Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don’t feel I should be doing something else. — Gloria Steinem
Have you seen the movie Letters to Juliet yet? To be sure, it’s a silly, romantic, improbable little chick flick and I never would have gone to see it if it weren’t for that magical word “Verona” in the title. (And to be honest, I’ll go see anything with Vanessa Redgrave in it. I figured that if she could stand it, so could I.) And I’m glad I went. The scenes of the Italian countryside were glorious, hearing the language again (even if I only understand every fourth word) was moving, and “being” in Verona (for however brief a time) was, well, magical. I love Verona. And herein lies my proposal.
Regular readers of Travel the Write Way know that I love to bring small groups of like-minded people to Italy to share the experience. History, architecture, food, people, countryside . . . and, of course, the “Tim” experience: going where no tour group has gone before (or at least never quite the way he takes us). And then there’s the writing aspect of it all. Capturing the sights, the smells, the tastes, the expectations met and unmet, the surprises, the fears, the joys . . . So far, I have only organized groups of “friends” — people I know fairly well and who sometimes know each other. But readers of this blog and people who hear me read and do workshops keep asking me if I will ever offer tours, and I’m thinking maybe it’s time.
So over the weekend I had an idea. What if I could find a place in or near this amazing literary city for a group of writers (and their significant others) so that we could combine a workshop experience with some touring? Where we could live in an Italian city for a week together and write and share our stories? Where we could go someplace that we would never forget and possibly even be changed by it? Where we could eat all that good food and drink in all that history and scenery and even do a little shopping while we’re at it? What would you think of that?
Why Verona?
Besides being the legendary “home” to the star-crossed lover, Juliet Capulet, of Romeo and Juliet fame, Verona is one of the most beautiful and most prosperous cities in all of Italy. Located in the Veneto of Northern Italy, along the Adige River, Verona was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000 because of its unique urban structure and architecture. A combination of Roman and medieval sites awaits visitors to the city, along with its breathtaking Piazza delle Erbe, many cathedrals, art museums, castles and much, much more. And its proximity for day trips is a gift. Lake Garda is nearby. The Soave wine area is 30 minutes away. Mantova (Mantua), Vicenza, and Padova (Padua) are less than an hour away. And our favorite little fantastical place, Borghetto Valeggio sul Mincio, is very nearby and a must-see. Another good reason is that we may have access to an actual palace in which to hold our classes. Talk about inspiration!
If there’s interest, we’ll find a place and figure out how to get us around once we’re there. All you’ll have to do is get there (and we may have a hand in local transportation once you’re in Bella Italia). So my questions to you at this point are:
(1) Would you be interested in such a trip?
(2) Please rank your seasonal preferences: spring, summer or fall
(3) Would you prefer to stay in a villa (which could mean sharing a bath with other writers and might be outside of the city centro) or a hotel?
(4) Are there any other locations you’ve got a hankering to go to? Please let me know. You know how one good idea leads to another!
No obligation, of course. We have some major details to work out and will be getting back to you after a few weeks with some specifics about costs, length of stay and program. But I can speak from experience that Italy is an inspirational place to be. I always come home with more ideas than I can possibly manage, and the experience lasts a lifetime. So think about it and get back to me BY SENDING A COMMENT TO THIS POST. Let me know if this sounds like something you would like to do. I’d love to have you come along to experience la dolce vita for a week — or two!
Buon viaggio!
Linda Dini Jenkins is a card-carrying Italophile, travel planner, freelance writer, and amateur photographer. Travel is her passion, so writing about her travels just comes naturally. She hopes all her travelers find a way to express their joys, surprises, and fears as they travel and gives every traveler a nifty journal to help smooth the way. Learn more…
