With an empty nest in Freemans Bay, a relationship split, Shirley Valentine, Under the Tuscan Sun and A Place in the Sun on repeat, I became obsessed with the dream of living in a small community in Italy and decided to turn my lemons into Limoncello!
Being a true Kiwi, I thought “what’s the worst that can happen if I don’t like it? I will renovate it and sell it but use it as a base to explore Europe in the meantime.” Thinking back several years, I had done the same thing when looking for a large house to renovate into a luxury lodge and found myself walking into an auction, bidding and buying what can only be described as a dump – a very large dump but with good bones, of course. Thankfully, that proved a success which gave me reassurance with this new purchase.
Within two months I was on a plane to see my Italian Casa! On inspection, my rose-coloured glasses were completely shattered. For the next three years I renovated, shopped, socialised, travelled and ate my way around the region all the while continuing my job within the superyacht industry which paid the bills. Village life is exactly how I hoped it would be. It’s warm, it’s nurturing, it’s one big happy family where everyone knows everyone and is part of each other’s lives.
In Pieve di Teco, life as it was, is still very much, life as it is. The food, the wine, the land, the people are inspiring. With these experiences in mind, I have created a boutique tour company You Me Italy so Kiwi’s can experience the region whilst staying in a real home – living like a local. Each day we visit a new place, enjoy a new experience – evening festas in the neighbouring hilltop villages, e-biking along the Italian Riviera, local antique fairs, cooking classes, wine tasting, shopping, playing bocce (Italian petanque) in the village and aperitivos each night with the locals, all culminating in an 18 course, Sunday degustation lunch. We will embrace Italy’s culture of food, family and fun! (JACKIE MILLER)
A snippet of 24 hours on tour with You Me Italy
9.30am - After a light breakfast of brioche and cappuccino, stroll through the porticos of Pieve di Teco at the antique market before we embark on our Sunday degustation lunch of 18 courses and enjoy some free time in the afternoon to embrace the tradition of siesta.
10.30am – Head off for a day of either e-biking on the Italian Riviera or shopping at the markets in a seaside town while stopping for lunch, a swim in the Mediterranean and gelato on our return to Pieve di Teco.
6.30pm – Meet in one of the local bars for an appertivo before heading to a local festa (party) in one of the nearby hilltop villages to experience local cuisine, culture and wine. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes!
Visit our website for more information www.youmeitaly.net