Away Exloring the World

[Gavin Trott]

Hey all, well a slightly exaggerated headline, but I will be in Hong Kong this time tomorrow, for a few days stopover, en route to our time in Italy!

Its come all too soon, and am very excited for our trip, our discoveries, and our exploration of the many wonderful wine and food regions of Italy!

Please, while I am away, make sure you all play nicely!! No arguments, no bad behavior etc, maintain standards at all times! I will be watching!! (well, not too closely)

.

[Waiters Friend]

While the cat's away ......

Have a bloody good holiday Gavin.

[via collins]

Great news, I know you've been fanging to do this Gavin. Travel safe, and enjoy the joy of being among Italians from the top to the bottom of the boot - they never let you down!

[Ian S]

Buona vacanza!

A great time of year to visit Italy, generally warm but not too hot, relatively little rain, thus everywhere is viable (cities in sweltering heat aren't much fun, and the coast/countryside is diminished by poor weather / short days). Our preference is for mid Sept-End Oct, or May.

I hope they do get a little rain though, so the truffles will grow ok, as the old adage was good (warm/dry) season for wines, made for a bad truffle season and vice versa. I'm sure you know about the truffle festival in Alba, but there is also a reasonably large one in San Miniato, plus some wonderful little ones in smaller places (search tartufo+festa+region you are in). Hopefully some good porcini and other funghi around (Trento, Torino, Acqui Terme have all had markets with good mushrooms - I'm sure there are lots of others, but the restaurants often do a great job).

Hot chestnut street stalls should start to appear late September.

I am sure you will eat and drink well.

Regards
Ian