
My Italian adventure was so much more than I ever imagined. After being home four days, I am still reeling from 3 1/2 weeks of experiences with new friends that will remain with me for a lifetime. What began as acquaintances that developed over a period of time on twitter, became solid friendships as we took the plunge and decided to meet in person and have an Italian adventure together. I couldn’t have had a more satisfying, bonding time. I love these ladies, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.
Through them I had the opportunity to meet many of the local people. I found each one to be warm and welcoming, willing to pull me right into their own daily lives without hesitation. We laughed, learned and enjoyed many delicious meals together.
I am so excited to share the many adventures I’ve had, but it would take a book. So I have included a few photos to give you an idea of some upcoming articles I am preparing for you.
You’ve heard of the Venice Carnevale? Well, wait until you read about our own little celebration while making masks.

Next we travel down to the heel of the boot. Warm, lovely and surprising. You will walk under those arches and see …..well, I won’t spoil it for you.
Masseria Provenzani in Puglia where I spent 10 days
This is us in the mild. At our cooking class we found dough and pepper chunks in the most unusual places, but we always turned out a mean dish.

I could walk this town of Lecce forever. So much to see but easily miss. Don’t let that happen to you….

As a wine lover, I was head over heels for the local Negroamaro and Primitivo wines of Puglia. Read about a couple of local wineries that are as uniquely different from each other as possible, yet produce equally delicious wines.


Yes, I’m afraid it will. And the key ingredient is the aromatic and tasty olive oil produced in Puglia. We enjoyed our visit to one of the best and had a deliciously prepared picnic in the orchard.

Exotic is the word. These transparent waters, tall white cliffs and hidden beaches are just the beginning.
If you have seen “The Passion of the Christ” produced by Mel Gibson, you have seen a part of Matera in the Basilicata region. We stayed in a cistern converted into a living space that was, well, unique to say the least. Cave churches, ancient frescos and winding alleys with a very old past.

Of course, there is always more food. This is one of the greatest joys in life and we had the pleasure to enjoy plenty of Italian cuisine.

Positano on the Amalfi Coast. My friends and I lived for 5 days in Italian heaven. Sailboats, a visit to the isle of Capri, shopping and breathtaking Mediterranean views while lunching on terraces. It’s all here….

As the old saying goes, “life is more fun when you share it with a friend.” Not only was the entire experience much more meaningful with my new friends, but I can’t wait to share it all with you. So stay tuned….there is so much more to come.
You had some marvelous adventures – I know what you mean about the memories too. Italy is so wonderful!!
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Yes, Italy is a dream. But you have made wonderful memories as well…I can see them in your beautiful photos.
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What an experience, Susan! I am looking forward to reading your posts. My uncle lived Puglia. Gorgeous region and glorious food! 😀
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Thank you. It was an amazing time!
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I’m sorry I missed all the fun. I look forward to your reports.
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Great pics! I am sorry I could not have met y’all somewhere along the way. Next time for sure!
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how wonderful that you were able to spend time with these lovely Italian blog ladies. look forward to reading more about it (ps. love the look of puglia – can’t wait to visit one day)
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This sounds so exciting! Can’t wait to read about it (and I will be going to Matera on my next Italian trip)
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Oooh, sounds like you all have quite a trip!! Can’t wait to see more about where you visited as I’m planning a trip down south later this year so am looking for tips and suggestions!! Keep the photos coming!!
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Looking forward to these future posts Susan!
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Reblogged this on Kappa Language School Blog.
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Thank you!!
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Thank you for posting 😉
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Let me know if you ever need a porter with limited (make that very limited) Italian language skills 😉
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Haha! Ok Ken, I promise:) I know you would be a lot of fun!
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It is again wonderful to see this post and be reminded of the happy times which flew away so quick.. I will wait for some more of them Susan. Till then Ciao 🙂 Thank you for your friendship ❤
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Thank you Ishita! You are a special lady and friend. I, too, value our friendship. So glad we can stay in touch:)
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That means a lot :* hugs!
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Bon journo, Susan… Interesting narration of your Italian dream, complete with Mediterranean views, terrace dinners, masks and orchard wines, warmed to memorable levels by your blogging friends. Look forward to the finer details…
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Ahhh….my pleasure! Thank you so much…and the finer details I promise you will enjoy:)
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What a great adventure with strangers who have now become friends. You went to Matera too,a facinating town for sure. I don’t know if you have read he book ‘ Cristo se e` fermato a Eboli’ by Carlo Levi is set there and a film of the same name deals with the awful poverty of Matera preWW2. The film might be hard to find.
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Hi Francesca, thank you for reading my post! I have not read that book but I have heard of it. It’s on my list…
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Really, really good book! Carlo Levi was a Jewish doctor who was ‘imprisoned’ in Aliano, Basilicata at the onset of the war. The book is better than the film.
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Love to read it….!!
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Such a fabulous trip. Sharing and laughing with friends in beautiful Italy is the best. I look forward to your stories. I am particularly interested to hear about your cooking school as I would like to do this one time.
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Glad to know you will be following along Lyn. The cooking classes were so much fun!!
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Thank you for sharing your fabulous adventure with all of us!!!
Looking forward to all your posts!!
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Thank you Linda! I’m looking forward to sharing as well:)
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That your adventure began through the far reaching arms of the world wide web inspires such hope! It is so true that experiences are so much richer when shared. That is the very biggest challenge to a successful overseas voyage, but ultimately the most rewarding, I think. Beata te! Looking forward to reading the chapters of your story!
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Hello Anna, thank you so much! I am happy to have you come along for the adventures….it is a pleasure to share them:)
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