Dolce Chianti Tuscany wine tasting and more

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