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"So this is it. I am thirty nine years old. I am sitting at a table in a medieval piazza with a black moleskine journal. I am sipping a glass of Chianti Classico. I stare at the menu with none other than Luca Signorelli on the cover. I like the words Gran Caffe Signorelli. Luca Signorelli was born in Cortona in 1441. He is still revered. Signorelli’s art is in many of the museums and churches in Cortona and well, all around the world. I salute the artist, and the joy of making it this far, on this grand tour of mine. Alone and happy with a pen and journal, to just muse, people watch and write notes" - Michelle Johnston, In the Shadow of a Cypress
Welcome to Episode #97:
After a small pause, I return to share Book release dates, an extract of my audio-book in the making and some exciting news. I couldn't help but share the journey so far and what has been happening and what's to come next!!
'In the Shadow of a Cypress: An Italian Adventure' is due out on the 13th September, 2024 - Stay Tuned for more soon!
Find all Shownotes at michellejohnston.life
© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"Time in Italy seemed less linear than it was at home, more of a space waiting to be filled with whatever delights the day might bring – exquisite miniature pastries behind the etched glass of an art nouveau window, a sliver of cantaloupe on a market-stall holder’s knife, amber and pink spritzes on a waiter’s tray, a flirty glance, a raised eyebrow, a tanned ankle in a tasselled loafer" - Ros Belford, Children of the Volcano
Welcome to Episode #96:Get ready for a wonderful adventure today with Ros Belford - Travel Writer, Journalist and Author of Children of the Volcano: Finding Freedom and Making a Home for Three in Sicily. Enjoy this conversation and read her book - it’s a wonderful account of making a life in Italy and following the call.
Note: Ros Belford reads excerpts from her book, Children of the Volcano...*Arriving on the island of Salina 16:29
*Discovering and falling in love with Italy 23:28
*The path of miracles 33.25Children of the Volcano: Finding Freedom and Making a Home for Three in Sicily by Ros Belford
Children of the Volcano tells the story of motherhood and childhood on the Sicilian island of Salina. Izzy and Juno grow up playing on the beach, learning to swim over volcanic bubbles, hearing tales of Aeolian witches, fighting battles armed with jellyfish and watching Stromboli erupt on the horizon. But nowhere is paradise. The school is atrocious, the teachers scary, and there are power cuts, storms and an earthquake. However, an eclectic community of islanders take them to their hearts, friendships are forged and Salina becomes home. Full of humanity, vitality, honesty and optimism, Children of the Volcano is for anyone unwilling to give up dreams of adventure and excitement simply because of parenthood, lack of money and not getting things right the first time.
Visit Ros for travel guides, articles and more at Ros BelfordOn Instagram: Ros Belford
Find all Shownotes at michellejohnston.life
© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"Perfection is static, and I am in full progress" - Anais Nin
Welcome to Episode #95:Today I go on a whimsical journey through my process! Reading and working on my book. The book is done! Yet, I am most keen to record an audiobook first - so here I go. It’s a journey of ruminating over recent books I have read and what is happening IRL and certainly what is on my mind! There are quotes and beautiful moments to capture along the way, nothing is lost and life is good.
Enjoy xo
Find all Shownotes at michellejohnston.life
If interested in the list of beautiful books I have explored on Italy - Here is the List
( 90% I have read, the rest are on the shelf! )
P.s - Never under estimate a good bookshelf, nor the potential of it. I liken it, to planting bulbs at the end of summer - something to look forward to down the track when spring finally arrives!
© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"Be kind to yourself and just get going, because even if you are just writing a little bit, for a few hours a week - it adds up" - Kimberly Sullivan
Welcome to Episode #94:
Today I have a conversation with fiction writer Kimberly Sullivan and her recent novel Rome’s Last Noble Palace. Kimberly loves to weave a story that includes a contemporary and a historical perspective, in this case dual timelines. It is quite an alchemical process and a wonderful story about two women from different centuries in Rome, with one place in common - the Palazzo Brancaccio.
Kimberly and I have beautiful chat about the writing process. Kimberly shares great advice on fiction writing and how she approaches the craft and the creativity of bringing it all together on the page and into book form.
