DolceChianti + ChrisBlog

New Year in Switzerland, up on the Moléson!

2011-01-01T17:52:00.000+01:00

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T16:30:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone! I wish you a marvelous, brilliant, happy, joyful, flowing and peaceful new year 2011!

Carissimi saluti

Christina

Shiatsu practitioner, Wine, Pottery taster course

2010-09-16T22:25:00.000+02:00

I finally found a few minutes to write the newest stuff. Since the 31st August 2010 I'm officially a Shiatsu practitioner!!! I'm proud and I'm happy that after 5 years of study I do have my degree. I'm specializing in Shiatsu for pregnant women and did already a seminar specific for that, but this weekend I will do another one in Milano to get more into it. Flyers from Albero dello Yoga are made special for pregnant women and moms and I hope that this will get to the right persons.

Beside this exiting thing I'm doing my work as an expert for Chianti Classico wine, working a lot these days and being busy explaining wine and aromas to my clients. The very long and wet winter 2009/2010 delayed the blooming of the vines and delayed the harvest. Some vineyards start next week with it, when in further years they already started the harvest 2 weeks ago... so guess!

The pottery taster course does have a good echo with my clients and it's a real cool thing to offer! I'm happy that my idea does work so great.

Super! Es gibt neue Designs bei Blogger!!

2010-06-15T00:16:00.001+02:00

Und das heisst, ich kann spiiieleeheen!!! So cool...

cari saluti

Christina

Neue Handgepäckvorschriften für EU

2010-06-14T23:52:00.005+02:00

So, damit das auch wieder mal up to date ist, hier der aktuelle Link von Lufthansa, für die ganzen

HANDGEPÄCKBESTIMMUNGEN.

Viel Spass beim Fliegen!!!

New Chianti event tour = pottery taster course!

2010-04-18T23:18:00.000+02:00

Hi there!

I have good news! I could talk one of the most famous terra cotta artist from Impruneta, Sergio Ricceri, into a "pottery tasting course" for my clients. Backstage I'm preparing this new entry for my website, some pics will be added so you can see how he looks like and then be exited!!! The "old" Chianti event tour doesn't exist anymore. The new one is more special, only available on Fridays and only for a few people. This is to guarantee a personal course and with enough time for each of you.

I'm exited too. I did a long time ago a project with Sergio, he made the basics of my art pieces which I brought to Bern for an exhibition and I did the gilding up, painting, decoration. He's an awesome artist and a delight to spend an afternoon with!

So if you have only the slightest interest in terra cotta, don't miss this event!!! And the detailed description with pics will be very soon updated on my website. Within the week for sure!

cari saluti

Christina

Juheee!!!!

2010-04-10T22:30:00.000+02:00

Der Frühling ist angekommen!!! Überall grünt und blüht es, für Allergiegeplagte fast zu viel. Heute waren es im Chianti Classico um Greve 21° und ich konnte "nur" mit der Businessjacke über dem Pullover statt mit der Winterjacke rumlaufen. Herrlich!! War heute den ganzen Tag bei Vicchiomaggio, viele Touren geben und viel reden und dafür tut mir der Hals weh. Das Übliche halt.

Heute nach Arbeitsschluss dann noch schnell ein Apéro mit meiner Bekannten bei Nerbone auf der Loungeterrasse. Noch herrlicher. Und das Käseplättlich, welches ich Gestern zum Zmittag gegessen habe, werde ich mit meiner Schwester Ende Juli definitiv wiederholen. Bestellt.

cari saluti

Christina

Wieder in der Toscana

2010-03-26T21:59:00.004+01:00

Mit einer dicken Erkältung bin ich wieder zu meinem Lebenspartner in die Toscana gefahren und habe einmal mehr die Zugfahrt durch verschneite Schweizerberge und typische italienische Landschaft genossen. Mit allerhand Schweizerischem im Gepäck wie z.B. einem Poster von Paul Klee, Herbamare, Knorr Suppen und einem Minibär Finn, kam ich in meinem italienischen zuhause an und freue mich, ab nächster Woche wieder mit meiner Saison zu starten. Touren stehen an und abwechslungsreiche Arbeit für ein Weingut. Die Shiatsubehandlungen beginne ich ab Mittwoch wieder, leider musste ich sie alle absagen, da es sich sehr schlecht macht, den PatientInnen ins Gesicht zu husten.

Bei der Durchsicht von all meinen Fotos (diesmal auf meinem Notebook zu Hause, also grösser...) sah ich noch den hier:

und zwar sah ich diesen bezaubernden "Bisiterrier" - der mich einfach zu fest an Milou erinnerte - im Laden von Fiona Losinger, Sattlerin aus Leidenschaft, in der Münstergasse 48 zu Hause und ganz bestimmt einen Besuch wert!

cari saluti!

Ein paar Eindrücke von Bern

2010-03-19T19:10:00.008+01:00

Mit der Kamera bewaffnet war ich in den letzten Tagen in Bern unterwegs, um u.a. Fotos von meiner Familie und Freunden zu machen. Die Gelegenheit bot sich aber des öfteren, um ganz spontan Fotos zu machen, enormer Vorteil wenn man das Teil auch immer in der Tasche hat. Hier ein paar von diesen Eindrücken.

Berner Spatz beim Wasser trinken

Das Zifferblatt der weltberühmten Zytgloggeuhr in Bern

Und eine schöne Abendstimmung vom Bärenpark, rauf in die Altstadt von Bern.

Evtl. kommen noch mehr, mal schauen. Ich geniesse jedenfalls die paar Tage Ferien hier noch.

cari saluti

Heute im Bärenpark Bern

2010-03-15T22:55:00.009+01:00

Endlich habe ich es geschafft! Bei wunderbarem Wetter sind meine Schwester und ich heute in den Bärenpark und hatten das Riesenglück, Björk und ihre Kleinen draussen zu sehen. Leider liegt mein Zoomobjektiv in der Tasche zu Hause in Greve und ich habe nur mein 50 mm mit dabei. Eher kurz für dieses Unterfangen, wobei ich nicht mit einem freundlichen Fotografen gerechnet habe, der mir spontan sein Supermegaobjektiv ausgeliehen hat. Dieses Foto hat er dann von mir gemacht, und was soll ich sagen: das wäre mein Traumobjektiv!

Und natürlich dürfen Fotos von Bjoerk mit ihren Jungen sowie Finn (mein Lieblingsbär!) nicht fehlen.

"Hilf mir mal runter!!"

Das habe ich mit dem Superduperobjektiv gemacht!

Doppelter Finn - mein Lieblingsbär!

Alarmbereitschaft!

cari saluti!

Christina

Bern hat mich gern

2010-03-12T11:26:00.005+01:00

Zu Besuch bei meiner Schwester und heute Morgen Fotosession mit den zwei Main Coon Katzen gemacht. Kater Merlin und Katze Venus. Zwei die es in sich haben ;-)

Hiking in Chianti near Greve

2010-03-07T12:18:00.003+01:00

This might me interesting for hiking people who will be around Greve for their holidays. Yesterday I took my two Russell Terriers and drove with the car to Monte San Michele, parked there and started my hiking tour. I headed towards Lamole which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes without brake, to then walk from Lamole to Casole on the asphalted street and then up again to Monte San Michele, which takes another 1 hour 10 minutes.

The whole round trip took me about 3 hours, including two breaks to eat something out of my back pack. It was a beautiful day, very cold and with a stiff breeze, but all over a worthwhile thing! Walking trough forests and along vineyards (specially at Lamole and Casole) with the amazing panorama of the Colli del Chianti around you is a must for everyone who loves to hike. I would not begin at Casole because the way up to San Michele is fairly stiff and may not be fun to start with. During summer time the Ristoro at Monte San Michele is open and can substitute your back pack lunch.

Unfortunately I forgot my camera, otherwise I could present you now some pictures. I will definitively do another hike in a few month when it's warmer. Again from Monte San Michele, but this time towards Volpaia, takes around 2 hours, having lunch there at the Ristoro and then heading back to Monte San Michele. All through forests and beautiful landscapes.

If you have questions about hiking Greve, let me know and I can give you some itineraries.

Känguru in der Toscana

2010-03-05T11:53:00.003+01:00

Gestern habe ich ein solches Tier in unserem Garten gesehen....

... woher es wohl kommen mag? Und noch wichtiger: wohin geht es???

Playing around with colors and layout

2010-03-04T20:02:00.003+01:00

Is it boring? Not really, but I was thinking on changing from Blogger to Wordpress and gave it a second guess. I do have my Blog account since many years now, I do have my Picasa account and should just use the two better. And publish it as well on my DolceChianti.com website. So here we go, new it's all in blaaaaaack, one of my favorite "no colors" which I guess will help my pictures to be shown better. Plus you find a nice gadget on your right hand side with a slide show made from my Picasa webalbum. Of course feel free to visit my webalbum directly to find out more about my picture taking.

Other new things? Well the weather is not sure to present Springtime or to turn back to Winter temperature... my lighter clothes still remain in the closet. I'm looking very forward to visit my family and friends in Bern next week and chat with all of them. There at least I know it's still kind of cold, Switzerland is still Switzerland!

I will take my camera with me, only with the 50 mm lens to see if I finally can make pictures with my "new rule": what's behind the picture and see what you can left out instead of what you could bring in.

I had some nice wines lately, but nothing new: a Teroldego Rotoliano from Trento, always a good choice! Finished the barrel aged Vermentino from Sardegna, Cantine Santa Maria la Palma. Finished the Cabernet Sauvignon Farnito from Carpineto. Drunk the Gustavo Petri from Vicchiomaggio and my wine rack is starting to be very empty!

That's it for now. To give you a good reason to visit my webgallery:

Im Februar, im Februar...

2010-02-16T22:05:00.002+01:00

...da habe ich das erforderte Level 5 was ich nach dem Level 6 wiederholen musste, für die Zulassung an Level 7 gemacht! Ein weiterer Meilenstein auf meinem Weg zur Shiatsutherapeutin, ich werde in der letzten Augustwoche das Diplom machen. Jetzt fehlen mir nur noch mehr Praxisstunden, das Element Wasser in der TCM, Seminar und die Diplomarbeit. An der ich arbeite und selber gespannt bin, wie sich die Behandlungen auf meine Patientin auswirken. Bis jetzt jedenfalls gut.

Im März fahre ich wieder für kurze Zeit nach Bern um meine Familie und Freunde zu besuchen und dann geht es los mit Touren, mit noch mehr Shiatsu und diversen Sachen die man so braucht um zu leben.

Seit letzter Woche bin ich wieder im Gym und mache nach 1 1/2 jähriger Pause zuerst mal den leichten circuit um meine ganze Muskulatur nach den Unfällen und OP wieder auf Vordermann zu bringen. Nach der Bernpause geht es dann los mit Gewichteheben und heavy curcuit training. Darauf freue ich mich schon sehr!

Hier ist es sonst eher trüb, es regnet oft und viel und ich bin wie jedes Jahr froh, haben wir einen Schwedenofen. Ohne den wäre es schlicht zu kalt.

Und mehr habe ich nicht zu vermelden. Bis bald also!

cari saluti

Christina

Danke ans Team F1a Frauenklinik Universitätspital Bern

2009-11-17T16:19:00.003+01:00

Vielen Dank für die gute Betreuung während meines Aufenthaltes bei ihnen! Ich habe mich wohl und geborgen gefühlt und die Freundlichkeit und Professionalität waren auf jeden Fall mit ein Grund, wieso ich wieder so schnell auf den Beinen war. Jetzt relaxe ich und geniesse das dolce far niente, bis ich wieder hopsen kann!

Grazie mille!!

Christina

I still owe you...

