2011 was a whirlwind of a year for me. Looking back much of it seems like a blur. My twin boys were born in December of 2010, just three weeks before the beginning of the new year so a large chunk was spent getting to know my little guys, taking care of them, and cherishing every minute. Much of Vindulge (both the business and the blog), was put on the backburner while taking time getting used to my new role as a mother, business owner, and blogger. Though I don’t think I’ll ever be able to say things are entirely under control, I can say with confidence that I am ready to devote more time to Vindulge. And what a better way to inspire this new goal than by traveling to Italy, for nine days, sans family!
In just ten short days I will be leaving for Italy for the International Wine Tourism Conference taking place in Perugia, the heart of Umbria. During the conference I am presenting a seminar titled, “A Sense of Place: How to leverage your region and place to enhance the customer experience”. I am excited to be presenting to my peers and sitting in on many of the interesting topics and panels that will be presented throughout this three-day event.
In addition to the conference I am participating in a Blogger/Media trip visiting the towns of Orvieto, Montefalco, Torgiano within the region of Umbria, and ending in the region of Campania, among many others. Our eight day itinerary will include a crazy amount of sight seeing, visiting historic wineries and properties, cooking classes, demos, and food and wine pairings (you all know this is one of my favorite things!). Suffice to say I am thrilled about this trip and the opportunity to be part of such an experience.
This will be my first time away from my boys for longer than a single night, and I am a bit nervous to be apart from them for so long. I have no doubt, with such a packed itinerary, there will be plenty to keep me distracted. And though I am sad to leave my boys for so long I am getting giddy like a child for this trip to begin.
If you are interested in learning more about the conference, feel free to click here. You can also follow along on their . You can be sure I will be , , and blogging all about my adventures while I am there and for the weeks that follow after I return!
Now I just have to know, what are your favorites places in Italy?
Ciao
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I spent years living in Italy and Perugia is one of my favorite cities! Love the international vibe of the university and of course, the Chocolate Festival! Buon Divertimento!
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Sounds like a truly incredible trip, and a great opportunity for you!! I know you are there now (today is Jan. 29, ’12), and that you’re having a great time!!
I know a lot of people say they don’t like Venice because of the crowds, but I have to say that is one of my favorite places in Italy. There is no place like it in the world, and it’s just so romantic and stunningly beautiful.
Torino has a food scene that is totally off-the-charts!! Being the capital of Piemonte, of course, some of the best wines in the world are so easily accessible, you can’t NOT love the city!
I’m going to Piemonte in February with my partner and my chef, and I have a sneeking suspicion I’ll be saying for the rest of my life that Piemonte is my favorite place in Italy!
Have fun Mary!!!!!
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