This is a lovely chat about her book Rome’s Last Noble Palace and Kimberly’s writing and traveling adventures in Italy - Enjoy….
Rome’s Last Noble Palace by Kimberly SullivanTwo women. Two different centuries. One attic room
Visit for books, news, blog and travel news: Kimberly Sullivan & Instagram @kimberlyinrome
Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women at Net GalleyListen to our first conversation on the Podcast Series: Drink Wine and Be Beautiful
Nb: Women's Fiction Day is on June 8, 2024....
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"One's destination is never a place but a new way of looking at things" - Henry Miller
Welcome to Episode #93:Today a share a meander through the creative landscape of writing and my process and the discoveries on the creative journey....
Shownotes include a list of books and memoirs that have inspired me along the creative journey plus extra details from the end of the share if you would like to know more!!
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"Ligurian cuisine is often defined as a "poor" cuisine, of humble, rough origins because it was born in the homes of fisherman and farmers who had only simple, seasonal and low-value ingredients available. Yet, it is also sophisticated due to the expert use and skilful transformation of those few ingredients"..... Enrica Monzani
Join me for a conversation about the beauty of Ligurian cuisine and the unique terrain that is Liguria, Italy. Enrica Monzani specialises in the rich and diverse cuisine of Liguria, leading food tours, market and cooking classes in the city of Genova. Enrica is a Food Writer and Author of Liguria in Cucina: The Flavours of Liguria, where she shares her passion for preserving the traditional recipes and the stories of her region.
We go on a beautiful journey through the many layers of Liguria, with expert tips on mastering your pesto sauce and what to do and see in Genoa if on the Italian Riviera. I adore this part of the world and hope you enjoy this conversation with Enrica Monzani.
Visit Enrica at A Small Kitchen in GenoaEnrica's Beautiful Cookbook - Liguria in Cucina: The Flavours of Liguria, Ricotta della tradizione - traditional dishes….
Follow Enrica on Instagram @asmallkitcheningenoa
The city of Genoa/Genova is not only a majestic port city on the Mediterranean Sea, but the capital city of Liguria. If you would like to listen to other Podcasts from the archive I have created on this journey of exploring Italian Culture and this fascinating city - you can find the links and resources here at michellejohnston.life
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"You have not a right, but a duty to be happy" - Roberta Mussato
Welcome to Episode #91:What a privilege it is to talk to women and share their stories. Women lead such fascinating lives. I continually notice this, the fact they continue to expand themselves, push their limits and boundaries, to grow, and not except contraction as the norm, but lean into expansion rather, living and learning so much about themselves, and making things happen!! I love that.
Today I talk with Roberta Mussato about her book - Universe I Trust You: One Month in Sri Lanka
I wanted to share that I listened to Roberta’s book on Audible late last year, which I thoroughly enjoyed, she made me laugh a lot with her honesty and candid truth telling, and well everything else that was working or not working in her life. The big question is, can the worst of crisis be the turning point for a grand new chapter in your life? Yes, it appears, it definitely can.
Roberta was born in Treviso in the north of Italy, in the Veneto region. With a background as an Interpreter and Translator from Italian to English, most of her adult life has been lived in London. Roberta describes herself as a global citizen and loves to travel the world seeking and learning about people and places.
When Roberta took this three month journey, she had one main provision - to let the universe do the work. Her theory was to let go and let it all unfold in a natural way without expectations or demands. It’s a fun story and Roberta’s second book is currently being written as Roberta goes on to reflect on what happened next in India and then Nepal. These days she is a Life Coach and avid traveler and currently lives in London, in the United Kingdom.
Universe I Trust You, One Month in Sri Lanka on Audible
Roberta Mussato on InstagramVisit Roberta for her book and Life Coaching Sessions at Roberta Mussato
Roberta is happy to offer a 10% discount on her three months Coaching Package - Contact her on [email protected] and mention this offer…
Also she offers a 60 minute Coaching Session if you leave a review of her book on Audible or Amazon - just send a screenshot of your review and send it to [email protected]
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"We travel, initially to lose ourselves, and we travel, next to find ourselves" - Pico Iyer
Welcome to Episode #90:Today I have a special conversation with Nadia Fragnito from The Vegan Italian Kitchen. Nadia is here to talk about her solo travel experience and the journey of returning to Italy to research her next cookbook due out later this year.