2009-11-17T11:00:00.002+01:00

... the result of my "Ripa delle More '97" experience. It was amazing. It was like drinking liquid, dark chocolate, filled with black currant, cedar, coffee, vanilla, tobacco - which was very very long lasting! It was a "sipping experience" as it was just too strong to be a regular drinking wine. O.k. no wonder!

I'm in Switzerland right now, recovering from a surgery and very happy to be a Swiss citizen, paying monthly the Swiss health care to benefit from it, when needed. I worked for a longer time at the University Hospital in Bern and planned to do the surgery there. Top quality, professionalism and high tech health care. Great staff, friendly and caring. Everything which helps to recover quickly.

Thanks a lot for that!

cari saluti

Christina

Today is THE open that bottle day!! Ripa delle More 1997!!!

2009-10-11T13:06:00.002+02:00

In honor to my sweethearts birthday (which was 2 days ago) I open today bottle of Ripa delle More 1997 from Castello Vicchiomaggio estate, which I bought 2002 for literally nothing. A very powerful wine which makes the malolactic fermentation in a Barrel to be aged for 24 month in always new Barrels. Followed by at least 8 month in a bottle for refinement. Well the refinement happened here now for a very long time and I'm extremely curious how this wine will be. It's anyway my favorite from Vicchiomaggio, but to have still a '97 is something very exiting!

Will let you know about my tasting later this day....

Tours & Workout

2009-09-29T23:34:00.003+02:00

Even if it's late September, temperature is warm and pleasant, again THE time of the year when one needs to pay attention in not getting sick. Cool nights, warm days and cool evenings would force that a lot. Means I take Propolis and a homeopathic remedy to give an extra boost to my body. Fact is that I work such a lot between wine tours, the vineyard and Shiatsu treatments, that right now the next possibility to book a tour with me is the 17th of October.

Fact is even, that with all my tours and eating yummy every day, my body needs urgently some workout and though I downloaded new Step Aerobic music today and do have now double fun in working out, late, at home. Some of you know that I was a Step Aerobic teacher for about 10 years and that makes it of course easy to do fun combination at home, I just suppose I have a class behind me :-)

But coming back to the wine tasting tours: the harvest is in full process, lots of the vineyards around me are still waiting to harvest the Sangiovese grape which my clients know, is a Diva and usually here in northern Chianti Classico the last one to be harvested. This in October.

What I've already heard from one of the vineyards I visit is, that their wine year is supposed to be a very good one and I'm incredible curious how the wine will come out!! But patience is needed here....

Have a nice day, evening or week and take care!

Christina

Die Beweisfotos

2009-09-09T23:10:00.003+02:00

und hier kommen sie, die Beweisfotos das Dado den Mikadokreis perfekt durchgelaufen ist und wir beide beim Mangrailing. Ich beim zuhören und Dado am rumgucken "ist ja nix was mich interessiert..."

ACHTUNG!!! Bilder copyright von Claudia und Mike Orlandi. Danke das ich sie benutzen darf!

Nachtrag zu den Hundeferien

2009-08-30T22:36:00.002+02:00

Und natürlich nicht nur Hunde! Sondern auch Menschen habe ich getroffen und kennen gelernt und sende auf diesem Weg ganz herzliche Grüsse zu Claudia und Mike mit Bruno, Anja und Jens mit Blaze und dem feschen Bayernmädel Conny mit ihrer Vroni!

Schön euch kennen gelernt zu haben. Danke Jens für deine Bayernideen, die Gebrauchsanweisung werde ich mir noch organisieren ;-)

Zurück aus den Hundesportferien in Oberammergau

2009-08-30T20:28:00.010+02:00

Nach einer sehr anstrengenden 12 stündigen Fahrt nach Lucolena (Dauerstau auf der Brennerautobahn - ergo 4 Std. für 250 km) bin ich mit Dadolito - sehr angenehmer Reisepartner - wieder zu Hause angekommen. Die Kombiwoche mit Mica Köppel war sehr lehrreich, interessant und ich habe viele Ideen und Anregungen mitgenommen. Wir haben allerhand ausprobiert: von normalem Clickern über Obedience, freies Clickern, Dogdance, Frisbee und Mantrailing. Nur Agility haben wir aussen vor gelassen und darum mehr Ferien gehabt und noch das eine und andere zusammen erkundet. Fazit nach dieser Woche: Clickern wird Dado noch besser können, Obedience schadet ihm und mir keinesfalls und Frisbee ist definitiv sein Sport!

Am Freitag habe ich noch ein paar neue Würfe dazugelernt, ich hantiere gut mit der Scheibe und danach mit Dado eine Runde gespielt und da habe ich ihn nach einer geschlagenen Woche von "ich guck mal was die anderen tun, pööö ist aber langweilig, ach guck was machen die denn dort, behalt deine Scheisswürstchen selber" mit leuchtenden Augen und voller Konzentration arbeiten sehen. Und am "Funabschlussturnier" musste sich jede Gruppe aussuchen, was man mit seinem Hund von den verschiedenen Stationen machen möchte. Die Erkenntnis das Dado definitiv auf nix draufstehen will (Kissen, Targetpad, Schuhspitze, etc.) beschloss ich, den Mikadokreis zu machen. Es hiess, den Kreis auf Zeit zu überschreiten und zwar so, dass sich kein Mikadostab bewegt und was soll ich sagen! Dado war megaschnell, er hat kein einziges Mal einen Stab berührt und beim zweiten Durchlauf war er noch schneller. Gefreut hat mich natürlich, dass unsere Gruppe gewonnen hat. Ein Teil hat das Team Chris/Dado dazu beigetragen und darauf war und bin ich stolz.

Dado hat auch wirklich erst in dieser letzten Stunde kapiert, dass "Click" = "Futter" heisst! Was wir üben werden ab jetzt ist: mehr clickern, Obedience und Frisbee. Mit dem Clicker werde ich auch Milou und Uma zu etwas überzeugen können.

Sonst haben wir in Oberammergau gelernt:

Dass das Feuerwerk zu König Ludwigs Geburtstag nur von alteingesessenen Oberammergauern gemacht werden darf, das es beeindruckend war die Musik, die hoch vom Kofel ins Tal tönte zu hören. Das man sogar Kronen aus Feuer machen kann und Buchstaben und Ziffern. Das es immer noch jauchzende Männer gibt.

Die Passionsfestspiele nur alle 10 Jahre stattfinden und jeder Almöhi und angehende Hippiebraut die wir antrafen Oberammergauer sind und an den Spielen von 2010 teilnehmen werden. Sie dürfen sich seit Aschermittwoch dieses Jahres die Haare und Bärte nicht mehr schneiden.

Es Schlampen gibt die mit ihrem Fahrrad Hund (an der Leine) und Mensch die auf dem FUSSGÄNGERSTEREIFEN gehen, überfahren wollen und dann ausfällig werden. Wobei ich schlicht und einfach NOCH ausfälliger geworden bin!

Viele Ladenbesitzer in Oberammergau lieber gar keine Touristen hätten und pampig antworten. Insbesondere der Besitzer des italienischen Spezialitätenladens (wo es wirklich nur Zeugs hat, was ich bei uns im Coop finde = nur italienisches) der auf meine Frage „parla Italiano?“ meinte „Wir sind hier in Oberammergau, hier sprechen wir Deutsch“. Glücklicherweise habe ich bei ihm nichts gekauft, sonst hätte ich den ganzen Kram stehen lassen und wär gegangen. Ich war „nur“ als Weinberaterin für einen Kursteilnehmer tätig und das hat Spass gemacht.

Die Kochkünste von Ralf und seinem Team vom Hotel Wolf supermegalecker sind! Und Ralf als einziger gemerkt hat, dass Dado ein Parson ist und mir freundlicherweise einen Trimmtisch zur Verfügung gestellt hat weil: „Das ist ein superschöner Parson, aber der muss DRINGEND getrimmt werden“ – „Ich weiss ich weiss, ich hab das Trimmzeugs dabei aber keinen Tisch“ – „Den bring ich dir mit!“. GRAZIE MILLE RALF du bist der Beste :-)

Es 8 verschiedene Paulaner gibt und ich die jetzt ALLE kenne. Vom Radler bis zum Russen, des passt scho!

an der Ammer gibt's was zu sehen...

was wuist?

Muata i muas id Wand!

In die Kirch vom Kloster Ettal durft ich leider nicht mit rei.

Working on my new website layout

2009-08-22T00:51:00.002+02:00

I'm very eager to present my new layout! Not this one here, here it's easy to change colors or the whole layout. But the one Carlo made for me. I'm just working these days and the week after my holidays to build the content and pics into it. One hint: it will be red like wine, golden like the light in Tuscany and it does have some great photo work. Beside that I'm planning already on the tours for 2010 where there will be some extravagant wine tour and Etruscans will be part of the Chianti event tour!

cari saluti!

Christina

Holidays are near...

2009-08-16T20:43:00.005+02:00

... August is here and it's hot. I like it, means I can jump in the pool every evening after work. End of August I will drive to Oberammergau for a weekly holiday with Dado our youngest dog to do a "Kombiwoche mit Mica Köppel". I have to admit that our 3 dogs are all a bit Italians. They don't need to do a lot, they can run around in our enormous garden, jump in the pool too, have fun and obedience is kept as low as possible. That in mind will be fun to see, how we two will behave under the German and Swiss kept dogs...

And here they are:

Milou (Parson Russell Terrier),
the love of my life and Boss of the others

Uma (Tuscan wild boar hunting dog),
the adopted and rescued pretty girl,
where every day she lives means a miracle

Dado (Parson Russell Terrier), our youngest,
always grinning teddy bear

I'm looking forward to this weeks work, before leaving for holidays, and be back for the upcoming tours in September!

cari saluti.

Christina

My wine aroma box or new "sniffbox"...

2009-06-03T21:15:00.005+02:00

...needs a nice purse, just now I drag it with me in my blue IKEA bag, but a fabolous box like that, needs a beatuiful purse. Next free day (who knows when that is) I dedicate time with my sewing machine, fabrics and will create a purse for it. Actually the "Sniffbox" is a big success on my tours. Since I got it as a birthday gift in early April from my life partner and my "mother in law", I take it on my full day wine tasting tours and the response is just a success! I'm very glad that I can bring wine now in another and maybe more playful and interesting way to my clients. Our allfactoric sence is an amazing thing and even I learn every time something new about my own.

*****

Lately I saw one of the most stunning sunsets in my life. Lucky me I had my camera with me and could shoot some nice pics. One of them is here, hope you enjoy it as I did! Remember that there is a Copyright on it!!!

Cari saluti!

Christina

all green here

2009-05-12T19:55:00.003+02:00

Jepp, 'cause something like Spring finally arrived. Lucky me, desperating was in standby for this event. Today was declared in "the day of doing nothing" which was survived by hanging around in the garden, joyned by my three dogs (did nothing as well) and is finishing in still "doing nothing" followed by a stiff drink and a TV movie.

I'm busy in these weeks with tours and bringing fab wine to my friends. Oh and yesterday I visited a friend in Montespertoli which does right now the 7th and final level of Shiatsu. It was very cool to meet the group and particluarly my teacher Patrizia and reminds me, that I will finish next year in August. Means to study beside my tours and not waisting time.

And here for my Swiss friends: "dibidäbidibidäbi lupf dis Bei"!

carissimi saluti a tutti!

Christina

... und plötzlich ist Frühling...

