Bali – Eat Pray Love and Art

Our first Bali escorted tour departs on 17th September and is inspired by my wonderful Artist friends in Perth.

Bali to me is an interesting contrast and I am fascinated by the tranquility you can find there.  A  delightful combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate and then there is Bali’s special “magic”, which is difficult to explain.

Yes there is ciaos and in some area’s a type of tourism that doesn’t work so well for me but if you are open to your senses there is something else – not tangible about this place.  As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference.
In the villages you’ll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people’s faces, and the interest and respect in the young’s.  Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed, elegant women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple.

There is a grace and balance in this society that I covet and the excitement to be returning to Bali with a talented group of Artists is palatable in my 12 week count down.
To share this experience and as the co-coordinator of this Artist retreat I anticipate wonderful friendships and creativity will blossom from our retreat.

Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali’s daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung – Bali’s holy mountain – is internationally regarded as one of the eight “Chakra” points of the world. This may be more than a coincident. Watch out, the moment you feel the magic of this Island, you’re addicted for the rest of your life.

OK for a life changing experience there is only 2 places left on this tour.

http://www.travelinstyle.co.nz/pages/asia/bali-yoga-retreat

I found this when I Google the smells of Bali – Inspire your senses :   Bali Dream is a feminine perfume in floral rhythm. It was inspired by exotic of Bali and it accentuates the tropical paradise of this island.

It includes the notes of moon orchid, magnolia and ginger in the top notes, while the heart encompasses gardenia, Chinese cassia, pepper, apple, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley and Indonesian jasmine. The base notes introduce woody accords and powdery vanilla.

Battle of Crete – 70th Commemoration Pilgrimage

69 years ago  on May the 20th 1941, ANZAC, Greek and British forces stood side by side with the heroic population of Crete in the defence of their Southern Mediterranean Island against the elite of Hitler’s war machine.

The Battle of Crete was a battle during World War II on the Greek island of Crete. It began on the morning of 20 May 1941, when Nazi Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete under the code-name Unternehmen Merkur (“Operation Mercury”). Greek and Allied forces, along with Cretan civilians, defended the island.

After one day of fighting, the Germans had suffered appalling casualties and none of their objectives had been achieved. The next day, through miscommunication and the failure of Allied commanders to grasp the situation, Maleme airfield in western Crete fell to the Germans, enabling them to fly in reinforcements and overwhelm the defenders. The battle lasted for about ten days.

The Battle of Crete was unprecedented in three respects:

1. It was the first mainly airborne invasion;
2. It was the first time the Allies made significant use of intelligence from the deciphered German Enigma code;
3. It was the first time invading German troops encountered mass resistance from a civilian population.

In light of the heavy casualties suffered by the parachutists, Adolf Hitler forbade further large scale airborne operations.

The Allies paratroopers were impress by the potential of Parachutists and started to build their own airborne divisions.

Of 40’000 in the Battle New Zealand represented 6700 and the casualties and losses were 671 dead, 967 wounded, 2,180 captured.

The ensuing battle is etched forever in ANZAC history. Now, 70 years later, veterans and the descendants of these brave soldiers and civilians will gather on Crete to honour their courageous endeavours by attending commemorative services, explore the battlefields and share their stories.

Join the Pilgrimage to Crete with an exclusive group departure – cost from $2295 per person, twin share.

Civitavecchia – Rome Shore Excursions

Civitavecchia  Rome shore excursions:

• Rome sightseeing tour;
• Castelli Romani (*);
• Tivoli, Villa d’Este, Villa Adriana (*);
• Ostia Antica, Cerveteri.

(*) for these tours an addition of 30 euro on the listed prices.

Entrance fees and lunch not included.

Licensed tour guide available in your preferred language.

You can personalize your tour, we do all the best to make your wish come true.

Bali Resort Holiday- Eat Pray Love Retreat

JOIN US IN BALI: 5 Star Bali Resort – Ubud
A time for you to really get into your creativity – play, relax, get spoilt and eat wonderfully nurturing food.

Bali Retreat

You will be welcomed at a Bali Resort that is a world leading health and wellbeing retreat. Set in 5 hectares of hillside gardens amongst lush tropical forests in the mountains of Ubud.

Bali Frangipani

The earth here blossoms with indigenous fruits of papaya, bananas, coconuts and mangoes as well as organic vegetables and herbs, many of which are used in our spa treatments for medicinal healing as well as for our freshly prepared spa cuisine.

Blending in the with virgin jungle and offering breathtaking views of one of Bali’s most generous valleys, a retreat dedicated to one thing :Your well-being.

The pool, overlooking a river that travels from Bali’s holy mountain to the rice fields in the nearby village of Taro. The library, where the open fireplace warms the cool mountain evening. The tree house restaurant, where organic produce from the gardens is served in delicious Balinese cuisine. Pamper your mind and body with the generous range of recreational activities and treatments.