We discuss the triumphs and the pain points of travelling alone, things we both discovered on our own personal journeys. I might add, I have recognised over the past few years that taking the reins and travelling solo is the ultimate journey of self care. It isn't the easiest of path, but speaks to liberation and going on an inner journey, just as much as an outer one.
Enjoy this Conversation.....
Visit Nadia: The Vegan Italian Kitchen
Instagram: The Vegan Italian KitchenFirst Conversation with Nadia Fragnito - Episode #55: Culinary Adventures in Southern Italy with Nadia Fragnito
Some of the Inspiration behind Nadia’s Solo Journey to Italy - Episode #57: Table for One - On Solo Travel, Artist Dates and Grand Adventures
Read the Solo Travel Essay - Table for One
Highlight Moment in this Episode - The jewels and triumph of the journey at 47.00 minutes!! I love this conversation so much... Thank you Nadia x
( P.S If you hear a dog snoring, around 9 minutes in, that was Picasso!! )
Find all Show Notes and Details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"Italy was more than a subject, it was a tool of resurrection and empowerment" - Michelle Johnston
“Can a place be an archetype? Or pertain mythical qualities? Emily Dickinson never left her home in New England to travel, the Italy she wrote and dreamed of symbolised something else, joy, hope, freedom…. And ultimately, the most powerful of qualities, transformation. Italy was more than a subject, it was a tool for resurrection and empowerment. Hmmm, I recognise this…”Today I go deep into the many layers of my life and the inspiration that has led to this point on the journey, and share what it is to “follow the charm” in life and in the quiet and beautiful epiphanies that happen along the way.
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"You cannot lose what really belongs to you, even if you throw it away" - I-Ching
Here I talk about the bitter sweet few months that have been, reflecting on life, books and events, and the books and writing adventures that happen along the way.
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"One will never forget the sudden transcendent quality of ordinary things, the glow of the fruit in its own leaves, the purple and green of artichokes with bushy tales, the delicacy of the sea creatures, silver, lilac - pale and coral red" - Winter in Venice, Pleasure and Landscapes by Sybille Bedford
Here is some light musing over books I have loved this year and my favourite Audible listens too....
Family Lexicon by Natalia Ginzburg
A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home by Frances Mayes
Serendipity: From Truffles and Champagne to Corn Flakes and Coffee: Stories of Accidental Success by Oscar Farinetti
Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World by Anthony Dooer
Pleasures and Landscapes: A Travellers Tales from Europe by Sybille Bedford
Liguria in Cucina: The Flavours of Liguria by Enrica MonzaniFind all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2024 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024Support the show
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"Some things are here for our souls, not our interests, and every land has its pockets of wild. Let us leave then there for the birds, for the night watch, for the person who needs and longs for a creeping into invisibility"
Welcome to Episode #86:
This year Allison published her third book, 'Allison Zurfluh and the Venice Lagoon'. Here are pages of art and essays on her experiences living on the Venice lagoon.
The book is an intimate look at the place that captured her heart and soul, the place that would initiate a 1000 questions and responses.
There is a part that Allison conserves for family and her Swiss life, and there is a part she lives quite on the fringe of everything… In Italy, on the Venetian lagoon… Searching, exploring, painting, writing, documenting, playing and sharing, yet really going to the edge of what is possible, in her boat, in her art and in herself. Nothing is taken for granted. Not her environment, not her choices, not the people, not the place. Zurfluh recognises the plight of the Venetian lagoon, the wild beauty, the breathtaking moments, the natural world and at times, the painful truth of the tourist dollar.
