Silver Sunday Sojourn #1

An Italian State of Mind

Hello there!

I've been thinking about how I want these emails to feel. Rather than simply telling you what's new on The Silver Nomad, I'd like them to be somewhere I can share more of the things that make me want to travel in the first place...

People, experiences, food, culture, books, photographs and those little discoveries that send me down a travel rabbit hole.

THIS WEEK'S SOJOURN

The Italy we sometimes miss

It's this side of Italy that I increasingly find myself seeking out: the people behind the scenes, the ones we sometimes forget about in our hurry.

I recently spent time in Tuscany meeting some of the artisans who are keeping the ancient craft traditions alive. Potters, glass blowers, ceramists, jewellers, leather makers and hat makers, all with unique stories.

Families that have passed techniques down through the generations, proud of their craft.

It also reminded me why I am very selective about the souvenirs I bring back from my travels.

Read story - Artisans of Tuscany

From my bookshelf — The Marriage Portrait

While travelling in Italy, I started reading The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell. It transports me to Renaissance Italy, Florence and Ferrara and follows the story of Lucrezia de' Medici, Duchess of Ferrara. I am nearing the end of it and teasing out the last pages as I don't want to finish it!

On my desk - Things to Do in Genoa

I am currently finishing a new Genoa guide. I explored the museums, art exhibitions and Palazzi dei Rolli, as well as staying at a stunning hotel which inspired an iconic film!

Through my lens

The tools of the trade are so important to any traditional craftsperson. These callipers and blocks help the glassblowers form the fragile crystalware.

Travel Wisdom

One thing I've learnt from travelling in Italy is to always look up. Sometimes we look straight ahead, left, right or down, but forget to look up.

In Italy, you could miss a cute balcony, a stunning ceiling, red geraniums, a plaque or statue. What have you caught sight of by just looking up?

Something that caught my eye…

I was intrigued to discover that scenes for The Odyssey were filmed last year just outside Loutraki in Greece — somewhere I've explored myself. It's always fascinating seeing places you know transformed for the screen, and I'll certainly be looking out for familiar landscapes when the I finally get to see the film this week.

If Loutraki isn't on your radar, you can discover why it's worth adding to a Greek itinerary here.

Next stop: Kerala

I am gearing up for my next big trip: Kerala in India! I was there last year and enjoyed exploring Kochi, Thekkady and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

This time, I am working my way from Kannur in the north down to Kochi, including Wayanad and Kozhikode.

If Kerala has been tempting you too, I've already put together a guide to some of the places worth adding to your itinerary.