2009-04-14T22:48:00.003+02:00

... und ich habe mich MONATELANG nicht mehr gemeldet hier. *Schäm* Naja, jetzt aber dafür wieder. Und richtig, der Frühling ist hier, so richtig schön und satt, Zeit um den Garten auf Vorderfrau zu bringen, den Gemüsegarten zu bearbeiten und neue Blumen zu pflanzen. Aber auch Zeit auf einer Weintour eine ganz coole Neuigkeit einzuführen! Auf der Ganztages Weinverkostungstour kommt neu meine Aromabar für Weine mit. Darin finden sich 60 Aromen mit den Grundessenzen für sämtliche Weine und bis jetzt waren meine Kunden sehr begeistert. Endlich müssen sie sich nicht mehr vorstellen wie Erdbeere oder Schwarze Johannisbeere oder Leder riecht, sondern können direkt die Nase ans Fläschchen halten und schnuppern. Viele sagen, dass ihnen diese Art der Weinverkostung die Welt des Weins ganz anders zugänglich mache. Toll oder?!

Leider reicht die Zeit nicht, um dieses Erlebnis auch auf der Halbtages Weinverkostungstour zu haben. Darum muss also, wer in den Genuss der Aromen kommen will, die Ganztagestour buchen. Was sowieso besser ist, nicht weil ich mehr daran verdiene, sondern weil man gemütlich die ganze Palette von Weinen, Essen und Genuss unter einen Hut bringen kann. Plus natürlich viel mehr von der Landschaft sieht, weil es nicht nur 2 sondern 3 Weingüter sind, welche wir besuchen.

Ich bin jedenfalls ebenso begeistert wie meine Kunden von meinem tollen Geburtstagsgeschenk, denn die Aromabar ist ein solches.

cari saluti!

Christina

It's the now which counts

2009-01-08T18:29:00.005+01:00

I'm really wondering how time is passing buy! Lighttime or something similar. I'm here, realising new things for the upcoming season (some neat things for the wine tasting tours), did some small changes on my websites - have a look! BTW: Prices will remain the same as last year and some new things like discounts for groups from 3 up to 6 people will hopefully surprise you!

Today I removed the whole Christmas decoration, listening to the newly discovered "Andrews Sisters" whoever knows the "Puppini Sisters" will love the first mentioned. It's just swinging, boogie woogie and good mood music. Which I guess in our time we go through, is something we need desparately. We shouldn't punish us, but do everything to be as happy as possible in what we are doing right now. Useless to mention that we will not be happier once we get that million €/$ or once we live in the expensive house we can afford one day. We have to make everything, to live in this very moment happy.

It's a long time my way of thinking, but since Gary my friend Tracy's husband died accidentally, it's something I just know is the only thing to do. It's the life from each day we have to discover, to live and to go through. And it should be our "mission" to be happy and sattisfied in the very moment we are living, not speculating that we would live better only once we have certain things. It's the NOW which counts. Which at the same time is the step stone to the next day.

Don't want to be too melodramatic but just a hint for the new beginning of a New Year. Which I hope you started glorious and happy :-)

And to make your day happy, here a flying angel I've got in December!

carissimi saluti and hope to see you soon!

Christina

December is here!

2008-12-01T16:35:00.008+01:00

... and on the 1st December I traditionally decorate our house. I guess something I brought from Switzerland, where it is tradition to decorate in- and outside the house to make everything look pretty. I generally torture everyone around me with Christmassongs, while I'm decorating and at the end of the day, no one can stand the songs anymore.

Italy is not big in decorating, since a few years one can admire Florence under decoration as northern countries (Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Scandinavians, USA and Canada etc.) are used to it, there is even a very small Christmasmarket (Christkindlmarkt) on Piazza Santa Croce. But of course nothing regard to German and Austrian Christkindlmärkte! But Italians are really great with the "Presepe" the crib. It comes in all sizes, materials and with living people as well. That's why it's easier to find all stuff to do the crib, instead of decorating Christmaslike. Thank's the Universe that there is an OBI (a german based do it yourself market) where I bought already - month's ago now - the stuff I needed.

But now something totally different: weather! I don't know who of the readers here know T.C. Boyle if you know him, you may have read "A friend of Earth". I read it a long time ago, but weather now is so disturbing strange, that I'm often reminded on what he wrote. Constantly rain, nothing dries, thunder- and lightning storms etc. Well friends, since a few weeks now it rains constantly, thank's to our very efficent stove the washed clothes dry in front of it, without that it would be a problem (as we do not have tumblers here, due to very expensive energy! And the electricity in our house would turn off, it turns off if I have the dishwasher and the washingmachine on the same time on). Since a few nights we have heavy rain storms, thunder and lightning included! And that in winter. A bit scary I must say.

But beside this, life is good. Uma's poisoning signs are gone, she's fine now. Dado's eye healed from the cat's scratch and Milou's eye healed from Dado's bite. I would like to have some winter tours but obviously people do not really travel now. In fact, Florence is almost empty of tourists. I made myself a nice Christmas gift, the M.A.C. store here in Florence had a Make up seminar which I booked myself in, cool to draw in your face with this products and penciles, which by the way are very good but very expensive! The amazing capable Carla, originally from Southafrica guided us (5 girls and 1 boy) through "how to get from shabby to amazingly good looking". Next time I would like to have an advanced seminar, as I know how to make up since I'm 14, where I started my first contact with Theater make up. A girl never can't have enough colours to play arund with I would say.

Well, nothing more to say for now, but will be back. As usual!

cari saluti

Christina

Kino wie in alten Zeiten!

2008-11-13T18:14:00.002+01:00

Dienstag Abend waren wir im Kino und zwar nicht in einem neuen, modernen, mit THX-Digital Soundsystem und schräger Fläche oder gar moderner Sitze (mit Getränke- und/oder Popcornhalter). NEIN! Wir waren in Greve im Provinzkino und Leute, das ist wie zurück in die Kindheit geschmissen zu werden.

Es gibt Parterre und es gibt Empore, unten flach, oben Treppen, es ist kalt - weil kaum geheizt - die Stühle sind eng, man kann den Kopf nirgends anlehnen und wenn man das trotzdem tun möchte, fällt man mit dem Hintern vom Stuhl (ja auch wenn er fett ist wie meiner). Die Leinwand ist hinter einer Bühne montiert, es gibt mindestens 1 ganz kurze Pause, in welcher die Filmrolle gewechselt wird. Also alles noch ganz von Hand, eben so wie früher.

Werbung gibt es kaum, nach 10 Minuten hat der Film begonnen, übrigens der neueste von Woody Allen "Vicky Christina Barcelona". Den man sich selber anschauen muss um sich eine Meinung zu bilden :-)

Aber zurück zum Kino. Ich bin mir ja gewohnt ins Vispathé nach Sesto Fiorentino zu fahren, 16 Kino in einem Komplex, mit Bar, Snackcorner, riesiger Lounge, bequemen Sitzen und meistens überheizt. Der Stuhl vibriert mit wenn es ein Actionmovie ist und man kann flätzen wie man will, der Hintern fällt nie vom Stuhl (nein auch nicht wenn er fett ist wie meiner). Nachteil dieser Aktion ist immer die Fahrzeit, weil wir 1 Std. fahren um ins Kino zu gehen. Nach Greve sind es nur 20 Minuten und ein Parkplatz findet man um 21.30 (das ist der Beginn eines jeden Films durch die Woche) auch direkt vor dem Kino. Nachteil des Kinos in Greve ist wohl der Preis: 7.- €! Im Vispathé bezahlt man 7.50 durch die Woche, 5.50 am Donnerstag und wenn man ein Abo hat (wie wir, sind es 5.- pro Film). Ich dachte mir, dass das munzige Provinzkino ohne Komfort um die 4.- / 5.- Euro liegt aber nicht Preise hat, wie ein Kinokomplex.

Trotzdem: ab und zu mal ins Provinzkino ist lustig, man schätzt den Komfort eines neuen Kinos und solange es ein Film von Woody Allen oder ähnliches ist, dann geht es. Bei Actionfilmen würde ich dann wohl eher zu Hause bleiben.

cari saluti!

Christina

P.S. die einen Novello von Carpineto hat und den mal öffnen sollte.

Olive oil and disc dog

2008-11-11T17:50:00.003+01:00

So, November is here, it's a bit too warm when the sun is shining and if not, it's ugly and wet. But that doesn't hinder the farmers around me to harvest there Olives, which this year seems to be a good one. I'm very curious when it's available and I can do a classical "fettunta" white tuscan bread, toasted, with a rub of fresh garlic, a bit of salt and the fresh pressed olive oil over it. Ahhh!!

And sportswise I started to do disc dog with Dado, the youngest one. He LOVES frisbee and so I thought to get some fun out of it for both of us, ordered a DVD from Karin Actun and Christi Campell about Dog frisbee and how to, some pup discs from Hyperflite and we started! What to say: it's totally cool, Dado is very good in catching the frisbee and I have to learn how to throw the different styles. One day we will be good :-)

have a great day

Christina

Pizza recipe for Fiona

2008-10-28T19:56:00.006+01:00

and for whoever want's to do a quick, yummy Pizza.

Pizza for 2 persons for a full dinner, combined with Beer (what we drink in Italy together with Pizza) or with a not too heavy red wine.

What you need (it's the metric system girls, I don't have a clue how much it would be in teaspoons and ounces, but maybe someone does have a clever program to see what the measures are):

300 gr of white flour type 00
150 ml water (sometimes one needs a bit less)
Olive Oil
1 pack "Pizzaiolo" instant, dry yeast for Pizza, Bread and salty stuff
1 teaspoon casted sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Polpa di pomodoro (very thin cutted pelati, here one can get them in glass bottles)
1 Mozzarella (here you can go as expensive you want, I use the common one from Galbani)

(that's the basis for a "Margherita" if you wish you can start to put other stuff on it, once everything is prepared).

You need of course the item to roll the pasta out.

Now, while you are preparing the ingredienst, put your oven on 220° C degrees (upper and lower heat), prepare allready a backing tray of Teflon at your side.

Now put the 300 g flour in a big bowl, add the instant yeast, sugar and salt and work it with a fork, then add the water and 3 tablespoons of Olive Oil and start first to work it with the fork and then with with your hands. Take the built ball of pasta out and work it throughly on your kitchen counter/table wherever you use to do things like that. Once the ball is nice and compact, throw some flour on the counter, take the item to roll the pasta and start to flatten the pasta ball in the shape you wish to (I do it rectangle because I have e rectangle Teflon backing tray from Ikea.

O.k. once the pasta is in the desired shape, put generously the tomatoes on it, even it out with the back of the table spoon, chop the Mozzarella in small pieces and give them over the Pizza, so everything is covered nicely. The oven should be ready now to put the whole thing in, choose the middle of the oven and wait about 20 minutes till the Pizza starts to be ready. Sometimes it takes longer, take an eye of how you like the Pizza usually, important is, that the Mozzarella is melted completely and does have a nice light brown aspect.

Take the Pizza out, drizzle some Olive oil over all, add some fresh grounded pepper and divide the Pizza for 2. And enjoy.

You can add everything on your Pizza Margherita you'd like. I just add the Mozzarella at the end if I choose to put things like canned Tuna, Capers, Anchovis, Onionrings, Wurstel or other stuff on top. You may even like Oregano and then add this as well before baking.

Buon appetito!!

Christina

P.S. If I don't forget it, I will make a pic next time I prepare a Pizza.

Webgallery

2008-10-19T21:03:00.000+02:00

To all of my clients and will be clients: on my webgallery (you find the link on the right side of the tool list here) you get an idea of how wine is made. If you can't remember the steps, some impressions may help you. And you find some other albums with impressions, don't worry about the german text I bet you will like them anyway.

Meine Webgallery (rechts in der Naviliste) wird immer mal wieder mit neuen Bildern bespielt. Für alle meine Kunden habe ich ein Album gemacht, indem gezeigt wird wie Wein gemacht wird.

