From Dream to the Cotswolds Gastronomad Experience

Sometimes you wish for something with all your heart, and you hold that wish for so long that one day it unexpectedly becomes a reality. I believe this is a power all human beings share, and one that also helps us cultivate serendipity, our gentle ability to invite and nurture happy chances and joyful surprises.

This has happened to me time and time again, which is why I believe so strongly that we have the power to turn a dream into reality. It is also the reason I began publishing The Art of Serendipity newsletter on Substack, where I recently shared my first, and, just yesterday, my second issue, now waiting there for you. If you haven’t yet, I warmly invite you to read them and let me know what you think.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have already subscribed. It fills me with such deep gratitude to be surrounded by a community that feels like a family of wonderfully supportive friends. I am especially touched by those of you who chose a paid subscription. Your generosity inspires me to keep creating in this space and speaks volumes about your kind spirit. Thank you for the love, from the bottom of my heart.

The Cotswolds Gastronomad Experience grew out of a long-held longing in my heart, a quiet wish to one day step beyond the pages, to walk the lanes, taste the food, and feel the atmosphere of the England Jane Austen knew. For years, that dream lived quietly inside me, until dear friends and fellow Gastronomads began asking for it, their own fondness for Austen’s world gently nudging that wish into joyful clarity.

What followed was less a decision and more a wholehearted “yes.” Slowly, it began to take shape as a new Gastronomad journey where story, place, and flavor meet, with literature and history bound together through the warmth of shared meals, gathered amid the beauty of the Cotswolds landscape. To now be able to invite you into this experience, to walk it, taste it, and live it together, feels like a profound privilege. My heart is full of gratitude and joy as we bring this English countryside daydream into real, breathing life.

Like all Gastronomad Experiences, this journey is about so much more than travel. It is about connection: to story, to place, to one another, and to the enduring truths Jane Austen’s work reveals, as well as the profound joy of watching a long-held dream become reality.

This is an invitation to savor life slowly, to embrace curiosity with an open heart, and to cherish the magic found in simple pleasures: a perfectly brewed cup of tea, a freshly baked scone, and shared laughter around a table during afternoon tea in gracious Georgian style.

Both ladies and gentlemen can rest assured that I will honor both sense and sensibility and enchant everyone with plenty of delights to satisfy every palate.

This is not just an itinerary; it is a soulful celebration of genuine friendships, fascinating tales, glorious landscapes, and timeless beauty, lovingly crafted to nourish your heart and soul.

Walking Into Austen’s England

Imagine wandering the gentle hills and honey-colored villages of the Cotswolds, losing yourself in countryside lanes and historic inns and pubs that have preserved their authentic charm. Imagine exploring not just the setting, but the very spirit of Jane Austen’s England, through curated farm-to-table feasts, thoughtful conversations, expert-led literary walks, and uplifting moments of reflection as we gaze upon the same horizons Austen herself once contemplated.

And because the English imagination is such a rich tapestry, we will also smile toward another great voice of the stage, William Shakespeare, whose timeless tales of love, folly, mistaken identity, and hard-won wisdom echo beautifully alongside Austen’s own worlds of human hearts.

Jane Austen has been my muse since I was a teenager, her wit and deep understanding of human nature shaping the way I see love, friendship, and community. It feels like a tiny miracle that my youngest son was born on December 16th, the very day Austen was born, a sweet, serendipitous tribute to a woman whose stories continue to fill my life with wonder.

Welcome to The Cotswolds Gastronomad Experience: lovingly crafted for those who, like me, have no notion of living and loving by halves.

What To Expect

• Six days of gastronomic discovery in the gentle hills and honey-stone villages of the Cotswolds, gathering with local farmers, vintners, and artisans to celebrate seasonal British ingredients rich with flavor and story.

• Deep literary immersion along winding country lanes and at iconic Jane Austen locations, where history comes alive through expert-led walks and quiet moments in nature’s embrace.

• Curated farm-to-table dining, from the most food-forward pubs honoring timeless recipes, to cozy tearooms serving Regency-inspired fare, to historic inns radiating warmth and hospitality.

• Beautiful, storybook accommodations in heritage properties that reflect period elegance and charm, blending rich history with modern comforts to create truly restful sanctuaries.

• A warm community of curious, passionate explorers, united by a love of culture, nature, and the distinctive magic of England’s literary past.

Who This Experience Is For

• Travelers seeking carefully and lovingly crafted, one‑of‑a‑kind, untouristy journeys that immerse you in the heart and soul of a place.

• Gastronomads who long for uncrowded places away from tourist crowds, meaningful journeys of discovery, and farm-to-table meals crafted from organic ingredients and natural wine, while becoming part of a remarkable community of friends.

• Travelers who desire slow, soulful journeys where connection, context, and curiosity are cherished every bit as much as the destination itself.

• Food lovers passionate about authentic, locally sourced gastronomy, savoring not only each meal but also the stories, people, and traditions behind every ingredient.

• Cultural explorers devoted to true immersion in local life and customs, with a deep love for architecture, craftsmanship, and extraordinary landscapes.