We discuss so much.... Art and motherhood, the writing life, living on the island of Burano and protecting the fishing communities on the lagoon, going into the wilderness to be alone to find what matters, creativity and grit, and indeed many personal stories of our own reckoning with the parts of our lives that make us who we are as women and artists at this point in time. We don't hold back and that is why I published this whole conversation in one beautiful thread. Hopefully you are on one of those long walks you need over the festive season and you can enjoy this share ....Here is a wild and beautiful conversation from one wild and beautiful woman to another. Allison is not only happy to rock the boat, but paints from it too, sharing her gifts, lighting the way, protecting the sacred and reminding us, that we all make a difference in this wild and beautiful world we live in. Enjoy
To buy Allison’s Books and Fine Art Allison Zurfluh
On Instagram: Allison Zurfluh
Listen to my last conversation with Allison in 2022… Allison Zurfluh: Art and Conservation in the Venice Lagoon
Minutes and Moments in this Conversation:
14.00 - Motherhood and the Artist
31.40 - Women and Creativity
41.45 - How Allison nurtures her Art and Creativity as a portal to becoming
44.00 - The Venice Lagoon as a mirror
51.00 - Nature for pain relief
58.00 - How Allison discovered Burano and moved to the Lagoon
1.07 - The Writers Journey
1.08 - La Mia Arte & the Fisherman
1.39 - Transcending the Mundane with Words - "One true Sentence"
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2023 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show
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“Cucina Povera is not just a unique approach to cooking and ingredients; it’s the highest expression of the Italian arte delle arrangiarsi - the art of making do with what you have got" - Giulia Scarpaleggia, Cucina Povera
Welcome to Episode #85,
Today a wonderful conversation with Giulia Scarpaleggia about her recent cookbook Cucina Povera: The Italian Way of Transforming Humble Ingredients into Unforgettable Meals.
We talk about the book journey of creating Cucina Povera and that lovely panforte story I couldn't resist asking about, and the food writers that have inspired Giulia on her path from Blogger to Author to Podcast Host and Cooking Teacher.
Visit Giulia and Tommasso at Jul's Kitchen
Receive Giulia’s Stories and Recipes - Letters from Tuscany
Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/julskitchen/Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2023 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023Support the show
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"I travel and collect things that I love. Memories, tastes, colours and stories. I bring them home and make the beautiful meals I had, so we can live them all over again" - Tessa Kiros, Now & Then: A collection of recipes for always
Welcome to Episode #84:
Tessa Kiros is here today, her most recent book is 'Now & Then: A collection of recipes for always'. This is Tessa’s 11th cookbook. This is a beautiful conversation about Tessa’s writing, her creative life, food and styling, the travels, and how she sees the world and the things that inspire. Make yourself a pot of tea and relax into this share. Tessa was at home in Tuscany, when we spoke about 'Now & Then' and what inspired this book. Thank you Tessa, so much, for this bountiful and generous conversation. Enjoy…Visit Tessa Kiros on Instagram at Tessa's Travels
Find Tessa’s books at Tessa Kiros: Food and Travel Books
Visit Murdoch Books for More....
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2023 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023
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"Much testing, much reflecting, much living must intervene before we can say 'My soul is my own'" - Madonna Kolbenschlag, (from) The Spiritual Sampler by Sue Monk Kidd
Welcome to Episode #83,While in the middle of a big year, I reflect on what has filled my cup this year and why it all matters.
On creating community, on inspired books, on writing, on keeping on with it, on the adventure, on gratitude, on the special conversations and holding the vision.
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2023 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023
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"My grandmother always used to tell me your last name is going to bring you luck. When people meet you it makes them happy and a little bit hungry too" - Luca Spaghetti, Un Amico Italiano - Eat Pray Love in Rome
Welcome to Episode #82:Twenty years ago the writer Elizabeth Gilbert made the city of Rome her home for three months before visiting India and Bali. While living in Rome one of Gilbert’s new friends was Roman born Luca Spaghetti. Soon the memoir “Eat Pray Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything” became an International Best Seller. Luca Spaghetti suddenly found himself as a character in the book and later in the film “Eat Pray Love”.
Today is a special guest - Luca Spaghetti telling his story about this beautiful chapter in his life and the treasured friendship that endures. We talk about the two books he wrote “Un Amico Italiano - Eat Pray Love in Rome” and “Anything Is Possible”. They are two of my favourite books, and a real delight to read and discover.
Enjoy this share, and thank you Luca for a beautiful conversation.
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2023 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023
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"I just knew that I had to figure it out for myself, step by step" - Claire Hearn, My Five Year Journey in Italy....