Ich freue mich immer über Feedbacks und neue Besucher und natürlich Kunden!

cari saluti

Christina

Oktoberimpressionen

2008-10-17T18:32:00.006+02:00

Es ist warm bei uns, tagsüber um die 20° herbstlich mild mit ein wenig Sonne und Wolken, gerade richtig um das neue Objektiv von Canon auszuprobieren und im Garten mit den Hunden zu spielen und auf meiner Bank zu sitzen und zu stricken. Die Erkältung ist soweit auskuriert und die Stimme zurück, das Shiatsu ist wieder aufgenommen und ich lerne fleissig.

Ich bin jetzt bei Facebook und habe noch die eine und andere Idee für mein Webalbum. Die Zeit vergeht schnell, sehr schnell, schon bald ist Dezember und damit die Saison für Deko und Güetzibacken *froi*

cari saluti

Christina

Dado's Swimmingpool fun

2008-09-10T15:43:00.003+02:00

Dado hüpft regelmässig in den Pool ohne Angst! Wobei er noch vor ein paar Monaten so was von wasserscheu war, das glaubt uns heute kein Mensch. Milou war schon immer eine begeisterte Wasserratte, er schätzt allerdings den Sprung ins kühlende Nass nicht sehr, er wird reingehoben. So wie es sich für den Chef gehört.

Die Bademeister ;-)

Norddeutsche Kunst im Chianti Classico

2008-08-25T19:47:00.000+02:00

Das Ding nennen sie im hohen Norden eine Holzmiete, wir haben das Ding mit 30 Quintali Holz, zu Zweit in 3 Std. so hinbekommen. In der Bauanleitung steht, das man am Ende Zufrieden und Glücklich sein Werk bestaunt. Und das tut man in der Tat. Auch zwischendurch, weil Leute! Holz zu stapeln ist anstrengend und langweilig und wenn man das in so ein "Spiel" umwandeln kann und sich dann die Torte beguckt sag ich nur "Freude herrscht!"

Diskussstatue

2008-08-25T19:30:00.001+02:00

Statue von Igor Mitoraj für den Platz in Greve in Chianti gemacht, sorgt hie und da für lustige Diskussionen...

Statue from Igor Mitoraj specially made for the square in Greve in Chianti, which is now and then reason for fun discussions...

How was Dolce Chianti born? Wie kam Dolce Chianti zustande?

2008-08-24T22:58:00.005+02:00

I actually never explained how the name Dolce Chianti was born. Well, everything started in February in the year 2000 when I started with my tours, first only the Chianti event tours, shortly afterwards as well the wine tasting tours. I named my business "Christina's Tour" but changed it in the year 2003 into "Dolce Chianti" which is a combination of "dolce far niente" (the sweet thing of doing nothing) and "Chianti Classico" the wine I'm loving so much and I'm an expert for. I think it's a pretty cool name and explains in one word everything.

Ich habe nirgends erwähnt wie der Name Dolce Chianti zustande kam. Alles begann im Februar 2000 als ich begann meine Touren zu machen, damals noch unter dem Namen "Christina's Tour". Zuerst nur die Chiantieventtouren und kurz darauf kamen die Weinverkostungstouren dazu. Im Jahr 2003 änderte ich dann den Namen in "Dolce Chianti" was eine Kombination vom italienischen "dolce far niente" (das süsse Nichtstun) und "Chianti Classico" meinen Lieblingswein für den ich auch Expertin bin. Ich finde, dass dieser Name ziemlich cool ist und in einem Wort alles erklärt was wichtig ist im Leben.

cari saluti

Christina

Neues Auto – Sommer – Joggen

2008-08-24T20:24:00.007+02:00

Wie gesagt waren die letzten Monate eher hektisch und vieles führte dazu, das ich ein neues Auto mein eigen nenne. Ich verabschiedete mich von meinem Elch und hiess meinen neuen VW Touran 7 Plätzer willkommen. Was bedeutet dass ich jetzt bis zu 6 Personen auf eine Tour mitnehmen kann, generell viel mehr Platz im Auto habe und jetzt endlich auch für die Hunde genug Platz und kein Anschnallen auf dem Rücksitz mehr nötig ist, alle drei können bei Bedarf mit! Bis jetzt war es schlicht zu heiss um sie im Auto zu haben, obwohl der Touran eine extrem gute Klimaanlage hat, sobald die Temperatur wieder angenehm für sie wird, wird das aber ändern.

Ich habe wieder mit Sport begonnen, schon nur um meine ganze Rückenmuskulatur wieder zu stärken und auch mit dem Hintergedanken überflüssige Pfunde zu verlieren. Also habe ich ein Programm begonnen, mit dem ich in 11 Wochen fähig sein sollte, 30 Minuten zu joggen. Der Anfang verlief bis jetzt sehr gut und ich konnte meine Trainingseinheiten einhalten und Muskeln sind auch schon fester. Nach fast 2 Jahren nicht mehr viel tun, tut so „vor der Haustüre losrennen“ sehr gut und ist vor allem angenehm, weil ich keine Gymzeiten mehr beachten muss. Obwohl ich das Abo was noch läuft nutzen werde. Aber wie immer ist im August hier alles zu und erst ab Anfangs September wird wieder ein einigermassen geregeltes Geschäftsleben (das der anderen!) Einzug halten.

Als ich in Frankfurt zu Besuch war, gingen wir zu Winzer Krause in Reinhessen Wein verkosten! Ganz ehrlich bin ich kein Fan von Deutschen Weinen, weil ich mir schwere Kost gewöhnt bin. Dennoch fand ich in der mannigfaltigen Auswahl das eine oder andere Tröpfchen und habe mittlerweile nur noch die Spätlese vom Blauburgunder (Pinot Nero) im Regal. Ich weiss aber, dass der nette Herr Krause bei Bedarf eine Lieferung Flaschen senden wird. Worauf ich dann in einem milderen Monat zurückkommen werde. Ganz bestimmt wird dann sein Edelbrand mit dabei sein! Herr Krause: Kompliment!

Cari saluti

Christina

Agility in Frankfurt

2008-08-24T20:22:00.000+02:00

Endlich komme ich wieder dazu meinen Blog zu führen! Vieles ist geschehen in den letzten Monaten und jetzt ist wieder Ruhe eingekehrt und ich kann mein Leben wieder so führen wie ich es will. Zuerst muss ich aber meine Erfahrungen (die allerersten!) an der passiven Teilnahme eines Agilitymeetings von mir geben. Ich war geschäftlich in Frankfurt und habe die darauffolgenden Ferientage bei Kiki und den verschiedenen Kampfhunden-Keksen-Damen verbracht. Die fast alle ihres Zeichens auch aktiv Agility betreiben. Was für mich hiess, dass ich am Sonntag morgen ganz früh aufstehen musste, aber dann den ganzen Tag mit mampfen, zugucken und anfeuern verbrachte.

AGILITY: der Hundesport mit Campingplatzcharakter! Zwar hat uns Annette einen Platz direkt am Geschehen freihalten wollen, bis ein paar stinkende und arrogante Teilnehmer ihr monströses Zelt hinstellten und sich einen Dreck um die Reservierung scherten. Ganz ganz früher, als ich noch blutjung war, machte ich auf einem Campingplatz so ähnliche Erfahrungen und beschloss damals auch, nie wieder mit dem Zelt auf einen solchen Platz zu gehen. Viele Jahre später ist es nicht anders wie man sieht. Egal, jedenfalls freute ich mich, dass die Stinker nichts gewonnen haben! Ich nenne es auch Instant Karma.

Weiter also zum Tagesgeschehen: wir bauten im Handumdrehen das neuerstandene Zelt von Decathlon auf (nicht nur Kiki kann dort ihr Portemonnaie liegen lassen…) und machten es uns gemütlich. Ich konnte noch eine Mütze Schlaf nehmen, mit dem Kampfkeks direkt als Kopfwärmer sehr angenehm, war es doch eher frisch an diesem Tag, vor allem für meine italienischen Verhältnisse. Gut, irgendeinmal stieg mir dann der Duft von Kaffee und Kuchen in die Nase, nix wie hin und Frühstücken, mit ein paar Leuten quatschen, Hunde streicheln (was auch sehr dekorative Muster auf meinen schwarzen Hosen hinterliess: selbstschuld aber mir egal) und schon bald fingen die Bratleute an Mittagessen zu machen. Echt, ich sags ja, Campingplatzstimmung: rund um den Platz jede Menge Zelte mit Sitzgelegenheiten und Leuten davor, einen Brätlistand mit lecker Pommes (davon habe ich glaube ich mindestens 100 Schalen gemampft), Hühnchenbrust in Würze, noch mehr Kaffee, Bier à go go, noch mehr Kuchen. Alles was das Zuschauerherz begehrt und zwischendurch musste ich natürlich „meine Horde“ anfeuern.

Was ich beim Agilitytraining festgestellt habe (und dann auch dem Platz bestätigt fand) ist, dass Agility im Grunde genommen ganz einfach ist: es ist die perfekte Kombination von Klarheit, Effizienz und anleiten des Hundes. Die Hunde sind meistens weiter als die Menschen, weil die ihres Zeichens viel zu langsam sind, sowohl auf zwei Beinen wie auch im Kopf. Und die Menschen versuchen alle die Einfachheit des oben beschriebenen unter einen Hut zu bringen und weil wir Menschen sehr langsam von Begriff sind, ist es auch keineswegs mehr einfach. Ganz und gar nicht.

Ich bin ja froh mag Milou kein Agility sondern Ball, damit bleibt mir die Rennerei erspart. Das mache ich lieber mittels Joggen. Dado spielt Fresbee und Uma rennt sonst für sich rum.

Cari saluti

Christina

May Day

2008-05-11T19:27:00.002+02:00

May is here, spring also and everything is green, pretty and I enjoy the tours very much. I see how nature is changing and beside that I can start to explain my clients directly at the plants what is done if you do a "pre pulitura" which is different to the green vintage and maybe even more efficent.

I was for Castello Vicchiomaggio in Vienna a few weeks ago to present some of there top wines. Among them the best Italian Merlot, vintage 2004 called "FSM" which is an amazing wine! Now you can taste it directly at the wine outlet from Vicchiomaggio for an extra of only 5.- Euro per tasting. So if you do a tour with me and want to taste the best italian Merlot from the year 2004 (which by the way is veerrryyy difficult to win, as there are many many Merlots made in Italy) let me know. As long as this wine is available for tasting, you can do it!

I'm still pretty imperessed what happens in China where the Olympic games will take place and even if I LOVE the Olympic games and particulary the openings, I decided to not watch this games. It will be pretty hard but I guess it's a sign everyone could do to let the China politicians know, that what they do with propaganda and acting weird against Tibet is not, what we want. So if you want to join in, cool! If you still want to watch the games: I will still talk to you :-)

In a couple of weeks I will leave for a week Switzerland and already have in my head to visit the "Swiss wine shop" (I walked by there a year ago but never had the time to taste wine there). So this time I will stop in and taste some of my home country wines to see how they are. Usually Swiss wines are more acid, and lighter but with the years passing by and new, young winemakers even the wine changed. I will let you know how it was, maybe it will be then a nice idea while you are for holidays in Bern/Switzerland to stop by and taste something by yourself.

For all of you who waited for an Vinitaly report, sorry to disapoint you. I skipped this event. I had tours and my 40th birthday happend in the same week, and having only a half day to visit Vinitaly - which is absolutely not enough time! - I skipped it and will go next year. It wasn't boring though, we had the "Brunello affair" (a disaster some well known wine companies gave us as a "gift") and the Mozzarella di buffala scandal. Busy with reading all the different meanings and life goes forwarth as ever here in Italy.

cari saluti e a presto!