• Jane Austen admirers yearning to step beyond the pages and inhabit the lanes, villages, and flavors that inspired one of literature’s greatest voices.

Reserve Your Place

The Cotswolds Gastronomad Experience, which takes place May 10 - May 15, 2027, is a heartfelt invitation to gather, savor, and uncover the timeless beauty of the English countryside, inspired by Jane Austen’s enduring legacy and offered in a spirit of wholehearted hospitality.

Because we keep this experience intentionally small to preserve intimacy, authenticity, and quality, I warmly invite you to reserve your place now and be part of this inaugural journey.

With love, deep gratitude, and wonder,

Amira

A Special Announcement From My Heart

I’ve been carrying a little piece of news close to my heart, and I’m finally ready to share it with you.

I’ve started publishing a newsletter on Substack called The Art of Serendipity. It’s a gentle space where I’ll be writing about the things that matter most to me: wonder, beauty, meaning, and the unexpected magic that appears when we say yes to life.

I hope you’ll find it useful, comforting, and inspiring. And I also hope that, if it resonates with you, you might feel moved to support my work there. Subscriptions are $5 per month or $30 per year, and every bit of support helps me continue creating with intention and love.

I don’t want to explain too much here, because part of its spirit is discovery. I’d rather invite you to visit and experience it for yourself. 

My nomadic lifestyle allows me to wander the world in a way that offers a unique vantage point from which to cultivate serendipity: those beautiful, unplanned moments that change us.

The Gastronomad Experience itself is designed around this idea: a secret itinerary, surprises at every turn, and a week woven with delight and enchantment.

Here is the link: https://www.theartofserendipity.com

I would be so grateful if you’d take a look, consider signing up, and let me know what you think. Your comments, reflections, and suggestions mean more to me than I can say.

New Experiences: Chile and the Cotswolds

One of my greatest joys is knowing we can still gather around long tables in beautiful places and remember what truly matters as the world keeps changing: food, friendship, and the simple, sacred act of sharing time together.

Each Gastronomad Experience is my love letter to a place and its people, and I’m very happy to share that the Experiences for the first half of 2027 are now published on gastronomad.net.

These journeys are truly, genuinely different. We don’t “do tourism.” We immerse ourselves in the true heart and soul of a place, joining visionary food artisans, farmers, and chefs whose meaningful work uplifts and supports their local communities. From the vibrant streets of Mexico City to the soulful kitchens of Oaxaca, from the rolling English countryside to the wild beauty of South America, these Experiences are invitations to live more deeply, to slow down, and to let the world’s beauty change you in the best possible way.

You might enjoy reading the words of those who’ve already joined us. On gastronomad.net you’ll find heartfelt testimonials from past guests, sharing in their own voices what it feels like to be part of a Gastronomad Experience: the meals, the moments, and the friendships that stayed with them long after they returned home.

This year, my heart is especially full because we’ve added Chile and the Cotswolds to our Gastronomad family of Experiences.

Chile

Chile has captivated us for years with its dramatic landscapes, extraordinary wines, and powerful sense of place. It’s a country where nature and gastronomy are in constant, intimate conversation. Imagine:

• Coastal markets overflowing with fresh seafood

• Valleys where vines cling to sunlit hillsides

• Evenings filled with laughter, local wines, and stories shared at long tables

Our Chile Gastronomad Experience is crafted to immerse you in that magic: to taste, sip, and feel the depth of Chilean hospitality, and to connect with the artisans, winemakers, and cooks who pour their hearts into every glass and every plate.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds offer a different kind of enchantment, one of gentle, storybook charm. Picture:

• Golden-stone villages and winding country lanes

• Local pubs where everyone seems to know each other

• Farm-to-table meals that feel like a warm embrace

• Walking the path of history and inspiring authors like Shakespeare and Jane Austen

In the Cotswolds Gastronomad Experience, we slow down to savor honest, seasonal food, beautiful English cheeses, idyllic walks through the countryside, and intimate moments that feel like stepping into a timeless painting. It’s a retreat for the soul, a chance to breathe, reconnect, and remember how sweet a slower rhythm can be.

An invitation to join us

Our Experiences are intentionally intimate and small by design, which means spaces are always first come, first served. If your heart has been whispering that it’s time to step away from the noise and step into a week of wonder, I would love for you to visit gastronomad.net and explore the newly released dates for the first half of 2027.

Maybe you feel called to:

• Wander the markets of Oaxaca, toasting life with mezcal and moles.

• Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan, endlessly inventive culinary world of Mexico City.

• Sip wine under Chilean skies, surrounded by vineyards and mountains.

• Stroll through the Cotswolds, where the countryside invites you to slow down and savor every moment.

Each Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime tapestry of flavors, stories, and friendships that lingers long after you return home.

Because our gatherings are so personal and immersive, we also have to be very thoughtful with our calendar. 

Please note: If we don’t receive any sign-ups for a particular Experience within the first three months of it being announced, we will lovingly cancel that Experience so we can open space for other journeys that guests are more eager to join. This allows us to pour our energy where hearts are most drawn and to keep every Experience vibrant, intimate, and fully alive.

