Expressly Italian

Spring into Italy

Posted on March 22, 2024 Updated on March 22, 2024

Although it’s been a long time since I’ve made a blog entry, I have been visiting Italy twice a year as usual. This year though, I was certain that I would not be able to make my usual spring trip, but fortune smiled on me and while it will be a fleeting visit, it is always a joy for me to spend any time in Italy. Springtime there is especially exciting – the weather is usually great, the crowds slim and the traffic less than normal with holidays taking lots of local people to the countryside. I have so many friendships there now, it is like returning home to make even a short visit.

I was prepared to have to wait until October to return since I am out of just about everything I bring back, it is very lucky to be able to squeeze in a trip. I will make a trip to Farfa to get additional extra virgin olive oil from the frantoio (mill). One of the primary reasons for my consideration of any product is to be completely certain of the quality, freshness and reliability and that is why I personally work with each purveyor. I have total confidence in anyone I work with.   I can pass on to you my assurance I work only with the best and highest quality goods.

I hope there will be honey from Sardegna coming back with me on this trip too. The quality, health benefits and varieties of Stefano’s honey keeps people waiting for my return. My husband won’t use anything but his soap (honey, and propoli) and everyone who uses it seems to be addicted to it.

Visiting Mauro Berardi is always a highlight in my travels. Mauro is so kind and helpful as is Marco (his son) and Maurizio as well as all the guys working for him. Most have been there for many years. Mauro loves to tell anyone around who will listen that I have been coming to see him for almost 20 years. The mixes he concocts are deservedly ‘world famous’. The potency of his mixes is so long lasting I can only attribute it to the quality of the individual herbs and spices and that they hand mix all the mixtures. You will never have to worry about any foreign materials in his spices or that they are old and stale. Mauro is always certain that I get the best help and makes suggestions about what I should include. Marizio says the Mauro’s Mix is his best seller, but I usually find myself out of the Campo dei Fiori mix sooner. I am always surprised to have people from all over the world find me on the internet because they are looking to replace Mauro’s mixes.

This spring is twenty years that I have been traveling to Italy. In that time, my husband and I have lived there for a over two years, and traveled to various parts of the country every year. If you haven’t personally experienced life in Italy, I highly recommend it. Life there, like everywhere has changed in the last years, but the pace is still significantly calmer and easier than my normal life. And, no matter which area I visit, I am constantly amazed by the beauty of the land and the kindness of the people. I am so thrilled to be able to introduce more people to the unique qualitites of Italy.

It is my hope that I will be able to continue these journeys for many years to come – there is still much of the country I have not yet seen. If you want to join my mailing list, just send an email with your information and I will happily add you to my list.