Christina

Help to save Tibet

2008-03-18T14:22:00.004+01:00

It's the first time that I start to go into politic on my blog. But there is a reason which is too important for me. Please help to save Tibet! As you know the conflict in Tibet, which the Chinese Governement want to beat down, is kept under strict control by them. The Chinese Gov. does everything to stop and interrupt correspondence and news outgoing Tibet. Officials mentioned about 80 deads, but the hidden truth is, that hundreds of Tibetians already died, where transported into prisons or elsewhere and lot's of moncs, familymembers and friends are missing. It's devastating for everyone there and for all the exil Tibetians living outside Tibet.

It's 20 years ago, when I first came in contact with Buddhism and it was the "Gelupka Buddhism" the one his holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of. I learned a lot and took this with me, even if I'm not a Buddhist anymore, essentials of this philosophy are still part of my life. I always had a great respect of the Dalai Lama but even more of the Tibetans still living in there own country, which is occupied by Chinese. Switzerland was among the first countries in the early 60's which took refugees from Tibet. Since then the biggest comunity of Tibetans lives in Switzerland and since the 90's even in Northamerica.

What's going on right now in one of the oldest cultures in this world needs to be stopped. They need our help and everyone should do a small bit to stop the Chinese Gov. from what they are doing right now.

Please do not misunderstand me, I strictly talk about the Chinese Gov. not the Chinese itself. It's one of the biggest countries in this world with the most inhabitans and an immense choice of culture, from Tibet over Mongolia crossover to Taiwan. Not only in Tibet they suffer from this harsh and ruthless Governement but in this very moment it's Tibet which needs our help.

To learn more and to help you may find one of this organisation worth it:

http://www.savetibet.org/index.php

Even if you do not want to donate, but inform yourself and send this message to everyone you know, may do a great thing. If 100 people think something is good or wrong, it will arrive to others as well.

carissimi saluti

Christina

Happy Shiatsu and Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation

2008-03-10T14:17:00.007+01:00

Now I'm back from my 6th level Shiatsu. It was very interesting, a lot to learn and to see where I'm in this moment with my formation. It gave me a real energy kick and I'm happy I've learned how I get the theory part in my head. Which wasn't an easy piece for me.

Maybe you realized that I splitted the 1 € per booked tour. 50 Cents to my favorite animal protection company "Four Paws". I always cared for animals particulary the most helpless and this company is doing the job where it has to be done. Read more on there website to see how they work.

The other 50 Cents to the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Why? Well I was 16 when I read the first book from her "On Death and Dying" which helped me then to understand death better. Years later, after getting a job as a trainee in the Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital in Bern "Inselspital", I've learned truly what death means, thank's to a very smart nurse. And since then I'm not at all afraid of death or dying. Once one learn this step, one can support grief better, understand the ongoing process of life and something else which is that we create our life and if we do not live it properly, we miss the most important thing: living!

When I realised, that Ken Ross, the son of Elisabeth started this Foundation I immediately wanted to give a part to them. They do a fantastic job, and continuing Elisabeth work is important in our world. I asked Ken if I could quote one of his mother's phrases one can find on her website as I think that's exactly what I try to do every day and he gave me the permission to write it! Grazie mille Ken!!!

"There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub."

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Now how beautiful is this phrase! And if every one of us is going on the search of where the proper peace place is, do you know how much happier we can live? There is the idea of "live your day as it would be your last" which doesn't mean "drink as much as you can" even if it would be fun ;-) but it's the complete understanding that if tomorrow would be your last day, would you still do what you do in this moment? Or would you rather open the Bar you always wanted, or go for holidays to Tuscany ;-)) or climbing, or back to your Mom or Sister or Brother or left behind Kids or whatever. There is a wide range to choose. That's I guess is a nice way to see our life and how we can change it if we want so.

But now folks, I leave you a pic with tiny easter flowers my Mom gave last year. She wasn't sure if they would grow and I just planted them and when I've turned back from the 6th Level, they where there and sparkling out.

Happy Spring!

Christina

A new testimonial!

2008-02-14T21:47:00.005+01:00

I have the pleasure to add this testimonial which Paulo Faustini (www.paulofaustini.com), singer from Philadelphia wrote me, to add here:

While visiting the Chianti Classico area I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Christina Wespi, who graciously took us on a lovely day tour of some Chianti Classico wineries. I found her to be knowledgeable, professional, enthusiastic, communicative, and kind - a true find! I highly recommend her to anyone going to the area and looking for a true Chianti Classico enthusiast and tour guide. She also took us to a lovely rustic trattoria in Montefiorale where we savored a beautiful, rustic, simple yet exquisite Tuscan meal: "tagliata and pappardelle al cinghiale", accompanied by an excellent Chianti Classico of the local cooperative, quite lovely, actually. The family owned place was very Tuscan, and we were greeted and treated with the warmest openness and gracious hospitality. I highly recommend Christina Wespi.

Paulo Faustini

Philadelphia, PA

USA

Thank's Paulo! I hope your preparation for the Umbrian Serenade's is going smoothly and I truly hope to make it for your choir in Siena in July! And if there is anything I can do for you, let me know. Oh and please give a hug to Holly!!

cari saluti

Christina

Cheap wine tasting tours and other stuff

2008-02-06T22:28:00.000+01:00

Hi there!

If you should struggle over my Google "ad words" campaign called "cheap wine tasting tours" don't worry! As my clients know, my tours are far beyond cheap if it comes to service, entertainment and knowing of everything around wine, moneywise and compared to other companies: yes. Then I'm cheaper then a lot of my competitioners. So why I chose to call the campaign "cheap wine tasting tours" is just because I thought it's a neat idea and something new. Hope you don't get it wrong.

Here weather is still ugly, wet and muddy. In my garden the early spring flowers are growing and there is a hell of work to do with pruning the trees. We did not start yet with that, but it's work which should be done. As well as preparing the soil to start in some months with the veggy garden and flower garden. Carlo will have to use his muscles and the machine to help me there. It really buggers, that my neck/shoulder part is healing so slow. I know I have something to learn here and yes I'm on my path. But as my friends know: patience and I are not married at all.

I'm a bit nervous thinking of the 6th level Shiatsu, but it's even more important than the last one, which would be the 7th level. It's the def. "ass kicker" to study, practise and go ahead with my thesis. Well anyway, maybe you noticed that I will not do tours from 28th February till 6th March, not because I'm in holidays but because I will be gone for the whole week for said level. It's held in an Agritourism which is called "I tre Santi" near Montespertoli and it's the first time that a level is held in a full week instead devided in week ends. But the two last levels are only for upcoming Shiatsu practicionars (therapists) and are intense. So in another way I'm looking forward to be in some kind of "monastry week" together with a bunch of people I hardly know. Not that this would be a problem for me.

I update you and wish you for now a lovely day or quite night.

cari saluti

Christina

An awesome January

2008-01-20T17:57:00.000+01:00

First it's too warm, it's raining all the time and I still haven't put the Christmas decoration in boxes. Many reasons: I have too much work to do, my neck still hurts, but with the amazing Shiatsutreatments from Stefania and Moxabustion, the whole trauma from the accident is disapearing. So let's wish, that this is a work in progress and a fast one.

I should study dayyylong now all the stuff for my 6th level Shiatsu, already wrote my presentation and I'm on writing my case study. I'm still trying to get TCM in my head and combine it with Zen Shiatsu, sometimes a bit difficult... but I found a great book from Ted J. Kaptchuk, an american Doc for chinese medecin.

Then I'm looking in getting all the wines from vineries together I want to have in my online shop and among them will be maybe my own wine. More about that later.

Dogs are doing perfect, they hate the rainy weather because here everything gets totally muddy and ugly as soon as it's wet. That's why you have to come during Spring/Summer/Autum to Tuscany. We do have a HD Videocamera now and I have some ideas, which will be in the next month published here on my website and on YouTube.

Paulo, grazie per il tuo messaggio su www.wineloverspage.com l'ho apprezza molto!

See you folks!

cari saluti

Christina

Last day in 2007 first in 2008

2007-12-31T17:23:00.000+01:00

Some of you may already be in 2008 others are still in 2007 and I wish all of you, that your ideas, inputs and wishes for this fantastic new year will become reality. We all know, that we can create our life as we want. We just need to go out the front door, put one foot in front of the other and walk. If we do this in reality or just in our fantasy, if we do it with our heart and keeping our humor, boy we can go a looong way! It's not a big deal, it's the beginning of the fullfilling of our dreams, put them into our daily life and see how it starts to change the way we want.

Have a great time, enjoy your life and keep on walking :-)

carissimi saluti

Christina

close to new year 2008

2007-12-27T12:28:00.000+01:00

Hi there. I made a short video for you my friends and family and clients. You find it also on YouTube.

It's not the first time I do some editing with small videos but I just found - again - out how fun it is. Some other stuff will follow and a long term planned wine thing as well. So stay tuned and see what's coming up.

cari saluti!

Christina

Wir haben Schnee!!

2007-12-16T13:07:00.001+01:00

Seit letzter Woche sind Milou und ich zurück aus Bern, mein Nacken fängt langsam an sich zu bessern und ich lerne, alles ein wenig langsamer anzugehen. Entschleunigen sagt dazu meine Freundin Liz. Kaum zurück aus Bern, haben sich Milou und Dado gekloppt und Dado hat ein paar Löcher in einer Pfote, ziemlich blöd, weil er jetzt mit Socke rumlaufen muss, was bei dem Schnee von Heute nicht sehr praktisch ist. Ja ihr habt richtig gelesen! Heute Morgen war die Überraschung gross, weil es doch tatsächlich über Nacht geschneit hat! Die Hundis freut das gewaltig und mich auch, allerdings nur, wenn der Schnee nicht auf der Strasse liegen bleibt.

Ganz schön cool gell! Für Dado ist es der erste Schnee und mit einem breiten Grinsen jagte er den Schneebällen nach. Milou ist ein alter Schneehase und Uma mittlerweile auch. Besonders die halb gefroreren Äpfel, welche sie unter dem Schnee finden scheinen besonders lecker zu sein.

Mein Logo wird nochmals geändert, brauche dazu aber noch Zeit, auch um länger am Laptop zu sitzen, so schnell wie ich meinte heilt das ganze doch nicht ab. Aber ich bin guten Mutes und nutze alle Möglichkeiten, besonders diejenigen vom Shiatsu, um den Heilungsprozess zu beschleunigen. Dank meiner Shiatsutherapeutinnenausbildung habe ich doch viele Kenntnisse zur Verfügung. Ich habe mich über Schleudertrauma und dessen Heilung schlau gemacht. Wichtig ist, dass man seiner normalen Tätigkeit so rasch wie möglich wieder nachgeht, Dehnübungen macht und dazu gehören übrigens auch Augenübungen um die tiefe Nackenmuskulatur zu dehnen! Obwohl auf den diversen Internetseiten steht, man soll nur am Anfang nichts schweres heben, muss man sich doch auch auf seinen Körper verlassen. D.h. ich merke ob etwas zu schwer ist, weil sich die Halsmusken sofort verkrampfen. Und eben, lange Lesen oder am Laptop sitzen ist anstrengend. Weshalb ich jetzt auch wieder aufhöre und Pasta essen gehe.

Alison, this is the answer to your question, we do have indeed some snow! Tonight it snowed a bit and the dogs have lots of fun chasing snow balls.

cari saluti

Christina

New layout, some small changings

2007-11-23T01:12:00.000+01:00

I def. do a hippwiggle! Finally the site is online and the layout is perfect! I did the english part only, so sorry deutschsprachige Besucher! Dieser Teil wird auch kommen.

There is a small problem with the formmailer, if you need to e-mail me, please use your e-mail software. I'm just happy that all the rest works out.