Private experiences for your own circle

In addition to our scheduled Experiences, we are delighted to create private Gastronomad Experiences for families, close friends, and companies seeking meaningful team-building retreats.

If you dream of gathering your favorite people in a magical place, cooking together, sharing long meals paired with beautiful wines, learning from extraordinary artisans and chefs, and talking late into the night under the stars, we would be honored to design a bespoke journey just for you.

Whether it’s in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chile, the Cotswolds, or another beloved Gastronomad destination, we can tailor an intimate, soulful Experience around what matters most to your group.

For private and custom Experiences, you can reach out through gastronomad.net and tell us what you have in mind:

• A milestone birthday

• A family reunion

• A circle of friends traveling together

• A company retreat built around connection, creativity, and shared joy

We’ll work with you to craft a week that feels like a beautiful, living memory in the making — the kind of time your group will treasure for the rest of their lives.

When you picture yourself at one of those long tables, in Chile’s wine country, a cozy Cotswolds inn, a buzzing Mexico City dining room, or a sunlit courtyard in Oaxaca, which place makes your heart light up first?

Joy, Longing, and the Unbearable Beauty of Human Connection

I’ve never quite made peace with sleep. I understand why my body needs it, and I do love a deep, restful night. But I still resist the surrender it demands. There is so much to taste, to create, to savor, to experience, to explore while awake. Life feels too short to spend a third of it unconscious. Sleep and I don’t have the healthiest relationship; it’s actually pretty dysfunctional, if I’m honest. Still, I try to make the most of it. I often do some of my best work in the middle of the night, like right now, in the quiet of the historic center of Mexico City.

I’m endlessly sentimental. I feel everything with such depth: every goodbye and every reunion, every sunrise and every nightfall. My heart overflows with more joy than I ever imagined possible. Yet beneath that happiness lies a constant ache for the people I love and miss when the miles and months stretch too far between us. It’s not that I wish to abandon this life and go where they are. I simply wish they could join us on the road more often. My days are a blend of deep gratitude and a tender, persistent longing.

But I like this about myself. I love feeling deeply. I allow my heart to overflow with whatever it needs to feel. I don’t know how to be any other way than to love fully. I want to offer that love to every person I encounter, even in some small way. I hope to help them feel seen, cherished, or at the very least, appreciated. I’ve come to believe it’s a sort of superpower: this ability to love deeply and empathize with fellow human beings. Whether we admit it or not, we all long to be loved deeply. To be truly loved, we must be willing to love deeply, too. Love is everywhere when you open your heart to it. I feel it so intensely that it often brings me to tears of joy. To that, I surrender gladly.

My life is far from perfect, but it is wonderfully rich. Each time we host a Gastronomad Experience, that joy grows and expands. It feels as though it fills every corner of my being. Around a long table, with glasses raised, stories shared, and laughter echoing, I pause to soak it all in. I look around the room, thinking: this is what true magic is. In those moments, my heart melts.

This past weekend, we said heartfelt goodbyes to our small group of Gastronomads in Oaxaca. Now we are in Mexico City. We are letting the rhythm of one experience flow naturally into the next, just a week apart. I already miss our beautiful Oaxaca group. Yet my heart swells with excitement to welcome our new friends for the Mexico City Gastronomad Experience. That is the essence of my life: sadness and joy, always side by side, always coexisting. We intentionally and joyfully meander through this fascinating, fast-changing world. This is truly me.

People often tell us we’re living the dream. They wish they could live a life like ours. I understand why. I adore this life. I hope to live it this way for as long as I possibly can. Knowing nothing lasts forever, I try to live each day with intention and deep gratitude. I never take any of it for granted. We meet and come to know incredibly fascinating, curious, and inspiring people. They are both locals and guests who join us for the Gastronomad Experience. Over time, they become part of our extended family. That alone fills me with more awe and joy than I could ever have imagined. Traveling the world deeply through food, friendship, and beauty is even more fulfilling than I ever dared to believe possible.

With each passing year, every time I return to a place and see how much it has changed. Often, it is not for the better. I feel something stir deep within me: the profound joy of being there and the heavy imprint of time gone by. I see it in the vanished markets and in the family-run shops replaced by glass towers. The gradual fading of a place’s spirit, in the mounting struggles of those too often overlooked and the marginalized communities. I note the forgotten and neglected corners. Most poignantly, I see the traditions that fade, one by one, into memory.

We live in a globally connected, technology-driven world. It's defined by constant, accelerating change. It’s impossible not to see it, not to feel it, not to sense it as an approaching avalanche of what’s still to come. The places we love will never be exactly as they are today, and neither will we. The world is always in motion, and so are we. I find comfort in knowing that simply being there is meaningful. Bringing small groups of kindred spirits who arrive with open hearts, loving curiosity, and the soul of explorers is a meaningful way to support local communities. It allows us to stand beside the people who keep their culture alive.

