Inside Tuscany

I fell in love with Italy upon our first family visit in 1992. We found several cousins in Arezzo and Foiano della Chiana (my maternal grandparent’s home). After arriving we became powerless, our days, where we visited, and what we ate were taken over completely by our new cousins. Not that we complained. In six days we probably saw more than a regular tourist — and I'm sure that we ate more home cooking than any other tourist. Little did they know they created the proverbial bad penny — centime captive — that began to show up on their door steps on an almost annual basis. They taught me about food and dining, harvesting grapes and olives, making wine and vin santo, and extending proper courte- sies. They helped me blend in the culture to the point I wasn’t always immediately identi ed as an American. Thanks to them I developed a philosophy of traveling — slow travel — to accom- pany Italy’s “slow food” movement. I wasn't content to just visit, instead I began writing guidebooks, carefully studying. I now have five books for the central Tuscany area. And this blog. I have begun the blog to share my adventures, stories, advice, and recent news that will affect travelers exploring Tuscany. I plan to write one to two entries a week to help you learn more about the culture and people of central Tuscany. Few travelers know about the “inner Tuscany.” They take a one week vacation to Tuscany and race to visit the grandest sites like Florence, Siena, and Pisa. They eat great food, see the beautiful landscapes, and meet a few friendly people; but they learn little of the day-to-day culture. Those who catch the “Tuscany Bug” want to return and learn more about the art, people, festivals, markets, hill towns, and food. They need a guidebook focused on them — the repeat visitor — that helps them get into the Tuscan world. I’ve tried to make this guidebook different including authentic recipes from my relatives to give you something to read or cook from in the evening. Checkout my website at www.insidetuscanybooks.com.