O.k. time for me to go to bed, will keep you updated and hey! Noticed that I have a new logo? Hope you like it. If not, give me feedbacks :-)

cari saluti e buona notte

Christina

Testimonials for wine tour and Chianti event tour

2007-10-28T12:43:00.000+01:00

As I'm (again) changing a bit my website - everyone with IE realised for sure, that the layout doesn't work well - I decided to put all my testimonials to my blog. It's easier and you will find the "Testimonial" link being transferred to my blog in the future. So, here we go with what you still find on the testimonial page.

Thanks again for showing us around. We had a great time. I would have to say it was my favorite thing we did on my whole trip. Thanks again. Mary Claire M. - Chianti event tour

__________________________________

Hello Christina, Thank you very much for arranging an amazing tour for us. We both had a great time and learned a lot from you. Also thank you for the wine you bought us. It was a very nice gesture. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Dave + Elsa - Wine tasting tour

__________________________________

Dear Christina, I just wanted to send you a quick thank you for the lovely day tour. Friends and family have been asking us what part of our trip we enjoyed the most and our day with you was top of the list. Your tour was everything we hoped it would be – you are a delightful and lovely person – thank you so much. Sincerely and with deep appreciation, Barb N. - Chianti event tour

__________________________________

Dear Christina, We are back in California and settled into our daily routine. A highlight of our trip was our wine tasting tour with you. We had such a fantastic time!!! I wanted to let you know what an awesome tour it was and one we will never forget it! I will email you some of the pictures. Thanks again and I'll will send the pictures soon! Sincerely, Amy H. - Wine tasting tour

__________________________________

Dear Christina, Harriet and I arrived home safe and sound with many wonderful memories. The highlights all occurred in Tuscany and Florence: The Chianti Wine Tour with lunch in Greve (You are a Prima Guide). The tour of the Uffizi, Academia and Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo, the Bronze Doors of the Baptistery (not the originals however I would still display them in my home) and everything in between. Elena is fabulous. She is a walking Encyclopedia. La Giostra. The Synagogue. Charles + Harriett - Wine tasting tour

I'm looking forward to more of your comments. If you want to post something on the various onlineguides like Tripadvisor - Craigslist - Fodors - Frommers - Rick Steves or others you know, feel free and please let me know! Next time you come to Florence and do a tour with me (or if you send some friends over) you will get a friendship discount.

Well and then we had a week ago a winter inbrake, temperature went from 24°C degrees to 4°C degrees and it was really cold. Fortunately the winemakers already harvested there grapes so no harm was done there. And last week I saw another miracle: Olive farmers started with the olive picking! They are as well up to 1 1/2 month ahead of time. Usually it's something starting in middle November, only that this year are not a lot of olives and a lot they can't use due to bad conditions of the olive itself.

I keep you updated and will let you know, as soon as my website is in good conditions. The long time planned shop will be part of it (hopefully) as well and some news in the Chianti event tour.

cari saluti!

Christina

Your money goes to...

2007-10-09T18:53:00.000+02:00

... Lady M. the lovely bear lady which needs desperately help to get rescued by Four Paws. As you know, 1 Euro for each booking goes to the animal protection company Four Paws and I think it might be interesting for you, dear clients, where your Euro goes. Hopefully there will be lots of people who donate to help rescuing her.

I realised that lots of my clients are reading my blog *hurray* and therefore I think you need an update of how "Cool Runnings" with his new name "Dado" is feeling in our family.

(here our sweety pie a few weeks ago)

well, now there is something to tell you. We think, that this dog is a fake PRT, why? I never saw a mellower PRT than this one. He actually may be a Steiff teddy bear, doesn't his eyes look like one?? I even call him my "hugging bear" :-)) and we all love him a lot. He integrated very well in our family, he loves to eat, to sleep, to play but not too much... to run in the garden and to be as close to you on the sofa and bed as possible. Where he doesn't make any difference to the other two.

And here are as well some new feedbacks from my clients:

Hi Christina,

A quick note to say that we are back home after a couple of weeks in Italy.

The Amalfi coast was very nice but we both agree that the day we spent with you was without a doubt the highlight of our trip. We learned a lot and have since been looking continuously for a Chianti Classico Riserva 2001!

Thanks again for everything and hoping to see you some day in Montreal when you come down. If ever we're back in Tuscany, we'll make sure to give you a call.

Saluti amica.

Paul and Lyne

___________________________________

Christina,

We want to thank you for a wonderful day. We really enjoyed seeing parts of Tuscano that we would never have found on our own as well as meeting a new friend.

Syl apologizes for running out of energy at the end.

Sylvia and Gary

And I have to update Kristin and Shannon! I called the vineyard in there head office today and they where incredibly sorry about what happend. And of course they want that I come back again, which I will because I like there wines. I again appologize for the rudness of the girl there!

I'm still reading my book about James Cook, written by Tony Horwitz "blue lattitude" it's really amazing what this man did over the years he visited such many places around the globe and if you ever want to know more about how an english captain discovered the world and how it changed, don't miss this fab book!

I head off now to celebrate my loves birthday!

cari saluti

Christina

P.S. Today, 12th October an e-mail reached me from Four Paws, where they informed, that Lady M. is safe! Isn't that great!! I'm very proud that you all my dear clients are part of the rescuing of this lovely bear lady. Which now can live a life she deserves.

Harvest, online shop, testimonials...

2007-09-17T20:51:00.000+02:00

Incredible but true, lots of the vinyeards already started with the harvest. Due to the warm winter everything was one month ahead in growing, which continued throughout the summer. It seems that the quality of this year 2007 will be very good. I'm fairly inpatient to taste it!

Ah one thing I've forgot to post was this fun picture here, during my travel to Switzerland I had some fun to take pictures with my Lumix camera (usually I use a Canon D300 which for fun pics is just too heavy, at least when you are driving and you have only one hand free to pic around).

and this one here from my "Babyboy" Milou

(seemed to be realy boring this trip....)

Anyway! I'm just sitting with a nice glass of IGT "Ripa delle Mandorle" 2005 from Castello Vicchiomaggio here. On your wine tasting tour you will get the chance to taste it by yourself. I'm curious about your opinion.

Further on I decieded to create an online shop, where I will sell part of the wines from my tour as well as wines from other vineyards and as well olive oil!

I know, I still do have this damn bug in IE for the correct layout of my website, my friend Stefan from Germany is banging his head against the wall (in the meantime) because I did not got the clue what he told me to do... Well, please forgive me!!!

And I'm very proud to text some of my clients feedback here (the most recent ones):

Hi Christina,

My boyfriend Stephen and I did a tour with you some years ago now but we still remember it! We had a great time and I am about to pass on your details to a colleague that I am working with currently ...

S.L., London

____________________________

Hi Christina!

This is S. Miller

We just came back to New York and I must send you a big thank you for all that you showed us. We really did have wonderful time and enjoyed every second of our tour.

Once again, thank you for everything and we do hope to come back to Italy next year.

All the best. S. + M. Miller, USA

____________________________

Hi Christina,

Thank you so much for a great wine tasting tour of Chianti. It was a great experience for David and myself. We loved it and really enjoyed meeting you. I have attached some photos from the day. I hope we are in Florence again so we can get together! Who knows what will be going on in our lives, but I know we will definitely have some funny stories to tell! Thanks again for a fantastic afternoon!

Cheers,

B. H, USA

To all of my clients who still read my blog, if you want to post a testimonial by yourself don't hesitate! If everything goes fine, I will write an article about Chianti Classico for a very big online Wine site. As soon as it's done, I for sure let you know.

cari saluti!

Christina

from a busy summer into the new harvest

2007-08-31T21:42:00.000+02:00

When I was visiting my Mum in Berne last week, I read an article from a guy who said something about the 10 jobs a blogger has to do. For example: write very often ... take care about everything and layout etc. Oooops!!! I immediately thought about my blog and how allone it is. So here I am and playing a bit with the layout, now as everything is trendy with 70es home design, I thought it might be neat to have something like that here.

I had an amazingly busy summer, thank's clients!! Beside that I had a lot to do in our new home which starts to be now nice and at least some furniture is where it should be, pictures are on the wall and my Shiatsu room is starting to be cozy. The big garden needs def. more attention but it will wait. O.k. some of the pears are in glass jars now, worked into jam. It was quite fun, because I never made jam by myself, only a very long time ago helping my Grandma and my Mum doing it. Isn't it amazing how we change getting older? At least I do. Even if my girl inside is still 11 and that's maybe why I love to cook lots of sweet things.

I'm now ready to face my busy autumn. In only a very few weeks the harvest around us here in Chianti Classico will start, something you shouldn't miss at all! See how grapes are picked, with me you can go into the vineyards and watch and take pictures. So don't miss this fab opportunity and book a tour!

You need a Shiatsu massage for your hurting back and buzzing head? No problem, as I'm prepare now for the 6th level to become a diplomated Shiatsu practicioner, I have everything you need with me to visit you at your hotel to make you relax.

cari saluti!

Christina

...das Leben im Haus nimmt Formen an...

2007-05-19T23:48:00.000+02:00

Wieder reinguck... ich habe so lustige, brennende Klötzchen anstelle der Augen, die noch knapp mit Zahnstochern offen zu halten sind. Meine Beine haben mittlerweile ein Eigenleben entwickelt und meine Muckis auch. Die schleppen zusammen Kisten und schwere Taschen quer durch die Hütte, die weisse Masse in meinem Kopf hilft derjenigen von Carlo dabei, IKEA Möbel zusammen zu bauen und dank langjähriger Übung klappt das wie von selbst.

Es ist immer noch wunderschön hier, der Garten immer noch ein Dschungel, die Katze hat sich eingelebt und scheint seit immer hier zu wohnen. Sie brachte uns vorgestern Morgen auch die erste lebende Maus ins Haus. Während diese irgendwo in den unteren Wohnbereich entschwand, spielte Sati mit den Hunden die Maus fanden wir dann gestern Abend, als sie sich Treppauf aus dem Staub machen wollte. Schnell hinterher, sie wieder runter hinter Kisten, ich mit einer Weinbox eine Blitzmausefalle gebastelt und mit dem besenschwingenden Carlo und den langen IKEA Boxen ging es schwupps ab in die Falle. Als gute Schweizerin habe ich ihr ein paar Gruyère Käsestückchen mit reingegeben. Raus und zwar weit weg von der Katze und die Maus suchte mit grossen Sprüngen das Weite.

Seit Dienstag haben wir die Küche und das Leben auf dem virtuellen Campingplatz hat ein Ende gefunden. Es gibt noch massenweise zu tun bis alles so ist, dass es wirklich angenehm bewohnbar ist.

Ich grüss aus dem Klötzlikeller.

Christina

Unser neues Haus ist da!

