Italy has always brought me a sense of peace and well being, one of the reasons I came here and stayed. I can only encourage you to enjoy Italy for all the reasons everyone loves this country so much--its history, art, landscape, and fabulous food! But these blessings take time to soak in and truly appreciate. It's something you should take slowly. This simple philosophy motivated the founders of Slow Food. Begun as a counter attack to the arrival of McDonald's in Italy, Slow Food is dedicated to preserving the diversity of all countries and savoring their unique flavors. (Since opening the first McDonald's in 1985, the number of restaurants has grown to 230 throughout Italy with over 10,000 employees.) To learn more about the world-wide Slow Food movement, explore these links: > The second edition of Toscana Slow, a four-day event June 5-8, 2003, explores the best of Tuscan food and wine. This year's theme is "The Pleasure of Discovery." There are organized tastings, dinners, classes, tours, and festivals. If you're in Italy in June, let me know and I'd be glad to help you organize an event. > Don't miss the web sites for Slow Food International and Slow Food U.S.A. Consider joining or forming a Slow Food convivium in your community. > Not formally associated with Slow Food, but dedicated to its spirit, Slow Travelers is an excellent stop for ideas and reviews for smart travelers. It's one of my favorite travel sites on the web! I took the photographs on this page at the Salone del Gusto, the major Slow Food International event held every October in Turin, Italy. Consider attending next year. Join others who love to stop and smell the prosciutto. Don't miss my bonus newsletter on sagre, local food festivals throughout Italy. NEWSLETTERS Life's Too Short [fall 2005] Pasqua [march 2005] Estate [summer 2004] Primavera [spring 2004] Tuscan Chocolate Valley [winter 2003] I Scream, U Scream, We All Scream for...Gelato! [summer 2003] Slow Food, Slow Travel [spring 2003] Sagre, Sagre, Sagre! [spring 2003] Tuscan Virgins [fall 2002] Fall Festivals [fall 2002] La Notte di San Lorenzo [summer 2002] Fireflies & Fireworks [summer 2002] I Love EWE! [spring 2002] Andrea's Christmas Dinner [winter 2001] Addio Bistecca alla Fiorentina! [summer 2001] Guelfa e Ghibellini [late summer 2001] Tartufi, Feste & Sagre [fall 2000] Piatti del Buon Ricordo [summer 2000] COMING SOON! Carrara: Marble & White Prosciutto