Discover Jamaica


A Tuscan State Of Mind

Sometimes traveling isn't just about going to
a destination; it's a state of mind.The green, aromatic oil tastes so fresh and
Physically, I've been trapped in Southso light that you taste what you are meant to
Carolina for seven months now while mentallytaste - the fruit of the olive tree - and not
I try and put myself back in my favoritesomething reminiscent to wheel bearing
European places. One of my very favorites isgrease. So even if my bruschetta is made
the Tuscany region of Italy. While the cityfrom imported North Carolina tomatoes, South
in South Carolina is a blistering desert ofCarolina french bread, parmesan from Kraft,
concrete, Tuscany radiates a rejuvenatingand dried basil from a lousy little plastic
warmth that washes over you like the rollingjar (out of fresh basil again...), I still
green  of  the  hills.have my beautiful drizzling Tuscan olive oil.
Since I'm currently unable to experience theItalians also understand and appreciate the
area in person, I can only do what I can toconcept of 'breaks' (and not the 15 minute
substitute the experience. CDs full ofkind). Time doesn't rule a Tuscan's day,
pictures taken during my travels bring backrather it revolves around life at the moment.
stifled laughs and fond memories. The coffeeI rush from one end of my current hometown to
table books I've collected over the years arethe other, running errands and trying to make
so full of intense color and vivid landscapeit to appointments on time - in Italy, being
scenes that it makes my ache even worse. Ilate is 'normale.' And when it gets to
even read "Under the Tuscan Sun" this weeklunchtime, there's no rushing through the
(which isn't done justice by the movie).meal and then jumping back into a schedule.
Mayes is such a descriptive writer. She doesBetween the shining sun at its zenith and a
such a perfect job bringing the area to lifefull stomach that's pulling you into a food
and I believe, deserves much credit forcoma, the day calls for a siesta. This
putting Cortona on the map. Her book stirsingenious concept not only refreshes the body
memories of my one day in this little town -but it literally pulls your mind into another
hot chocolate and pastries at a littleworld. Why fret about the next two hours when
café in the morning, gelato under aeveryone else's life has also come to a
patio umbrella in the pouring rain, and linenrelaxing  standstill?
shopping after the sun triumphed over the
stubborn clouds. It almost makes me forgetDaydream, watch the tall grasses blow in the
that my 'gelato' is now Eddy's or somethingwind, or drink a cappuccino among friends
from  Dairy  Queen.with a vineyard as a backdrop. Until the
notion of a daily siesta takes hold in
I also try to substitute with cooking - ofAmerica, I attempt to create my own with
course, I'm far from the authentic cuisine Iplastic patio furniture and a Coca-Cola
once savored in the local family-owned...that is, until the phone starts to ring
restaurants. Tortellini al forno, pennewith endless telemarketers anxious to sell me
al'arabiatta, even plain old spaghettisiding  or  refinance  my  mortgage.
marinara is a work of art in Tuscany. I throw
basil around like it's going out of style,There are just some places that feed your
get all giddy when I find a sweet gorgonzolasoul and remain in your heart no matter where
or pecorino cheese at the grocery store, andyou go. The rise and fall of the graceful
keep Verdi on full volume while I create myhills, the glittery silver-green leaves of
own personal Italy in the kitchen.the olive trees, the way the aged bricks glow
Fortunately, I've been able to bring back thein the last rays of the evening sun all call
very best extra virgin olive oil in theme back for more. In the meantime, though,
entire  country  -  La  Macchia.I'll remain in a Tuscan state of mind.



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