Welcome to Episode #81,This week I share a conversation with Ms Britaly from Palermo in Sicily. Five years ago, Claire Hearn made the decision to change her life and move in the direction of her dreams. Claire landed in Salerno in Campania, on the Amalfi Coast and started a new life.
Here is her story and the journey of life in Italy, moving to vibrant Palermo and writing her two books, self publishing and her discoveries and life adventures….Enjoy,
Claire’s Links:
Visit for Insights on the South of Italy and More - Ms BritalyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/MsBritaly
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/MsBritaly
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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© 2023 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023
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“And we are of course, each one of us, the historians of our own lives” - Hisham Matar, A Month in Siena
Welcome to Episode #80;
In this episode I share pages from ‘Italian Hours’ a travel journal I am in the middle of creating. I share my feelings about creativity and my artistic process on making pages happen! I also give tips on stationary, art paper and how to build the momentum one page at a time and not get stuck in feeling overwhelm at the beginning. I talk about art journals and travel journals and at the end read from my art book ‘Italian Hours”…
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© 2023 A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and lifeMusic Composed by Richard Johnston © 2023
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"I thought I had the perfect life in New York, but fate had something different in mind for me. I've fallen in love with this place and what it has to offer" - Casalvento: House of the Wind by Gudrun Cuillo
Welcome to Episode #79:About twenty five years ago, Bob and Gudrun Cuillo were looking for a place to buy in Capri Italy, not far from Benevento, near Naples where Bob had family ties to the region. The Capri property fell through and next they found themselves in Tuscany talking to friends when they were introduced to an ancient Borgo in Radda, Chianti that might be up for sale. A week later they were the owners of medieval Casalvento, a hamlet of land and historic buildings. Bob And Gudrun didn’t even realise there was a vineyard, and on the ground were vines of Chianti Classico. Bob and Gudrun’s fate was sealed and the next twenty years or so were spent restoring the vineyard, the olives and the Borgo, amongst other projects in their busy and creative lives. Later they purchased more land close by, a medieval hamlet called Livernano and onwards they went.
Today I introduce to Gudrun Cuillo and her book of fiction Casalvento - House of the Wind. If you love a book set in Italy, and heart thudding, more palpitations set in the beautiful hills of Tuscany, but not just Tuscany that Italian Ideal, the Italian beauty Chianti, one of the oldest settlements ancient Radda, and if you love a little romance and travel, and Italian history and a story that makes you want to jump on a plane, well as soon as possible, well then Casalvento: House of the Wind is a book to escape with, wherever you are in the world.
Gudrun’s estate these days makes award winning wines, Chianti Classico, Chianti Riserva, those gorgeous Super Tuscans and much more. You can also stay and sip at your own leisure, do cooking classes, and wine tours, but mostly if you are intrigued you can visit her website Livernano Winery and Resort and follow Gudrun on Instagram at livernano_casalvento_ ….
Or just listen along and enjoy Gudrun’s story about the vines, the wine making and the writing journey. And the surprising and wonderful process of becoming a fiction author, something she turned to at a time of grief and loss. You can find her book Casalvento: House of the Wind at all the usual places.
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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"We will cook together, you’ll don an apron and get your hands dirty, learning about local traditions on the way. We eat and drink together, tasting wines chosen by Marco. Afterwards, in the late afternoon and evenings, you are free to go and explore or rest or catch up with family....."
Welcome to the Episode #78:In this bountiful share we talk about Emiko Davies and Marco Lami’s new Adventure, Enoteca Marilu in the village of San Miniato in Tuscany. We talk Slow Food and Slow Travel and why they wanted to create their own Natural Wine Shop and Cooking School close to home.
We discuss Emiko’s cookbooks and the next publication, ‘Gohan: Everyday Japanese Cooking Memories and Stories from My Family Kitchen’ that is due out September 2023. One cannot resist asking Emiko a 100 questions about her books and the food writing journey. We discuss ‘food’ and the journey to creating her beautiful cookbooks.
Enjoy….
If you want to spend time at Emiko and Marco's Tuscan Table visit: Enoteca Marilu
Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life
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