2007-04-27T20:05:00.001+02:00

Hurra!!! Seit heute um 11.00 Uhr gehört uns unser neues Haus! Und mein Blog wird vorübergehend in einen "Hämmer und Streich" Blog umegwandelt *gröhl" unser "muratore" (Maurer) kam um 14.00 wie abgemacht (der weiss, dass die Schweizer und Deutschen sehr pünktlich sind und alles ganz genau wollen *kicher*) und fing an den Kamin (den müsst ihr euch wie eine Feuerstelle vorstellen) runterzuhauen, ich habe noch nie einen Maurer so schnell und so präzise arbeiten sehen wie den hier. Und sein Assistent (ist sein Neffe) hat derweil das Loch für den Dampfabzug gebohrt. Ich habe Hammer und Meissel genommen und in der Küche und im Gäste/Shiatsuzimmer die Terracotta Fussleisten runtergehauen. Hach!! Endlich kann ich mich bewegen und loslegen. Nach 2 Monaten eingesperrt sein und tatenlos sein und warten bis wir mit den Arbeiten beginnen können, war das die totale Befreiung! Amore hat wie blöd die alte Farbe von den Mauern gekratzt und dem Vorbesitzer geholfen, sämtliche Verträge mit Strom, Gas, Wasser und Telefon zu schliessen. Die sind dermassen unorganisiert, das haben wir noch selten gesehen. Jedenfalls ist das alles jetzt erledigt. Die wussten nichtmal wo schlafen, weil ihre Alpakas noch nicht in die Maremmen umgezogen werden konnten. Natürlich hörten wir - wie bei allem anderen auch - das der Fehler nicht etwa bei ihnen lag sondern bei den anderen Menschen. Weil die "anderen Menschen" wahrscheinlich auch mal die Nase voll von ihrem Verhalten haben. Naja, wir gehören auch zu denen und haben sie trotzdem noch von heute auf morgen in unserem Haus übernachten lassen. Wir wohnen ja noch nicht dort. Morgen um 9.30 Uhr müssen sie aber weg sein und ihren restlichen Krempel inkl. Hunde auch weggeschafft haben. Ein Dankeschön wird nicht zu erwarten sein. So lernen wir jeden Tag aufs neue, dass man zwar den anderen Gutes tun kann, das aber nicht immer "belohnt" wird.

Morgen fängt das Mauern ausbessern und vorbereiten an, Sonntag streichen wir Küche und Shiatsuzimmer. Alles andere wird auch gestrichen aber step by step. Und ab Montag fängt das Megakarussell an! Weil wir nicht nur das ganze Haus haben aber ich habe - Göttin sein dank - auch sehr viele Touren, selbstverständlich alle im Wonnemonat Mai. Damit kann ich jedenfalls alle meine aufgestaute Energei perfekt in Umlauf und der Welt zurückbringen.

carissimi saluti!

Christina

Testimonials

2007-04-25T18:25:00.000+02:00

Even if I have a "Testimonial" page on my website this here could be fun! I add now the newest testimonials and then you can put your own just as an answer.

From todays tour this reached me, when I turned back home and I would say, that's the fastest testimonial I ever received. So, grazie mille Mary and Ryan!

"Hey,

Ryan and I are back at the hotel and now have internet. Thank you so very much for a nice tour of Chianti as well as a wonderful birthday! We enjoyed the day very much! "

________________________________________

and this is from another wine tasting tour I made recently:

"Christina,

I trust this finds you well and ready for the Easter weekend. I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had with you on our Chianti tour. You were a great host and teacher that Monday and gave all of us an appreciation for the wines of the Chianti region. Have also included a picture of you teaching a very interested group. I think you were "starting to be a little drunk"!

Thanks again for sharing the day with us and sharing your wonderful country. I hope our paths cross again.

All the best,

Pete"

___________________________________________

So folks, feel free to post your own comment. I wish you a nice "Giorno della libertà"

cari saluti!

Christina

gossip

2007-04-24T21:31:00.000+02:00

I actually should tell you something about Vinitaly. It was fantastic, overwhelming, I tasted from Brunello to Tokaj lots of different wines and made interesting contacts. The travel to and from, particularly from was litteraly a nightmare but as I don't want to embarasse the very drunk participants of this special journey, I just leave it without any comment.

I'm very busy in these days. Having lots of tours which is cool, I always love to meet a lot of people from around the world, talk to them and help them to get a bit of "my" home back home is always very exciting!

But end of this week we will finally buy our new house!! And then the real stress will start :-) beside tours, a very interesting Shiatsu seminar, painting and furnishing our new house time will just run! And one of the most amazing things is for sure, that I will fly to my friends in Frankfurt at the beginning of June to pick up "Cool Runnings" our new familymember. But what tell you, just visiti him at Tricksters!!

Isn't he just a sweetie? And he looks almost like Milou!! We are sooo happy that he will be part of our family just in a short time!!

Please remember that you can always leave a commment here or just contact me over the contact form on my webpage. I'm happy to answer to your questions.

carissimi saluti!

Christina

Vinitaly!

2007-03-28T22:52:00.000+02:00

Oh pals I'm so exited! This year will be the very first time, that I'm able to visit Vinitaly in Verona. It's the meeting of Italian winemakers and everey one who is around wine and one does have the rare possiblity to taste and know wines in one single spot from all over Italy! Fascinating isn't it?

So I will go, do PR, learn a lot and give you hopefully a useful feedback. I don't know how clear my head will be after such a day ;-)

see you!

Christina

Sorry for the long silent!

2007-03-02T20:35:00.000+01:00

Dear friends and clients

I have truly to appologize for my long absence. It was a rather busy time! We sold our old house, moved temporary with our two dogs and one cat into a small apartment to move end of April finally in our new home with big garden! Which I'm totally excited about.

My off season wasn't so off at all. I had tours in January and February and things are proceeding well. A big thank you to my clients :-)

In the meantime I was able to taste some fantastic new entries in several vineyards, which I know you will love to taste by yourself. Chianti Classico is truly every year something to disover. As you know the soil makes the perfumes and aromas so different, something which only my celebratet Sangiovese grape can offer. Well!

And by the way I'm very proud to have completed the 5th level Shiatsu. Only 2 levels further and I will be a diplomated Shiatsu Therapist. Isn't that just fab?! So if you are in Florence or somewhere close to where I live, need a nice and regenerating Shiatsu treatment, just give me a call!

Hope to see you soon and promised, this time you will not have to wait a long time till I'm back.

cari saluti!

merry Weihnachten!

2006-12-24T08:53:00.003+01:00

schöne Weihnachten
an alle meine Freunde und Kunden

merry Christmas
to all my friends and clients

Christina - Dolce Chianti

Do not buy! - Hände weg!

2006-12-08T20:32:00.000+01:00

It's a while ago that I wanted to write you this: do not buy false purses from street vendors on Ponte Vecchio or similar places. I know they look cute (not the street vendors but the purses), they litteraly cost nothing but only till you are not within the "claws" of Guardia della Finanza. After you get cought, they will handle you a ticket of 1000.- € (thousand Euro) and will take the purses away from you. No chance to negotiate as they where watching you while buying, dressed in civil clothes. With this system they want you to buy a real purse from Gucci, LV or Prada or who ever. It hurts the customer more than everything else but is one of the things they can do against this criminal organisations. Unfortunately that's what they are. So please: just keep your hands off form the copies. If you can't afford a real one, just go to Furla, Mandarina Duck and Cocinelle and you will find very cool purses for affordable prices which will even last longer than only a month or the next rain.

_____________________________________________________

Haende weg von kopierten Taschen, welche sie von Strassenverkaeufern auf der Ponte Vecchio und andernorts in Florenz finden. Klar sind die Teile billig, sehen gut aus und halten evtl. sogar 1 Monat. Aber sie bleiben nur so lange billig bis sie - werter Kaeufer - nicht der Guardia di Finanza zum Opfer fallen. Diese hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, dem kriminellen Geschaeftsverhalten der Strassenverkaeuferorganisation ein Ende zu bereiten. Dies tun sie, indem sie dem Kunden schaden und zwar so richtig. Die Damen und Herren der Finanzpolizei sind unkenntlich in Zivilkleidung unterwegs und beobachten sie beim Taschenkauf. Sobald dieser vollzogen ist, wird ihnen die Ware genommen und sie bekommen dafuer eine Busse von 1000.- € (tausend Euro) ausgehaendigt. Kein Weg fuehrt um die Bezahlung herum. Falls sie sich keine echte Gucci, LV oder Pradatasche leisten koennen, gehen sie doch einfach zu Mandarina Duck, Furla oder Cocinelle, die bieten wunderschoene Taschen zu bezahlbaren Preisen an und sie werden damit lange Zeit Freude haben.

cari saluti

Christina

...and this is Uma :-)

2006-11-13T00:10:00.000+01:00

This sweetypie here is Uma. Some of you know her story. We took her from our neighbour which had her closed up in a 1 square meter (metric system) room, with a fenced door and no way to get out or to make her things somewhere else as where she lived and ate. She was a horrible aspect and such a lovely soul. So we decided to take her in a friendly way from my neighbour. Unfortunately here in the country side lots of people are treating especially there dogs like a box of paper and just use them whenever they want. They don't know what it is to love an animal or have respect. My neighbours think we are insane because our dogs not only live with us in the house, but they even sleep on our bed. But interesting is, that this called neighbour met us the other day while I was walking Uma and Milou. She was astonished about Uma's looking and told me, that she hardly recognized her. Shiny fur, bright eyes and this little more weight on her bones...

She is realling learning hard to be a well behaved dog and to know the difference to make things outside and not in home. And she's just adorable. We all love her lots, even our cat Sati makes all efforts to be friend with her. Uma gained in 1 week 1 kg (which would be similar to 4 pounds) but it will take a longer time to feed her to her weight she should have.

cari saluti

Christina

comments from my clients

2006-11-12T23:51:00.000+01:00

How nice to have my clients writing me back! This one reached me today and I was very fond of the picture of the original Chianti Classico rooster (this time with a white tail) Will shot.

This is the comment he and his lovely wife Jessica wrote:

Christina,

Sorry about the delay, but Jessica and I wanted to write you and thank you for such a great tour! It really was one of the greatest highlights of our honeymoon! Your knowledge about the wine is superb, but your true expertise lies in immersing your guests into the local culture. Having your personal assistant, Milo, along for the ride makes the experience that much better. Be sure to keep up your blog so we can read all about your adventures. Thanks again!

-Will and Jessica Barrett

Thank's to you dear Jessica and Will! I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon trip around Italy and will it be in your memory and something you will talk about with your grandchildren.

cari saluti

Christina

soaking in the tourists

2006-11-11T17:41:00.000+01:00

This morning I went shopping in Florence. I stopped at "Peter's Teahouse" in Piazza San Pancrazio 2/R, just a stone throw from Palazzo Strozzi. What a delightful shop for Tea and everyting around it! Loredana really knows everything about Tea and does find out in a second what kind of tea drinker one is. Afterwards I went through our alleys and watched the nicely dressed Saturday walkers. I call them like that because on a Saturday, lots of Florentine women seem to be more dressed up than usual. In fact, at stores like Zara you have to queu 20 minutes at the cash desk.

2 p.m., sitting at "Nella" in Via delle Terme 19 (very close to Ponte Vecchio), where I had a real good dish with Lasagne and where I soaked tourist in. What a joy to see 8 english people sitting and enjoying there lunch, chatting, laughing and telling each other where they had there best meals. What would Florence be without them?

Thank you for coming to Florence :-)

cari saluti

Christina

New safety measures for hand luggage on flights within or outbond Europe

2006-11-05T18:44:00.001+01:00

From tomorrow 6th November on, the new safety rules for hand luggage on EU flights will start to be active. To read the detailes please visit http://www.lufthansa.de and choose your language. People flying within the next weeks will have to accept longer waiting times at airports.

Your wine or other goods may be packed directly in your luggage or if not, use our delivery service! To get more information about it, please drop me a line.

cari saluti

Christina

Neue Handgepäckvorschriften für EU Staaten

2006-11-05T18:44:00.000+01:00

Ab Morgen 6. November gelten in ganz Europa die neuen Vorschriften für Handgepäck, welches auf Flugreisen mitgeführt wird. Die ausführlichen Erläuterungen dazu finden Sie auf der website der http://www.lufthansa.de sowohl in Deutsch als auch in Englisch. Wer in den nächsten Wochen in Europa fliegt, wird mit längeren Wartezeiten am Flughafen rechnen müssen.

Wenn Sie ihren Wein jedoch lieber nach Hause versenden wollen, nutzen sie doch unseren Speditionsservice! Für nähere Information mailen Sie mir bitte.

lg Christina

extremly lost

2006-10-29T19:40:00.000+01:00

Yepp. Before our holidays we started to watch the first season of Lost on DVD. Not yet finished we are watching now the other episodes of this mag serie! How can't you resist to a pattern which is waved easy into something complicated, full of traps, hints and interesting characters.

