Saying farewell to 2020

I think we all are ready to let loose a sigh of relief as 2020 comes to a close. 

We aren’t quite out of the woods yet but there is now hope around the bend, and that is bringing us a renewed energy looking to the future. We’ve never been so enthusiastic to get a vaccine and get back to hugging and traveling!!

In the meantime we’ve been filling our days with projects, bike riding (it’s still sunny here in Boulder- Andy is in cycling shorts as I write this!), cooking, and reading. 

We spent an afternoon hand making pasta with Chicca in Tuscany and her online cooking school, Cooking in Tuscany. It was so much fun and such a nice break to our routine. Plus we had fresh pasta for lunch which was awesome. If you’re still looking for that last minute gift you can purchase a full session or one-time lessons with her: https://cookingintuscany.cc/gifts/

Every Sunday this past month we participated in a virtual wine tasting with Cinghiale alum, Linda Lawless, of MySommFriend. We “toured” Italy drinking some fun wines and had a blast doing it. Linda offers wine consulting and keeps her focus on small, biodynamic or organic producers, often family run. We’ve been discovering all sorts of delicious wines with her help and can vouch for a good time. If you’re interested in her services for yourself or a gift for the holidays check her out: https://mysommfriend.com/get-started

Almost done with the shameless plugs….

In January, Andy is joining forces with Seattle’s Bike Works Charity, as a panel member in a bike trivia night. All funds will benefit Bike Works and their efforts in providing Seattle’s youth and communities with bicycles. Expect all sorts of questions surrounding cycling’s past and present, and a variety of prizes for trivia winners. Find out more and register at: 

https://bikeworks.org/event/bicycle-trivia-night/

While we’ve nixed our spring 2021 tours we are very optimistic for a normal fall season and have three great tours scheduled:

Our Abruzzo & Molise tour is already full but we are taking a waitlist if you are interested.  

We have space available on our Tuscan classic, Cooking & Cycling, and Northern Italian Mountains still has some spots left. If Santa disappoints you know where to find us!

Thank you for all your support this year— for signing up, ordering olive oil and checking in on our Italian family (all who are doing well in their second stay-at-home order)— we couldn’t have made it through this year without you. 

We wish you a happy holiday and a very hopeful new year!

With love, 

The Hampstens