Duck Duck Goose

The best thing that could happen to any traveler is that they fall into un-chartered territory. I mean, step right into it. Although we don’t admit it, this is exactly why all of us travel. The odd things that happen along the way are what bring color to the journey. They are the moments we remember and tell again and again to our friends back at home. No postcard can capture them. No iphone can send them. They are just part of who we are as voyeurs and eventually lead us to the next adventure.

This year has been no exception for Ciao Bella Tours and myself personally. The year started with a bang in Paris, snow covered Paris, people stuck on the Eurostar...that Paris. It was a grand affair, with happy clients snuggled in their hotel beds, or gathering in wine bars and Parisian Brasseries like there was no tomorrow. Live jazz filled the streets once the sun came out and this year the locals seemed particularly friendly.

Then came the Russian Mafia. I was offered an assignment to go down to Mougins in the South of France to help with the renovations of a luxury home on the coast overlooking Cannes. The next thing I knew I was flown down there, practically airlifted from London to Nice, only to find I was in house arrest in a lonely loveless home. I was returned to Europe like an unwanted Christmas gift no sooner than I could say “Babushka”.

The months following in London seemed the longest of my life and quite frankly, probably were. Somehow I seemed to age right before my very eyes and decided this was no way to grow old. Paris was calling. The month of July was filled with hot days, hot nights and unbearable sweltering discomfort from every angle. I loved it. You can never be too uncomfortable in Paris. Armed with a tiny 13m2 studio, a clic clac and some seriously chilled rosé, I took the city by storm. The month was dedicated to improving the CiaoChase Paris and without hesitation I can say it is fantastic. Clever clues, risqué riddles will lead you all over the city to experience it like you never have before. A grand success you might say.

Then came the cave spelunking. My “associate” (my big brother actually) and I spent 3 weeks traveling through New Zealand in a Camper Van working on a new travel television series we are going to pitch early next year. I can’t give all the details way, but for viewers you’ll soon find an enticing pilot that highlights crazy adventures such as skiing on an active volcano, cave repelling, black water rafting, wine tasting, jet boating and waterfall hiking. Oh, and your favorite travel planner will be there for the ride.

Now I’m in Italy, where I truly feel I belong and want everyone that travels with Ciao to experience it too. I needed to spend 2 weeks back in my old stomping ground in Tuscany, scouting the area for even better finds, more beautiful vineyards, villas with sweeping views and of course, some great vino.

I’m living on a farm near Pievescola, an actual working farm with actual working chickens. I’m not sure what time they clock on but I hear them at all hours of the day. Don’t worry, I won’t send any of you here. This is just a home base while I go out every day to meet the very people who you will make your tour incredible. From wine producers to villa owners, olive oil connoisseurs and cheese makers to tiny hilltop villages, I’ve driven my little Fiat 500 all over Tuscany. Ciao Bella clients will be thrilled with my findings, so get ready for some very creative tours for you passionate people in 2011.

Today, I hung up my wet laundry out on the line near the chicken coop. I chatted in Italian with the grandmother of the family farm who doted a lovely thick mustache, but I discovered she was the kindest soul I’ve ever met. It seemed we had a moment but it maybe something might have been lost in translation. Ask anyone; those are usually without a doubt my best conversations. The chickens, though, seemed happy enough to peck right along with their day. I, on the other hand, have decided the adventure doesn’t stop here. There will be more, many more. More colors, more moments and with a little help, more memories to share with all of you.

Buon viaggo!

Nichole

New Year: New Outlook

Inspiration comes in many forms. I tend to find it when I’m on the road, traveling to new and exciting places, trying new things and certainly speaking new languages. For myself and many of us, 2009 was not the greatest year for inspiration.
With foreclosures, unemployment and homeland security issues, the prospect of international travel seemed pretty slim if not impossible. I spent last year flying between the UK and the US, sort of lost in life, and found myself, a travel consultant, with very little to consult on.

But let’s not forget that Ciao Bella did indeed have many a happy client last year. We had a family of 3 generations travel through Barcelona, Paris and Italy. We had mothers and daughters explore the wonders of Tuscany together and an adventurous independent traveler see Paris through the eyes of her camera. We had two couples on their honeymoon, a Golden Wedding Anniversary and a surprise engagement on bended knee in Provence.