I'm still working on my travel report, so please don't hesitate it will come! Tomorrow our new family member Uma will join us. She's kind of a resque dog and desires a warm hearted place where people love her and where she's protected. I will keep you informed even with pics.

The fall back into winter time gave me 1 hour more to sleep this morning, I liked it. I do have some projects to follow up and I look forward to visit my family in Switzerland in December.

have a great sunday!

Christina

Ich hab noch eine Socke in Armaçao de Pêra...

2006-10-24T20:03:00.000+02:00

Und zwar ist die dort in der Wäscherei bei der netten Portugiesin verschwunden. Wie das Socken so an sich haben. Nach 6000 km fahrt durch Spanien, Portugal und Frankreich kann ich einige Schlussfolgerungen ziehen:

Spanisches und Porgugiesisches Essen ist wirklich nichts besonderes - nett ausgedrückt - abgesehen von den guten Morgenessen in den Hotels. Hingegen sind Spanier und Portugiesen freundlich, in der Regel hilfsbreit und fahren nicht agressiv Auto (wie "wir" Italiener). Die spanische Mittelmeerküste beeindruckte mich nicht sehr. Dafür Andalusien, ganz Portugal (inklusive Algarve) und ich war begeistert von Galizien und Asturien. Die einzigen unfreundlichen und arroganten Spanier habe ich nur im Baskenland angetroffen und kann auf eine weiteren Besuch dort gerne verzichten. Wobei das Guggenheimmuseum in Bilbao einen Besuch wert ist. Die Franzosen in der Gegend um Pau und Carcassonne (haute Pyrenée) waren extrem freundlich und hilfsbereit, was mich gefreut hat, weil ich ja sonst nicht so von den Franzosen begeistert bin. Das Essen sehr lecker und kreativ, ohne dabei zu teuer zu sein.

Auf meiner Website kommt innerhalb der nächsten Tage ein ausführlicher Reisebericht mit Fotos.

Ich freue mich sehr darüber wieder in den eigenen vier Wänden zu sein, "mein" Essen zu haben, Internetzugang wann ich will, TV und mein Bett :-) wobei etliche Hotelbetten sehr komfortabel und grosszügig waren.

carissimi saluti!

Christina

Buom Diaz aus Portugal!

2006-10-11T20:15:00.000+02:00

So ihr Schnurpsis!

Nachdem wir Granada und auch Sevilla gesehen haben, ging es dann weiter an die Algarve in ein sehr nettes Sofitel. Ganz nobel und mit vielen aelteren Franzosen, Deutschen und ein paar Englaendern, die nebst der gut ausstaffierten Frau eine sehr teure Uhr zur Schau stellen muessen, da sie mit dem Leihwagen nicht demonstrieren koennen, wie viel Knete sie wirklich haben. People watching. In Sevilla habe ich fuer eine sehr lange Zeit dem Ueli im Badezimmer zugerufen, aber er wollte mir kein Gehoer schenken. Alle 5 Minuten und ueber 8 Stunden. Keine Ahnung wo ich diesen Virus aufgelesen hatte aber er war auf jeden Fall sehr wirkungsvoll. Wir haben dafuer unseren Aufenthalt hier im netten Hotel verlaengert um gut erholt nach Lisboa zu reisen und dann Porto zu besuchen. Dort wartet Wein auf mich und d.h. dass ich bis dahin auf totaler Vorderfrau sein muss, damit ich die Tropfen vor dem Kaufen auch verkosten kann.

Heute waren wir auf einem Kurztrip in der Algarve, haben innerhalb von ein paar Stunden: Berge, Nebel, Regen, Kaelte, lecker Essen, holprige Nebenstrassen, faszinierendes Panorama und den Atlantik mit fabulosem Strand gesehen. Versprochen ist schon heute: sobald wir wieder zu hause sind gibt es viele viele Fotos.

Portugiesisch ist schwieriger zu verstehen als gedacht. Die haben ganz viele schoaus und goaus in simplen Woertern, da muss man immer gut aufpassen damit man den Faden nicht verliert.

baci e bacioni

Christina

Spanienreise in voller Fahrt

2006-10-05T20:13:00.000+02:00

Sehr spannend Spanien. Dieses Land im Auto zu bereisen ist schon nur deshalb interessant, weil man miterlebt, wie sich die Landschaft aendert. Was Anfangs wie Norditalien aussieht, wechselt in eine Landschaft die Sardininen aehnlich sieht und hier in Cartagena wo wir momentan sind, sind wir von kargen Bergen und kargem Boden umgeben. Tarragona war eine sehr sympatische Stadt, mit viel spanischem Flair und mehr dazu kommt spaeter. Valencia hat seine gruene Vene, ein altes Flussbett das heute als Park dient und ein Besuch beim Museum fuer Wissenschaft lohnt sich. Wir haben das Acquarium besucht, wo ein glaeserner Tunnel einem erlaubt, viele Fische und eine grosse Vielfalt von Haien und Rochen auch von unten zu bewundern. Leider haben sie im selben Komplex auch Belugawale und Delphine was wir weniger prikelnd fanden :-( das Hemisferic mit seinem IMAX Kino kann man skippen.

Fuer Cartagena kann ich vorerst mal ein Tipp geben wo man besser NICHT isst: La Taperia in der Plaza San Juan. Total mieses Essen und ein Service den ich so noch nie erlebt habe! Teller hinschmeissen, Gabeln quer ueber den Tisch werfen und solche Spaesschen und luegen wenn es um die groesse der Wasserflasche geht. Naja, eine Lektion und eine Erfahrung mehr. Dafuer gibt es sofort den Tipp hinterher wo man extrem leckere Pasticceria bekommt: Cafeteria Emilio Marin in A. Bruna 36. DIE Auswahl schlechthin, lecker und gut.

So, mein Internetzugang geht zu Ende. Wir sehen uns in Lagos/Portugal wieder!

Dicke Muentschis und schreibt ruhig ein paar Kommentare.

Christina

we are heading off!

2006-10-01T22:59:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow morning we are heading off to explore France, Spain and Portugal. Everyone is exited and our cat already moved in her "holiday house" which is our garden house. Our neighbour will take care of her, they get well together. Sati knows where my neighbour lives and usually after the second day, she will sit in front of her door to miau loud for her food :-)

I had two very amazing weekends of Shiatsu and I'm now proud of having done the 4th Level. It's a partucular journey where I have the possibility to learn more than I ever dreamt of. Just have to kick out the lazy part of my brain to get in all the material which I now need.

As already mentioned on a few spots, I will take care to keep you up to date with our voyage if I have time and an internet access. Otherwise we will see and write eachother after my holidays.

Take care and stay well.

Christina

it's less than a week

2006-09-27T01:29:00.000+02:00

till we will head for our holidays. I was worried about Milou, he started to be too quite and needing too much sleep for his usual behaviours. So I brought him to the vet and now he's since a few days on antibiotica and some "fermenti lattici" tabs, it's always incredible to see, how fast a dog can feel better and run around like crazy after the right medication. If it would only be so fast with us. It can be. Depending non how we live. For example helping us with a Shiatsu treatment, an external help to get back in harmony in our bodies. I'm very happy that I have the possibility to do my formation to become a Shiatsu therapist. It's a gift. The 4th level is a totally new beginning of something I've already knew. But now Mr. Masunaga comes in to play and what this man had to tell and what he wrote about our meridian system is just amazing.

I will write once in a while during my holidays to let you know what's going on and how interesting - or less - the voyage is.

Have a great day!

Christina

how to post a comment

2006-09-21T12:03:00.000+02:00

It's easy to post a comment on my blog. Just do the follow steps:

1. watch out for the phrase "0 comment" (maybe it will be written "2 comments") on the bottom of an article.
2. click it and don't be afraid if the language showing up is german. It should be in english but it often changes back into german.
3. write your comment.
4. choose if you are a blogger (then type in your username and blog) or "sonstiges/other" then you type in your name and your website (if you have one) or stay anonymous. Attention: if you choose to stay anonymous there is a high risk, that I will eliminate the comment from my blog.
5. type in the letters you see, this is a letter recogniz thing which does not allow spam comments.
6. click on the blue button (login and publish)
7. see how your comment appears on my blog!

cari saluti

Christina

good news

2006-09-19T20:29:00.000+02:00

It's nice and warm again, and just the right time to get a cold. Not only my mom who is in holidays on an island here in Italy, but like every one around me including myself. How can you possibly dress the right way (means warm and cozy) if we have 28°C degrees? No way! Anyway, this means as well, the sun came back, one can see allover funny, colored spots in vineyards - which means people are harvesting!

We where on a extended virtual shopping tour, try to make desicions for our new home we will move in. But frankly, before you don't live in a house, you don't know what matches. Particularly if it is a very old house, very tuscan made with "cotto", wooden beams and stones. Rustic. It will be fun to find all the furniture and colours to put in there.

Guys, feel free to leave comments, ask questions or whatever.

cari saluti!

ask Christina - frag Chris

2006-09-18T01:27:00.000+02:00

Do you have questions about wine and in particular Chianti Classico? Something around your stay in Florence (where to eat and what to do or where to shop)? Here's the perfect spot to ask your question. If I know the answer, I will tell it to you.

Hast du Fragen rund um den Wein und speziell Chianti Classico? Oder du hast Fragen rund um deine Florenzreise (Essen, Trinken, shoppen)? Hier ist der perfekte Ort diese zu stellen. Wenn ich die Antwort weiss, werde ich sie sagen.

Bad weather, holidays and something exciting

2006-09-18T00:40:00.000+02:00

It's real bad weather, it's cooler, it's raining and some vineyards had to stop there "vendemmia" - harvest - due to the rain. Hopefully the sun comes back as I'm really eager to know, how this years wine will be. Which I will know anyway after my holidays.

I spent some intense days to put the whole itinerary through France, Spain and Portugal together. Which means my eyes where blurry and I had a hell of a headache.... As we go by car and we do a voyage just to travel wich takes us 21 days... it's quite an intense journey. But we never where in Andalusia or the southern part of Portugal, nor the northern part of Spain "Galicia".

Where it was very hard to find a hotel which allows dogs. As Milou, my personal assistant and beloved family dog will join us.

That's him, having fun last year at a short trip to the tuscan coast. I don't tell you now how he smelled... but dog owners may know how it is... some dead fishes hanging around the beach, dog owner doesn't notice, but dog does....

Well the exciting thing is def. that I fullfilled the test to do now my 4th level to be a future Shiatsu therapist. But here in Italy one have to pay attention about how you use this words. I will be - once I did all the levels and get the diploma in my hands - a "Operatrice Shiatsu" in Switzerland (my home land) where I could work with the same diploma I would be a "Shiatsu therapist". Here the word "therapist" is only for medics and paramedics. It's as often a strange world... at the very end we are learning things like that to give some inputs to people to heal. But hey, I'm looking forward to the next two weekends, then I will go into new adventures with the flow of Meridians.

Wish you a perfect start into a lovely week!

Christina

Welcome - Willkommen!

2006-09-17T23:59:00.000+02:00

Welcome to my new blog! It's where you find everything I'm interested in. This is kind of my own platform where I talk about things I want to let you know or just ideas or whatever is coming up. Things from my tours, all around wine, you can discuss with me, kind of "ask Christina"...

Willkommen hier bei meinem neuen blog. Es ist sozusagen meine Platform wo ich meine Gedanken, Dinge die ich erlebe und gossip verbreite. Was auch immer, ihr könnt Fragen stellen, antworten, euch umsehen. Just have fun!

cari saluti

Christina