With our Gastronomad Experiences, we travel in a way that uplifts the very people who welcome us in. These are the people who create meaningful jobs, tend the land with care, and lovingly preserve and honor local traditions through their craft, food, and wine. We seek out visionary, compassionate stewards of the earth everywhere we go. This includes farmers, winemakers, artisans, and chefs who act as guardians of their culture and environment. We design each experience so that every shared meal and encounter becomes a small act of support. When we choose to travel this way, with intention and respect, we can help slow the erosion of cultural traditions. In our own small but meaningful way, tend to the heart and soul of a place.

As the night fades, I’ll leave you with one final thought: if you’re waiting to travel, wait no more. It’s not a matter of if, but when it will be too late to experience the world in the way your heart longs to. Take it from me: twenty years of wandering this planet have taught me one thing with absolute clarity. I only wish I had started sooner and traveled twice as long.

With deep love and gratitude, Amira

To Those With a Heavy Heart: Travel Anyway

Keeping our hearts open is a daring choice, especially when the world feels heavy, uncertain, and scary. The courage to live and feel joy is the bravest act.

I’m back in the country of my birth, El Salvador. I’m walking and driving through the landscapes that shaped my earliest memories. My mom died three years ago in January, and I miss her so much that it still aches in a way words can barely express. I created the El Salvador Gastronomad Experience to honor her, because I know how deeply she cherished her homeland and how alive she felt here.

Her death, as all deaths do, reminds me of our fragile mortality, of everyone I love, and of my own brief time on this beautiful planet. Thinking about mortality makes me deeply sad. Yet it fills me with fierce gratitude for my life and gives me the courage and inspiration to savor life as fully and honestly as possible.

This is why I’ve decided to bring back the El Salvador Gastronomad Experience. It was painful to remove it. I’ve realized that honoring my mom, my love for her, and for my native land is not only right, but necessary. And it’s a genuine path through the grief that still fills my heart.

In the last few months, a few dear friends have expressed some fear of, and guilt about, travel. They’re not sure it’s OK to seek beauty and wonder for themselves, while the world is so full of pain and conflict. Their words resonated with me because I recognized that feeling immediately.

Many of us carry that conflict inside us. The part that longs for joy and the part that worries that joy is selfish and wrong because it’s denied to others.

Witnessing the world can weigh heavily on the heart. We feel the suffering and chaos. We begin to question ourselves and wonder if joy is a luxury, if happiness is inappropriate when so much feels fractured and precarious. It’s an understandable doubt, and a selfless act of compassion and empathy, but it’s not the whole story.

Despite worries about turmoil and geopolitical storms, life is a privilege too precious to surrender by confining ourselves to serve penance. Negative voices urge us to dim our light right when we need it most.

So much of the fear and angst we feel is caused by a small number of people: selfish, narcissistic, callous, power-hungry people causing pain for their own benefit.

What should our response be? Do we voluntarily sacrifice our own happiness, adding to the list of things they’ve ruined? Or do we refuse?

Instead of succumbing to fear and guilt, I think we must live a full and adventurous life, regardless. And while doing so, we can also make a difference.

If we’re worried about the global environment, we can experience and support people in the world practicing sustainable agriculture.

If we’re stressed about xenophobia, racism, and division, we can visit far-flung places and sit down to break bread with people in other places and share our stories and cultures.

If we’re stressed about the overwhelming prevalence of industrial food, we can enjoy and support natural, traditional and sustainable agriculture.

Our actions must come from our own values and lived truths, not those of others.

It’s a miracle of our humanity that among over 8 billion people on this planet, each of us is entirely unique. We’re not here to twist ourselves into shapes that make others comfortable, nor to carry shame or guilt because someone else insists we adopt their views.

We’re fortunate that we can also find bountiful comfort in knowing that the world is full of kindred spirits who uplift and inspire us, people whose presence brightens our path like a ray of sunlight streaming through a window at sunrise. Despite voices trying to scare or shame us, attempting to drown our joy and happiness with their own fears and rigid beliefs, there are many others who gently encourage us, support us, to be fully ourselves.

Travel is the greatest way to experience the world and discover the true beauty of its amazing people, rich cultures, magnificent architecture, and incredible landscapes.

Travel teaches me that joy isn’t a betrayal of pain. It’s the medicine that helps us endure it.

Joy, like empathy, is something we must practice. We become what we practice. If we practice fear, fear takes hold of us. If we foster anger, we stay angry. But if we cultivate gratitude, joy, and openness, they flourish within us. We become fluent in whatever we rehearse, so let’s rehearse gratitude, love, play, delight, and the everyday miracle of simply being alive.

The small, shining moments; a simple act of kindness, a stranger’s smile, a familiar voice that brings us comfort, the clinking of glasses at a shared table, the everyday sounds of life continuing to echo in every corner of the world are not escapes from reality. They are the heartbeat of humanity and proof of what remains good, and worth protecting, and celebrating.

The people we meet on our journeys: farmers, chefs, artisans, drivers, and fellow wanderers, remind me that we are one human family. Through their generosity, courage, passion, humility, and dignity, I learn that happiness is not frivolous; beyond our right, it’s our rebellion against despair and darkness.