We had physically challenged clients see the wonders of Versailles by private tour, a pastry fanatic search for Vienna’s tastiest treats and overworked businessmen bike through the Chianti hillside. We had a father and daughter travel to Granada's magical Alhambra and a happy couple hike through the Swiss Alps. We had a recovering patient enjoy the view of the vineyards from his private villa, and a family brave the December snowstorm which left them stranded in the City of Light with only wine, French food and an attentive travel consultant to take care of them. Overall, it was an exceptionally good year.

With the New Year also comes a new outlook for many of us. I know it does for me. With big plans to do more of the small things in life, I look forward to the adventures that lay ahead of us and the new friends I’ll make along the way.

Happy Travels Everyone,

Nichole

One Day In Paris

Paris, unlike any other city in the world, can provoke such utterly powerful emotions that one cannot help but get caught up in the moment. One day in Paris can bring out the best in us, the worst, expanding our knowledge of all things we thought we knew before stepping on seemingly solid Parisian ground.

Imagine........Waking up in your flat on rue Lepic to sounds of German and American tourists, following the flag of their fearless leader as they climb the never-ending hills to heart of it all, the glorious Sacré Coeur. Your feet can’t keep up, each cobblestone becoming a blur among the passing boulangeries, the intoxicating smell of fresh croissant so early in the morning an invitation to stop. The view from the cathedral is stunning, a realistic portrayal of Parisian life, sleepy and gray and waiting to be discovered.

Pressed heavily onto the metro amongst those hurrying off to work, you soon find yourself with no real destination or purpose. Standing uncomfortably, you count each stop in anticipation. Sweat begins to drip down the small of your back beneath the winter coat you prematurely put on this morning in hopes to push the season. The buzzer sounds, a mad dash for the door, and the line begins to move. Each cold aversion of morning eye contact is deafening, the next stop doesn’t seem to come fast enough. You shove your way out, running up the stairs to reach daylight, the fresh air pouring over you. You’ve finally found your place again.

Lunchtime in St Germain encompasses everything you’ve ever wanted to see in a French film. With a table near the window, you to shamelessly people watch, taking in the fluid footsteps of the perfectly coiffed femmes on the street. Annoyed by the close proximity of your neighboring table, their incessant silence, and the alluring way they look at one another. The waiter arrives, rushed, unpleasant and irritated when he realizes you haven’t noticed the specials on the black board. Le Plat du Jour you say without thinking, avoiding an adolescent confrontation with him. Soon arrives a demi carafe of vin rouge, un-labled, without domaine, just as you are, sitting there feeling nostalgic for the sweet scent of ghostly cigarettes that no longer exist. As the check arrives you’re overcome by a wave of disappointment, sounding that the meal is over and soon you are pushed out onto rue des Cannettes as if you never came.

By afternoon, the leafs in the Tuilleries are damp, clinging to your boots as you button your coat against the chill. The slow procession leading up to the Louvre is a reminder of things greater than this solitary moment. Heading home, pacing yourself for the climb, each passing person a shadow, a swift stroke like Monet’s brush on canvas. You hear music above as your key turns in the door, creaking floorboards beneath your heavy heart, the muffled grunt of a neighbor downstairs, water running, a warm place to call home. The broken latch on the window, flung open, invites a gust of wind through the room, like grandmother’s cold hands on your face. The bells chime slowly, signaling the day is done.

The New Look of Ciao Bella Tours!

Greetings from Italy!

To all my clients, colleagues, friends and family, I am very happy to announce the new look of Ciao Bella Tours. Working closely with our web designer at Alt29, we've managed to create a more professional and dynamic site that will hopefully inspire everyone to travel to Europe this next year!

Thanks again to everyone who has made this season a success. I hope to see you all soon!

Nichole Buscher

All Roads Lead to Rome...

My time here in Tuscany has officially come to a close...for now. I'm leaving the sleepy town of Arezzo and heading for bigger and better cities. And as they say, all roads lead to Rome.

The move was a practical one for some reasons. As many of you know, we offer quite a lot of tours and activities in Rome, so it made sense to try and set up shop there and really get to know the city from the inside out. But I have to say for once, it wasn't work that inspired the sudden move, it was the city itself.

