A Tuscan State Of Mind

Sometimes traveling isn't just about going to aThe green, aromatic oil tastes so fresh and so
destination; it's a state of mind. Physically, I'velight that you taste what you are meant to taste
been trapped in South Carolina for seven months- the fruit of the olive tree - and not something
now while mentally I try and put myself back inreminiscent to wheel bearing grease. So even if
my favorite European places. One of my verymy bruschetta is made from imported North
favorites is the Tuscany region of Italy. While theCarolina tomatoes, South Carolina french bread,
city in South Carolina is a blistering desert ofparmesan from Kraft, and dried basil from a lousy
concrete, Tuscany radiates a rejuvenatinglittle plastic jar (out of fresh basil again...), I still
warmth that washes over you like the rollinghave my beautiful drizzling Tuscan olive oil.
green of the hills.Italians also understand and appreciate the
Since I'm currently unable to experience the areaconcept of 'breaks' (and not the 15 minute kind).
in person, I can only do what I can to substituteTime doesn't rule a Tuscan's day, rather it
the experience. CDs full of pictures taken duringrevolves around life at the moment. I rush from
my travels bring back stifled laughs and fondone end of my current hometown to the other,
memories. The coffee table books I've collectedrunning errands and trying to make it to
over the years are so full of intense color andappointments on time - in Italy, being late is
vivid landscape scenes that it makes my ache'normale.' And when it gets to lunchtime, there's
even worse. I even read "Under the Tuscan Sun"no rushing through the meal and then jumping
this week (which isn't done justice by the movie).back into a schedule. Between the shining sun at
Mayes is such a descriptive writer. She does suchits zenith and a full stomach that's pulling you into
a perfect job bringing the area to life and Ia food coma, the day calls for a siesta. This
believe, deserves much credit for putting Cortonaingenious concept not only refreshes the body but
on the map. Her book stirs memories of my oneit literally pulls your mind into another world. Why
day in this little town - hot chocolate and pastriesfret about the next two hours when everyone
at a little café in the morning, gelato under aelse's life has also come to a relaxing standstill?
patio umbrella in the pouring rain, and linenDaydream, watch the tall grasses blow in the
shopping after the sun triumphed over thewind, or drink a cappuccino among friends with a
stubborn clouds. It almost makes me forget thatvineyard as a backdrop. Until the notion of a daily
my 'gelato' is now Eddy's or something fromsiesta takes hold in America, I attempt to create
Dairy Queen.my own with plastic patio furniture and a
I also try to substitute with cooking - of course,Coca-Cola ...that is, until the phone starts to ring
I'm far from the authentic cuisine I once savoredwith endless telemarketers anxious to sell me
in the local family-owned restaurants. Tortellini alsiding or refinance my mortgage.
forno, penne al'arabiatta, even plain old spaghettiThere are just some places that feed your soul
marinara is a work of art in Tuscany. I throw basiland remain in your heart no matter where you
around like it's going out of style, get all giddygo. The rise and fall of the graceful hills, the
when I find a sweet gorgonzola or pecorinoglittery silver-green leaves of the olive trees, the
cheese at the grocery store, and keep Verdi onway the aged bricks glow in the last rays of the
full volume while I create my own personal Italy inevening sun all call me back for more. In the
the kitchen. Fortunately, I've been able to bringmeantime, though, I'll remain in a Tuscan state of
back the very best extra virgin olive oil in themind.
entire country - La Macchia.