When we gather around the table, each shared story, each shared meal, each shared laugh becomes a small act of resistance against hopelessness.

Life’s brevity is its clearest lesson: there’s no “later” we can truly count on. Life is fragile and fleeting. None of us know how long our journey will be, so let’s not waste our precious moments on guilt, fear or anger.

The time to savor, explore, connect, and learn from the world’s people and places is now. You deserve happiness.

To those with a heavy heart: travel anyway. Love anyway. Feel everything anyway. Celebrate life anyway. Be the human you want others to be. Do what brings you joy. Life is about finding joy in the experience of living. We honor life by living it fully and bravely.

The world doesn’t need us to dim our light out of guilt or fear; it needs us to keep it shining brightly for ourselves and each other. This is the deepest reason to keep saying yes to joy and to keep practicing the brave act of living fully, with grace and gumption, and with love and respect for one another.

With love, gratitude, grace, and gumption,

Amira

Give the Gift of a Life-Changing Journey

The holidays invite us to pause, revel in beauty, and savor the simple miracle of being alive. This moment is our chance to live fully, gather with loved ones, celebrate life itself, and experience the profound joy of simply being.

This time of year also invites reflection: how we spend our days, who we share them with, and what truly fills our hearts.

What lingers in our memories are not things, but moments: a table echoing with laughter, the warmth of new friendship, the taste of a place revealing itself for the first time, and the remarkable people who touch our lives in ways that change us forever.

The true magic is connection, presence, and wonder that endure long after the moment has passed, the kind of magic etched in our hearts for a lifetime.

Life, with all its twists and turns, is a gift and a privilege. Tomorrow is never promised, and that is precisely what makes today so precious. While we can’t count on tomorrow, we can choose to open ourselves to experiences that transform how we see the world and how we move through it. We can shape a future filled with wonder, joy, and gratitude.

From the very beginning, The Gastronomad Experience was created to be much more than travel. It’s a celebration of thoughtful, soulful exploration that immerses you in real culture, real kitchens, and real stories, experiences that awaken the senses and inspire a more intentional way of living long after you return home. It is an invitation to live deeply, with curiosity, wonder, and purpose.

If your heart desires something beautiful, nourishing, unforgettable, fulfilling, and meaningful for yourself or someone you love, perhaps this is the perfect time to give not a thing, but a Gastronomad Experience.

2026 Gastronomad Experiences

Oaxaca· February (Sold Out)

Mexico City· February (One Room Left)

Mexico City· March (Sold Out)

Tuscany· April (Two Rooms Left)

Prosecco Hills & Venice· May (One Room Left)

Provence· June (One Room Left)

Barcelona & Cava Wine Country· September (Sold Out)

Morocco· October (Sold Out)

Sicily· September (Newly released and fully open)

Sicily· November (Sold Out)

There is no better time than now to plan something beautiful, a Gastronomad journey that fills your heart, delights your senses, and gently transforms the way you see the world.

With boundless gratitude and holiday cheer, Amira

Winter Solstice, the Light We Share, and Renewal

Today’s winter solstice arrives with a promise. After the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the light will begin to return, slowly and steadily. Day by day, the sun will linger a little longer and shine a little brighter. And, if we allow it, bring more light to our souls.

This is a moment of transition from darkness to light, a brief stillness when the sun seems to “stand still,” the original meaning of solstice. It invites us to pause within the rhythm of nature, to listen, contemplate, and gently reset our intentions as we think about renewal.

For millennia and across many cultures, the winter solstice has been honored as a time of inner stillness, renewal, and shared celebration by firelight, feasting, and meaningful rituals of hope.

In Oaxaca, the Zapotec people called themselves “cloud people.” Their cosmology linked the heavens, the underworld, and the human world through ritual, ancestors, and the movement of the sun and stars. Their relationship to solstice was embedded in their sacred landscape, deities, and the geometry of Monte Albán, the ancient hilltop city overlooking the valley.

Limited Zapotec records suggest that the alignments at Monte Albán and what is known of their cosmology suggest that the sun’s yearly cycle and its turning points, like the solstices, were central to their understanding of time, agriculture, and the doorway between worlds. From that mountaintop, observers could follow where the sun rose and set at solstices and equinoxes and read those positions as signs for planting, harvesting, and ritual responsibilities. For them, the solstice was not only about the sun itself; it was a moment when cosmic order, agricultural renewal, and ancestral presence came into alignment, binding community, land, and sky into one shared experience.

In a world that continues to test us, personally and collectively, the mission at the heart of our culinary journeys is rooted in a simple intention to instill renewal: to help people travel more meaningfully, with care, curiosity, and deep gratitude, while harnessing the transformative power of food to support truly sustainable travel, protect traditional foodways, and uplift the local communities that keep those traditions alive.

Each Experience is designed to celebrate culture and foster positive change with every shared meal and encounter, championing biodiversity, human connection, and gentle resistance to the forces eroding local food traditions.

