The smell of fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil from the garden floating in the air, the sound of my elders speaking excitedly in their native tongue and the feel of flour and fresh pasta dough in my young hands, this is where it all started for me. My love of Italy.
It wasn’t just my heritage, my blood, it was the intoxication and romance of it all. I remember admiring all the framed photos and paintings of the bright buildings, rolling vineyard hillsides and the canals with the dramatic gondolas and their gondolier captains, I knew I had to see it all in person some day.
And see it I have — again and again. Each trip increasing my excitement for the next. Sharing all the beauty that my favorite country has to offer is my absolute pleasure. As they say, when you find your true calling, it won’t feel like a job, it will feel like a dream. I’m living my dream and can’t wait to share it with you.
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Q&A with Sarah
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
One of the many culinary delights that Italy has to offer would be their incredible truffles. During the late fall and early winter months it's quite common to see truffles incorporated into many of the menu dishes all around Italy. You can find them added into anything from eggs, to gnocchi, to caprese salad, or my personal favorite, pasta. When in Florence, I had the most incredible Taglioni with a light gorgonzola cream sauce, fresh truffle flakes, thinly sliced fresh truffle and truffle caviar pearls. Rich and creamy with the beautifully balanced salty umami of the fresh truffles, the slight crunch of the truffle, pop of flavor from the truffle pearls and the delicious texture of the handmade pasta made for a perfect dish. Chef’s kiss!
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
Since I was a little girl and saw those vivid photos and paintings of the gondolas in Venice, it was always my dream to ride through the narrow canals. This dream became a reality while on an Audley trip. Watching Venice wake up on the first gondola ride of the day, gliding through the front and backyard waters as the locals opened their shutters to let in the morning sun was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. A truly unique perspective of the city, I was able to witness it as a local, seeing the city through their eyes. Giddy with delight and alone other than my lovely gondolier Andrea, I had tears in my eyes riding around in the morning glow, my childhood heart was singing with joy.
Which book, film or artwork captures Italy the most?
Under the Tuscan Sun is a beautiful story of life’s twists and unexpected turns, rebirth, self-discovery, and joy. I was already in love with Italy, but this film opened my eyes and heart to Tuscany. The landscape was stunning, of course, but what really captivated me was Tuscan people, all the locals that Francis befriends who help her find her strength and heal her heart. This film truly shows the beauty of Italy’s culture, people, architecture, food, and soul.
