It’s been a long held dream of mine to go to Italy and learn some authentic Italian cooking skills, so when Honor met Sofia and they put together a plan, I was in.
My cousin Jo was to join us too, so we paid our deposit and kept up with a growing itinerary with excitement.
On Tuesday we arrived at Stansted to meet up with a few other participants and arrived after a slight delay to our venue, Corte San Rufillo. The rooms were exsquisite, I had a huge bed, a balcony, a bath and shower that had lights that changed colour. It was perfect. also my room name was Celeste.
Over the next three days we bonded as a group, characters galore, with some blossoming after being anxious about meeting new people. Many things were talked about, some very personal, and emotions were never far away. It proved that no matter where you are from, what you do, or how you live – we are bonded by struggles, life events and how we work through them. It is magical.
We’ve laughed, cried, eaten too much but it was so rewarding. I feel energised, grateful and appreciative of my family and support of friends.
The bread and pasta making were great too, I’ve learnt a few things, and came back with flour, olive oil and aceto and a tool to make styles of pasta. Sofia’s demonstrations, her joy and passion for cooking apparent. Her pride in her country of birth, the food, the culture evident. Honor was a supportive and able, glamorous assistant.
The truffle hunting was fun, and a chance to align with what nature can provide. I’m so very happy to have been, I felt at home and it evoked what life would’ve been like for my grandparents.
I wouldn’t hesitate to do another culinary, gastronomical experience and would recommend to anyone interested to just do it.
My little life 