Spiritually, the winter solstice marks the point where darkness reaches its height and then begins to yield to light, mirroring our own passages through difficulty toward healing and growth. The sun is one of the fundamental forces shaping life on Earth, and this seasonal turning can feel like nature’s way of asking us to reflect and rest in preparation for what comes next.

With this same spirit of turning and renewal, in 2026 we’ll celebrate our tenth anniversary and embrace change. While we’ll continue to host a select number of Gastronomad Experiences, we’re opening more space for custom journeys in the second half: tailored trips to specific places on the dates that work for you, whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, with your family, or with a private group or company team. You are warmly invited to share your wishes, and we’ll do our best to bring them to life.

Gather a group of friends, family, or colleagues, and we’ll tailor a bespoke Gastronomad Experience for your desired dates and destination.

We craft our Experiences to be joyful, transformative, and lovingly magical. Each one is a singular celebration of place, people, food, and wine. At the heart of every journey is true cultural immersion: sharing meals in the homes of friends, cooking alongside local chefs and artisans, visiting farms and cellars, and gathering around long tables where guests are welcomed more like family than visitors.

On this winter solstice, we thank you for your presence and for the light you bring and share.

Tonight, we will mark the solstice in the simplest of ways. We will light candles and a crackling fire at sunset, and keep a small candle burning to gently illuminate the longest night to honor the light within us all. And of course, also with a feast!

We hope to see you and embrace you at one of our Gastronomad Experiences in this coming year.

With gratitude and wishing you light, hope, and renewal.

Amira

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Gastronomad Experiences

I’m celebrating my birthday this week. And there is so much joy and gratitude in my heart as I celebrate another year wandering doing all my favorites things.

I am writing to you from a beautiful valley in the heart of Chile, surrounded by mountains and vineyards, feeling deeply thankful for this life of adventure, connection, and deliciousness.

Lately, my inbox has received quite a few thoughtful, insightful questions about The Gastronomad Experience, so in this edition of the Gastronomad Journal, I’m sharing my answers in one place for anyone who’s been curious but hasn’t yet joined us on a journey.

Thank you for your questions! You can read the questions and my answers on our FAQ page here.

Amira

Interested in a future Gastronomad Experience? Sign up for our free newsletter!

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This Thanksgiving, We Raise a Glass to Gratitude

Dear Gastronomad Family,

As Thanksgiving nears and the holiday season begins, my heart feels truly grateful that you are part of our Gastronomad family.

Thanksgiving holds a special place for me. Gathering with those we care about to express thankfulness is a beautiful reminder to live each day with gratitude. The tradition began with pilgrims and native people sharing a feast, celebrating the season’s bounty, survival, and a spirit of community. Over the years, these harvest gatherings have become a symbol of gratitude, resilience, and unity in American life.

Today, many families honor Thanksgiving by sharing a meal, reflecting together on what they are grateful for, and passing down favorite recipes and cherished rituals to the next generation. I believe Thanksgiving is the single most poignant and meaningful tradition in the United States, and it is something that fascinates our friends around the world.

While each of us celebrates in our own way, coming together to show appreciation makes Thanksgiving important for our society. For me, living with gratitude is my guiding principle. Kindness and thankfulness fill life with happiness in ways that nothing else can.

I’m thankful for each of you, our kindred spirits and cherished supporters. You are the heart of our Gastronomad family. Because of your trust, we have traveled together through beloved places, sharing magical and life-changing moments with inspiring culinary masters, makers, and artisans. Mike and I feel blessed by this privilege.

Nearly twenty years ago, I traded my steady career for a life devoted to discovery and freedom. This journey around the world has been about searching for beauty, connection, and the best food and wine. Along the way, we have found lasting friendships, tasted unforgettable food, learned from fascinating cultures, and grown a wonderful global community.

The Gastronomad Experience grew naturally and organically out of our passion, but it is you who believed in us and joined the journey.

Almost ten years ago, inspired by Mike’s fans, we began with an idea to bring together curious travelers, sharing a love for beautiful places, delicious food, and memorable wines while meeting the extraordinary people behind them.

We gather in welcoming kitchens and around long tables, celebrating the art of sharing and the experience of living with gratitude, intention, and joy.

The Gastronomad Experience has always been much more than travel. It is about sparking joy, embracing surprise, and finding wonder as we come together to celebrate life over exceptional food and wine.

Because of you, inspiration fills my days. These years have been a magical journey of adventure, laughter, belonging, and deep gratitude and fulfillment. Thank you for being a meaningful part of our story and for bringing warmth, curiosity, grace, and appreciation to every place we have explored together. It is pure joy to share it with you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your presence in our lives.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving. May your table be filled with your favorite dishes and surrounded by the people you love most.

With love and gratitude,

Amira

Discovering a World of Magic and Joy

Greetings from California, where gentle rain is falling and we’re preparing to celebrate the holidays with family.

We come back as often as we can to be with our loved ones, though not often enough. Even here, we live out of our suitcases.

