A week and a half ago on Italy began the tentative steps to reopen after ten weeks of “lockdown” or “quarantena” due to Covid-19. The Sunday before the restrictions were due to be lifted there was a distinct buzz in the air. Verona was ready to consider the new normal. Couples in masks strolled besideContinue reading “Oh the irony.”
Author Archives: Rebecca
Wistful.
A little while ago my boss got in touch to see how I was doing. “How’re you feeling?” She asked. “Wistful” I replied. “That’s so terribly British of you.” It’s funny, because I hadn’t really put any thought into my reply, it was genuinely spontaneous, and I don’t think even I realised how true itContinue reading “Wistful.”
Seven.
Today is Sunday, and marks seven weeks since we made the tough decision to get my husband on a flight to the UK before the Italian lockdown was put into place. It was a strange morning. Neither of us really wanted to accept the fact that it was the right decision, there was no timeContinue reading “Seven.”
The moment your life changes forever.
Last Sunday I touched down at London Heathrow with my life changed forever. The previous Friday I had successfully retaken my Vinitaly International Academy exam and could now call myself an Italian Wine Ambassador. Not only that, but I’d secured my dream job…in Italy. Leaving in four weeks. So far I’ve booked a one wayContinue reading “The moment your life changes forever.”
The problem with salad.
I had a salad for lunch today. It’s summer, I’m trying to eat lighter meals to counteract the carb-fest of revision. Plus I really like wine (this much I hope is obvious by now) and so I can’t cut calories that way because we all know it’s never going to happen. Oh, and I reallyContinue reading “The problem with salad.”
What’s next?
Last Wednesday at 4.40pm I put down my pen and sealed my WSET Diploma theory papers in their envelope, handed them in for marking and with around 300 other people left the room where I’d spent five hours being examined on my wine knowledge. It’s hard to articulate what my feeling was stepping out ofContinue reading “What’s next?”
My own worst enemy
I’m lying awake in the middle of the night having woken myself up (again) worrying about how I’m going to tackle everything I know about Bordeaux – and more significantly everything I don’t – in one day. According to my schedule that’s what I had. 8-10 hours to hit the books and come out knowingContinue reading “My own worst enemy”
When your WhatsApp group saves the day.
My taught classes for the WSET diploma are rapidly coming to an end. At 5.30pm on Wednesday March 7th I will be released into the world of private study and left to fend for myself until the finals on June 13th. I’m not going to lie, I am somewhat dreading that moment. That point whenContinue reading “When your WhatsApp group saves the day.”
Anyone got an aspirin?
A trait that my husband and I share is our approach to achieving the “big things”. Our strategy has always been to break it down into the smallest steps. Each foot forward is therefore attainable, gives a morale boost, and inches you closer to the amazing thing you want. At least that’s the theory anyway.Continue reading “Anyone got an aspirin?”
Just 134 more things….
At the end of last year I did something rather whimsical. Or at least I thought it was. I’ve had my eye on the Vinitaly International Academy certification course. It’s basically the most intensive, complex and thus prestigious course you can take if you want to specialise in Italian wines. It’s five days of lecturesContinue reading “Just 134 more things….”