Years ago, on my first visit to the capital, I felt overwhelmed and slightly put off by Rome. It seemed too big, too noisy, too many of those crazy Vespa riding Italians. The years went on and it started to grow on me, but more so as a vacation place, or a quick weekend to meet friends or catch up with one of our guides.

Last month, I finally understood. The fall of Rome isn't about history, but about what happens to people when they finally "get it". You fall in love with it's quirks and discover a whole new feel for the city. On my visit, I tried to do a few things I'd done in the past but take a new look at it. My morning visit to the Borghese Museum and gardens was spectacular. It was unlike anything I'd experienced before. The museum, in my mind, is on par with the Louvre, offering some of the most impressive sculptures and statues I've ever seen. Campo de'Fiori, Fontana del Mascherone, Trastevere and even the now popular Monti area were calling me. I think I had the best four days of single travel, ever. That says a lot coming from a travel consultant.

But it wasn't just sightseeing. It was the people. Although the Italians in general are very kind, open and eager to chat, there is something about the energy in Rome that propels you to speak to people. It's a living, breathing city. And now I live and breath here.

Be sure to check back regularly for updates on our new tours in Rome, the guides I've been meeting and the wonderful stories only a city like Rome can tell.

New Town...New Toscana

For those eager readers out there, you might be surprised to find that my three month stay in Lucca has finally come to a close. Although the town itself is spectacular to visit as a tourist, I found it's medieval walls to be a bit confining at times. But oh, things I learned! From local scandals between butchers to the secret social etiquette known only to the elite Lucchese, my time there was certainly an experience not to forget.

So where am I headed now? Before heading home for my best friends wedding (congratulations Tom & Amanda!) I managed to find a little place in the lovely town of Arezzo. Maybe some of you have heard of it before from the Academy Award winning film "Life is Beautiful". With little time to fully explore before my departure, I returned "home" this week, suitcase in hand, ready to have a good look at life on the other side of Toscana. Located near the Chianti wine region, I'm in heaven. Ready to wet my whistle on a local Brunello di Montalcino or a personal favorite, Vino Nobile di Montipulciano, I forsee my summer here to be a jolly one.

It's not always about the wine (or food I guess). I'll be taking the time to make new local contacts with guides, private chefs, Tuscan villas, and really get to know this part of the country. With local towns nearby such as Cortona, Montepulciano, Montevarchi, and so many more, how can you resist? Check back monthly for my reports and details on new tours as they are experienced.

Where on Earth.....???

Some of you loyal CBT readers may be wondering where on earth I am these days? That's an easy answer: Everywhere!

After my stay in Monteleone (Umbria) I found myself on a 3 week vacation to Thailand with my brother. What a trip! I need an entirely different Blog for this! After returning to Europe, I was lucky enough to find a place in the lovely city of Lucca, a fantastic medieval town in the heart of Tuscany. Here I'm continuing my Italian lessons and my search for the perfect "Super Tuscan Wines"....check out my article on Planet Eye's "Florence" Expert Page: www.planeteye.com

But how do I stay busy? Well this week I'm back in Paris, making visits to all your favorite guides, suppliers and restaurants to make sure our high standards are being met for this busy upcoming season. I had the opportunity to spend the day in Borgogne with one of our favorite wine sommeliers...it was incredible! With visits to small, private vineyards boasting the regions best Chablis & Pinot Noir wines, I was in heaven. This is a perfect day trip from Paris and our host will make you feel more like family friends than a tourist. I was welcomed with open arms into 12th century caves, private cellars and people's homes. This will be a lasting memory!

I've also spent quite a bit of time here in Paris getting ready for the Ciao Chase, researching new locations and working my magic at those crazy riddles our clients love so much. Our next step is to continue the Chase on to Italy, so keep your eye out for our new Ciao Chase Florence coming soon!

We are also happy to continue our collaboration with Paris Vacation Apartments and Provence West. Please have a look at their websites if you're looking for luxury accommodations in either Paris or the South of France-both agencies are incredible!

We are happy to welcome a small selection of new guides to our family. They really are the people who make these trips so wonderful.

To all our clients going to France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium & the Netherlands this summer, we wish you all a great season! Happy Travels from everyone here at Ciao Bella Tours!