Traveling as full-time nomads isn’t always easy, but it fills our wandering hearts with joy and adventure. Our nomadic way of living helps us find magic everywhere we stay. We feel at home wherever we go.

We had a busy year. We began 2025 hosting the El Salvador Gastronomad Experience. Our grand finale included three Experiences: Prosecco Hills & Venice, Barcelona, and Sicily. We gathered around long tables to share food and stories, wandered through golden vineyards, and enjoyed autumn’s beauty.

With Thanksgiving approaching, we’ll be heading to Santa Barbara to spend it with Mike’s wonderful family. There’s something deeply comforting gathering around a table, sharing gratitude, and breaking bread with the ones closest to your heart.

And speaking of gatherings, if you’d like a break from winter and to experience something truly special, I’d love to invite you to join us for The Oaxaca Gastronomad Experience in February. There are still some spots open and it’s the perfect time of year to escape the cold and embrace the warm sunshine and the warmth and beauty of people in Oaxaca.

Oaxaca is a culinary paradise full of lively markets, famous moles, talented artisans, mezcal makers, ancient ruins, stunning mountains, natural wonders and so much more. During the Oaxaca Gastronomad Experience, you’ll cook side-by-side with world-class local chefs, dine in friendly homes, and join in traditions you’ll always remember. Every day feels like a gift.

Give your loved one the holiday gift of Oaxaca. Then celebrate your love again during the February Experience for Valentine’s Day! Or treat yourself to a life-changing experience of joy and friendship.

If sunny days and the energy of a lively city sound good to you, come join us for The Mexico City Gastronomad Experience. You’ll enjoy amazing food, incredibly talented food artisans, makers and chefs, and magical moments you won’t forget. We’re planning some spectacular surprises and plenty of festive and happy times.

And for those who feel the pull to Italy, come join us under the Tuscan sun! The Tuscany Gastronomad Experience will unfold this spring. Imagine strolling through fields filled with wildflowers, making pasta by hand in ancient farmhouses, and tasting wine while enjoying the beautiful views of the rolling hills in Tuscany. This journey is all about slowing down, connecting deeply, and letting all the Tuscan beauty fill your spirit. Each day will bring new and delicious food, drinks, and memories you’ll treasure forever.

If you want to know more about any upcoming trip, or would like to request a new location and a specific dates for a Gastronomad Experience, just let me know. It would be a pleasure to help you create your next journey.

With deep love and gratitude,

Amira

From Barcelona Vineyards to an English Fireside

Tonight, I sit by the fire in an ancient stone manor tucked into one of the most enchanting corners of the English countryside. I watch the rain fall gently on the gardens beyond the window. Getting here was a challenge, but that’s a story for another time.

Just yesterday I was laughing with friends under the Spanish sun, lingering over long lunches in the vineyards, glasses of Cava clinking, experiencing the richness of life in the Catalonian wine country.

Now, I let it all sink in. I tear up at memories of joy as I look through Mike’s photos. Peaceful quietness surrounds me in the Cotswolds, and reflection settles in. The fire glows softly, its hum comforts me. In this perfect setting, something out of a Jane Austen novel, my thoughts wander back to home, and to the week that feels like a dream.

Our Barcelona & Cava Wine Country Gastronomad Experience just ended, and my heart feels impossibly full with gratitude and joy. We shared this journey with a small, wonderful group of Gastronomad friends; curious, kind, and gracious. We always seem to attract the most kind-hearted people. In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, these experiences restore my faith in humanity.

I’m grateful to be part of the extraordinary community that has arisen around the Gastronomad Experiences and share these journeys with passionate, kind people. Our local friends welcome us with warmth, generosity, and a love for sharing their craft. I’m reminded that life’s true richness is found in the people we surround ourselves with, the ones who give our experience of living meaning and depth.

Mike and I often marvel at our fortune. Despite the unrest in our country, we find peace in this world and strength in the extended family of kindred spirits who keep hope and connection alive.

Real strength arises from the practice of living with love in our hearts. When we meet fear with empathy, choose understanding over resentment, and lift each other up instead of tearing each other down, we nurture our humanity.

The truest expressions of courage are compassion, kindness, and love. Each of us has the power to make a difference, care deeply, lead with purpose, and shape the world we want to live in and leave behind, one act of grace and kindness at a time.

True change begins in the heart, in the choice to embrace life rather than fear it. Every day is a gift, a unique chance to start anew.

May we truly see and hear one another, standing together in hope and courage. And may we find joy in the grace of being alive, and in all that’s possible when we choose love over fear.

With love and gratitude,

Amira

Magic, Awe, Wonder, and Joy in Barcelona!

Last night, as I walked through Barcelona, I felt pure bliss, awe, and wonder feeling the city’s energy. It deeply touched me. In that moment, Barcelona’s magic was palpable and filled my heart with joy.

This morning, I got a message from a friend who joined the very first Barcelona & Cava Wine Country Gastronomad Experience. He asked if Barcelona is “still delivering its usual magic.” I love thoughtful questions.

It was a poignant reminder of our beginnings. (Next year, we’ll celebrate 10 years of The Gastronomad Experience!)

