We’ve been following Chris O’Connor and his family as they extend an 1860’s cottage and build another house for his parents on the same block. In the previous two articles Chris describes his decision to have a ” gap year” in later life and move to Victoria to pursue his…

When Notre Dame burned there was disbelief and a collective grief expressed from many corners of the world.  We know the images of iconic buildings as if we have been there. And if we have travelled there the experience of identity with that building is profound. Notre Dame was/is iconic…

Last week we enjoyed the story of Chris O’Connor’s “Gap Year” and the life change that followed. Moving from New South Wales to Chatsworth Lodge, a Victorian heritage listed cottage with grand plans to restore the beautiful old home, sympathetically add to it and build a new cottage on the…

A recurring theme in the stories of our generation is the search for a new way of life. Recently, we read about  Inge Hatton’s inspirational journey from Montreal in Canada, finding a Buddhist path in Colorado which led her to establish a new way of life in Nova Scotia. The…

Our Tuscan food and wine tour draws to a close with these last 2 diary entries from our inspiring writer and friend, Maureen Moffatt. What an adventure its been! I’m reminded of a quote by Robin Leach, ” In Italy, they add work and life on to food and wine.”…

 Only two more days to go of our tasting experience of Tuscany. We all know that feeling when our travels are coming to an end. Each moment seems more precious and each taste, sound and view more intense and special. Continue travelling with our dear friend, Maureen Moffatt who so…

We continue our journey with Maureen on this wonderful culinary adventure exploring food and wine but also some of the emotional responses that travel with us….sheer joy! Thursday Today is market day in Camucia.  We arrive in town early and head off in different directions.  There are rows and rows…

Wednesday We are all off truffle hunting today.  We start early as it is a bit of a drive to San Giovanni d’Asso.  We are to meet the famous lawyer and white truffle hunter “Fabio Capitani”.  The ride is smooth as we wend our way through the countryside so familiar…

Our travels continue on day three of our eight day food and wine tour of Tuscany. Enjoy the journey……! Tuesday This morning we head out to “Il Casale”, between Pienza and Montepulciano.  Il Casale is an organic farm owned by a Swiss family, Urich and Sandra Schmidig along with their…