I first posted on this blog back in February 2016, almost a year ago. I had no idea at the time that I would come to love it so much or how big a part of my life it would become.
Nor could I have imagined how much I would enjoy being a part of such a fantastic blogging community. I’m constantly surprised and inspired by the talent and creativity shared by my fellow bloggers.
Now why did I decide to start this blog?
Travel and food are two of the great loves of my life, second only to writing. Put the three of these together and a blog seemed the perfect vehicle through which to share my adventures, both abroad and in my own kitchen. In fact, I often wonder why I didn’t start blogging years ago. But that’s the way life goes I suppose. Things don’t always seem obvious to us until the timing is right.
But I would have to say that my trip to Italy a couple of years ago was the experience that turned the idea of starting a blog into a reality. After an amazing visit to Italy’s Campania region it confirmed for me that Italy really is my favourite place on the planet. Not least because of their incredible food. I had a great time churning out Italian dishes in my own kitchen when I returned.
I thought to farewell 2016 – a great year for me – and to herald in 2017, which I hope will be just as great – I would revisit my Italian travels. I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited Italy twice in the last two years and each time I return my love for the country deepens. It’s no surprise then that my Italian posts happen to be my favourites. The fact that in each one I’ve shared a delicious Italian recipe seals the deal. Hands down the best cuisine in the world (just an opinion, of course).
A couple of these posts were uploaded in the early days of my blog and so will be new to many of you. On both Italian adventures my husband and I discovered the wonders that Italy’s Campania region has to offer, in particular Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Although Italy is a country blessed with great beauty throughout I truly left a piece of my heart behind in Campania. We were also lucky enough to visit Rome on both occasions – a city without equal.
Below are links to the posts on my Italian adventures. Here’s a quick peek at the delicious recipes included in these posts:
I hope you enjoy . . .
Ravello, a gem of the Amalfi Coast – and how to make the most delicious seafood linguine
Rome, the Eternal City – and how to make a classic Spaghetti Carbonara
Sorrento, the gateway to Italy’s Amalfi Coast – and how to make delicious risotto
Italy’s Amalfi Coast – spectacular Positano (and a recipe for classic Aubergine Parmigiana)
Pizza in Naples, Pasta in Rome
Tracey O'Brien 
It looks like we share the same love for writing, travel and food. And those dishes, they look delicious! I know what I’m having tomorrow. 🙂
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Thanks so much Rini. I hope you enjoy!
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Tracey, I wish you all the best for 2017 and I am totally looking forward to your year 2 of blogging! Do you have any special travels in mind for this year?
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Thanks Annika. Wishing you a fabulous 2017 also. I love your blog so can’t wait to see what you post in the coming months. We’ll definitely be travelling at some point this year but still deciding on where! So many possibilities. Very exciting.
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You’re welcome and thank you! I hope your travels will pop up in your blog, I can’t wait to read about your culinary adventures!
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Well done Trace youv’e almost convinced us to return to Italy!!
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I cannot wait to return here! Great post!
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Thank you! I can’t wait either.
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These pictures are beautiful; they capture the essence of Italy perfectly 🙂
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Thank you for the lovely comment. I almost think it would be difficult to take a bad picture of Italy. Such a beautiful place.
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😍next time you have to come to florence !!!! happy easter there!
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Thanks so much! I’ve been to Florence once many years ago and fell in love with the city as I have with the whole of Italy. Will definitely make sure I return. Hope you had a lovely Easter.
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I’ve been in Sorrento and Amalfi coast exactly last summer 🙂 yes, for a food lover I think Italy is one of the best places where to adventure in food experiences…I don’t say it just because I’m Italian 😀 Also because there are 20 regions and all with different food, the north is very different than the south, you can experience mountain food and sea food, countless cheese and hams/sausages with very long history and tradition behind, countless recipes with pasta (dried and fresh), some of the best cakes and sweets (also these are very different from north to south), etc.
Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia, Tuscany, the Lombardy lakes, Trentino, Emilia Romagna, Valle D’Aosta, etc….they all worth a food-travel! 🙂
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I would love to see the whole of Italy and enjoy the food from all the regions. I know it can differ enormously. My husband and I will be in Florence later in the year so really looking forward to that. Thanks so much for this fantastic comment – you’ve given me a list of other towns and regions I’d love to see. Italy is my favourite place and I plan to get back there as often as possible.
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I’m glad then 🙂 if you have questions about Italy that I might be able to answer, feel free to ask when you need 🙂
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Thank you!
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