would like to visit, I am always thinking about new itineraries, especially if they are off the beaten path so let me know.
Buon Viaggio!