Join Us – This is a small group Guided tour so all you have to do is relax.

Bali Resort Wellness Tour

Rick Stein Cooking Show – New Zealand

Multi-award winner, world-famous cook book writer and outstanding TV food show star — Rick Stein is coming to New Zealand to showcase an unique master chef experience.

Rick Stein New Zealand

Rick Stein’s Food Odyssey show reveals his superb recipe secrets, when he engages in exclusive cooking demonstration with his guest chefs. Do not miss the amazing opportunity to see exquisite dish preparation, including vibrant Mediterranean and zesty South-East Asia cuisine. Listen to magnificent stories Rick has to tell about how his love of food has changed his life.

Rick Stein – 2 nights from $239 per person share twin land only
• 2 nights accommodation
• Premium ticket to the show
Travel Period: To fit the event 04 & 07 Aug 10

This is a great winter get away…. JUST DO IT – you will have fun.

Travelsmart Garden City
Phone: 0800 FLYAWAY = 0800 35 9292

Butcher in Panzano – Tuscany

For the next week or so I will be reporting on Hill Towns of Tuscany.   Many times when I talk to people about Tuscany they say ohhh  everybody goes there.  YES they do and for a very good reason.  It’s simply off the charts, outrageously beautiful everywhere, every  season, every time of the day or night –  Tuscany  is beauty.

I am going to introduce you to my Tuscany and my fav Hill Towns’ tour starts with Panzano….

Panzano in Chianti is an attractive town located on a high ridge on the scenic Via Chiantigiana (highway SS 222), exactly halfway between Florence to Sienna, in Tuscany, Italy.

Panzano is quite modern in appearance but ancient in foundation with the parts of the castle partly incorporated into the church and another tower used as a private dwelling. There are remains of Roman pavement here and there. There are several good restaurants and an enoteca, as well as a butcher’s shop, Antica Macelleria Cecchini, that has become a tourist attraction in its own right due to the fame of the butcher, Dario Cecchini, who has also opened a very popular restaurants, Solociccia, Mac Dario and Officina Della Bistecca.

Each restaurant is very different and if you are a vegetarian DON’T eat there ….

Solciccia – 2 sitting per night and there is no menu, you eat at a communal table together in “convivio” .  When the meal is over you have many new friends. There are 6 courses with seasonal vegetables, white beans with olive oil ( of course) focaccia, bread, cake, coffee, and a quarter liter of there own wine.  This is just pure FUN and LAUGHTER.

Mac Dario: What a great name – YES WE CAN:  Great food, great people, great price and of course great fun.

We sat outside on a warming up spring day.  Bob, my trusty virgin Italian Traveler , his eyes wide with delight that Robinetta has taken them to this very entertaining restaurant.  “We would never of known about this place” he said – “Beauty Mate”….

We order 1 Mac Dario and 2 Welcome menu – wine of course, Grazie….

Half a pound burger in a crisp crumb crust, garlic and sage roasted potatoes, vegetables and sliced onions, sauces, bread – Tuscan of course. The Welcome menu was Chianti Sushi, Chianti Tuna, Roasted Pork with herbs, Meatloaf and bread – Tuscan of course.

I have decided that eating in Tuscany / Italy is not a function of life but life’s entertainment, you simply should be locked up if you think you can come to Italy and not eat.  Its what they do here.

From Florence to Chianti for this Day out experience you can only have the “Mac Dario” option, however if you stay over night I recommend 3 nights, include a Sunday for the Panzano Market and Hire a car with a Tom Tom navigator, driving in Chianti is much easier than you can imagine.  Tuscany is much much more than everbody says … but you have to experience it for yourself.   You will have pinch me moments everyday.

Naples – Campania a region in Italy not to be missed.

Splendid natural beauty and an overwhelm of urban sprawl is Naples and its surrounding area.  If you are from New Zealand, everywhere you go is built up and often not so well-groomed by humans – however this part of Italy is beautiful, luscious and has a way of feeding your soul, from the passionate smiling local people to the intensely fast pace on the motorways or the peace and calm of the Bay of Naples.  It contrast in everything you do and everywhere you look.  I love this part of Italy because everyday is unexpected and delightful.  You can be eating Torte for breakfast in a 5 Star hotel and with in one hour be in one of the most famous ruin’s, archeological digs in the world.

The climate is mild, the archaeological remains world-famous, the culinary heritage is strong and very much alive, the area is rich in contemporary artistic events, musics and theatre.  In the heart of Europe and the Mediterranean this region never ceased to enchant its visitors like the legendary siren, Parthenope, from whence the myth arises.
Naples the capital of the south for more than 600 years does have a reputation that is somewhat dodgy however it is the pulse and heart of this formidable area for whomsoever desires to travel with open eyes and mind, in search of new stimulus.  It is the effect this area has on your emotions that is the most surprising.  I am a huge fan and it really is a must see area of Italy.

Getting there: Direct Flights link all the major Italian and European cities with Naples airport. Long haul flights land and Rome Fiumicino and from there it is an easy transfer to Naples via our driver guides or train and you can be met on arrival.

Panzano in Tuscany and beyond

Today I am joined by 2 very fun Australian film producers and we are going to Panzano for lunch with the local butcher… Not your normal day out in Tuscany but wait and see what happens next because this is not your normal tour.

Also I have secured a meeting with a very good Truffle hunter who is also a chef, next week he is going to take me Truffle hunting.

The update on last nights cooking class is a little interesting.  It went quite late because the wonderful Canadian Doctors put the wrong fuel in the car…. hmmm.  And the always calm and welcoming Tuscan Women just said Piano, Piano which simply means, easy it will all work out.

And it did. I am making video’s of it now…

Aussies, THE Volcano – Eyjafjoell and Tuscany

As the Volcano Eyjafjoell paralysed Europe, we are tucked away in Chianti the sky free of vapor trails.  There are smiles all around as the Volcano Eyjafjoell refugees mail, txt, and phone for a bed – a retreat in Tuscany Chianti, a safe haven for people stranded.  We are fully booked now with 2 American’s trying to get home to New York from the Milano Furniture Fair, 1 more Australian to join the 2 other coming back from Cannes.

Roberto, Pennietta ( that really is just not right) and Riccardo – have invited Robinetta (me) to join them on an outing to a couple of hill towns. It’s a day out in Tuscany – we are armed and dangerous with out navigator bleating away “in 200 meters turn right, at the round about take the 2 exit” and on and on it goes.

San Gimignano

We arrive in San Gimignano – the Bell tour hill town that you just have to visit.  It is completely touristic but a must see if you are in this part of the world Tuscany Chianti Italy.  I have been here many times with many people and it’s just fun to watch peoples faces as they wander around the streets and soak up the Architecture and the location…. the view is just outstanding.  We are here in April and I think that is one of the best times to visit San Gimignano – by May the buses swarm this place and you really can’t breath.  In July you are parking quite a distance away and walking and the heat doesn’t lead to happy families.

However I digress  “The Famous 4″ are very happy today… we are licking on Gelato, dreaming of purchasing some of the best Art I have seen in years, wandering in and out of Ceramics and Leather Shops….

San Gimignano Tuscan Town has been declared by UNESCO to be part of the World’s Architectural Heritage. It’s a City of the Beautiful Towers rich in History, Art and Culture surrounded by the splendid Tuscan countryside.

San Gimignano rises on a hill (334m high) dominating the Elsa Valley with its towers. Once the seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (200-300 BC) it began its life as a town in the 10th century taking its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano. In 1348 San Gimignano’s population was drastically reduced by the Black Death Plague throwing the city into a serious crisis which eventually led to its submission to Florence in 1353. In the following centuries San Gimignano overcame its decline and isolation when its beauty and cultural importance together with its agricultural heritage were rediscovered.

The construction of the towers dates back to the 11th and 13th centuries. The architecture of the city was influenced by Pisa, Siena and Florence. There are 14th century paintings of the Sienese School to be seen and 15th century paintings of the Florentine School.

See this for yourself – You can be Australian, Kiwi or from anywhere else in the world, Tuscany Chianti Tours are small groups and unique, when we were done with San Gimignano we up and off-ed to Volterra is perched high on a sheer, rocky plateau, proudly overlooking the lovely Tuscan landscape below. It is an ancient centre, famous for its Etruscan and Roman past, and filled with museums offering a glimpse of days gone by.  The town is also famous for its alabaster, which is mined nearby.

It is located 30km west of San Gimignano and makes an easy day trip. We really enjoyed our visit to Volterra. It was less ‘touristy’ than San Gimignano, and just had a peaceful feel about it. A great place to relax, walk take millions of pic of DOORS ( what is it about Doors) and watch that beautiful Tuscan sunset…. its just romantic  >> so read my post on Volterra next. Ciao Ciao

Sformatini di Ricotta con salsa di Funghi

This dish is so easy and the taste combinations are so enjoyable.

Cabbage, Soft Cheese and Mushroom together.

Try it:

1.Line a Ramekins with butter then the steamed leaves of the Savoy Cabbage. ( cut the steams away to leave only the soft leaf)

2. Mix Ricotta with 2 eggs and 4 egg yokes

3.  Grate a little nutmeg into the Ricotta mix

4. Add 4 or 5 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese

5. Season with Pepper

6. Spoon the Ricotta mix into the dishes

7. Cover the top with another leaf of Savoy Cabbage, trim so the edges are tidy.

8. Bake in the oven for

My Salsa di fungi movie is not loading so those details are on there way.