I’m always struck by Barcelona’s resilience and grace despite the challenges of being a beloved destination. Over the years, I’ve watched the city change, but somehow its soul and heart continue to shine through. The magic is still here. You just have to open your mind and your heart to it.

As a full-time traveler, I feel a deep connection to the places we revisit, but mostly to the people, who of course are the heart and soul of every place. When a single, powerful connection happens in such a moment, it becomes the purest expression of bliss and belonging. That sense of belonging comes from nearly four decades of knowing a place so well.

I welcome the bliss, never knowing when it will strike me. It often appears unexpectedly during a Gastronomad Experience, as in the recent Prosecco Hills & Venice Gastronomad Experience. In those moments, I feel uplifted and transported to a new dimension of existence, where happiness overwhelms me with tears of joy. I live for these moments. I want to hold onto them, keep them etched in my mind, let them linger, and savor their magic.

I deeply treasure and foster the ability to appreciate the beauty and richness of the world. Losing that wonder would be like being unable to taste a delicious meal.

Yesterday, I had wonderful exchanges with local friends and felt deep gratitude for their friendship, warmth, and hospitality. I counted my blessings, appreciating the privileges life has given me, both professionally and personally. I believe that gratitude laid the foundation for the bliss I experienced later, a feeling that still lingers within me. I’m grateful for that.

During dinner with my beloved, we found ourselves deep in conversation about the experience of living. We talked about how the world we experience as human beings is really the world we create for ourselves. We are pure energy, and how we choose to direct that energy can uplift us, bring us closer to others, and shape a more meaningful experience of life. Our mindset and outlook transform who we are and shape what we receive. It all comes down to our mindset, perspective, choices we make and the actions we take.

One lesson we hold close is not to judge others, but to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. We can never fully understand the complexities and nuances of those whose shoes we haven’t walked in, or whose life stories and experiences are unknown to us. Our purpose isn’t to find fault in others, but to look inward and commit ourselves to living thoughtfully and intentionally, a life rooted in purpose, kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, compassion, and happiness.

Today, it’s raining in Barcelona. Listening to its gentle sound from my window in an old house (built in 1769) brings a sense of calm and inspires reflection on life, the beauty, the challenges, and the people I love. I’m thinking of friends and family facing difficulties.

Life is full of twists and turns, and luck plays a big role. We don’t have to take on the whole world, just care for our own corners, appreciate what we notice and hear, and love and accept those closest to us, as long as that love and goodwill are mutual, even with differing ideas. The secret is to know the difference between the things we can change and the things we cannot change, focusing on changing what we can and letting go of the rest.

Just as rain is one of nature’s purest gifts, life’s trials and hardships are tests on the human journey. In the busy flow of life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters during our brief time on this planet.

Many of us worry about the state of our beloved country, the impact of technology (especially AI) political turmoil, war, natural disasters, homelessness, and other challenges. Friends worldwide share these concerns. On a global scale, these worries are real and remind us to nurture a healthy outlook individually, and how much greater our collective impact can be when we each do our part.

As humans, we must nurture our resilience and live with courage. We have to meet life’s challenges with grace and without fear. What matters is how we see and respond to the world. So I will nurture those good feelings that bring joy and wonder, the fleeting moments of bliss and the magic of inspiring places and people.

In the meantime, we all need to live the best life possible, lead with love, and let our actions set the example. Nurture a heart so full of love and light that there’s no room for darkness. Keep practicing and growing what fills your heart: more love, more joy, and more adventure!

Magic is everywhere. We just need to let it find us. First, we must open our minds and our hearts, let the flow of life move through us, and truly appreciate all that surrounds us. The Barcelona & Cava Wine Country Gastronomad Experience is next!

Amira

Living globally (but at home in Venice)

Like you and everyone else, I have felt the full weight of sorrow in my life. It’s sorrow in our lives, and our short time on this planet, that creates an imperative to live with intention—to seek out the world's richness and to hold each life-changing moment, refusing to let it pass unnoticed.

Each day, I feel a restless pull to see how others live, breathe in new places, gaze toward fresh horizons, and watch new stories unfold. I can’t get enough. My mind races, and my heart beats quickly with the thrill of discovery, ready for the next adventure and the joy of living fully and intentionally.

Recently, we wandered through Rome, spent time in Umbria, briefly caught up with dear friends from Mexico City in Siena, and visited Florence again. Many say we pack in a lot. Some marvel or seem surprised by our travel rhythm. But this pace is simply who we are.

Travel is my greatest love, especially with the love of my life. I treasure learning from other cultures. I’m grateful for crafting magical Gastronomad Experiences—work that never feels like work, but instead like a gift to myself. Each journey, from wandering the vineyards of Provence to savoring the vibrant markets of Oaxaca, deepens this calling. Exploring this beautiful planet is not just a passion; it’s part of my life’s purpose.

That’s why the dance of travel—the endless moving, learning, and growing—is a ritual I intend to keep alive for as long as my body carries me with strength and grace.

We’re in Venice now, a city that feels magical every time we arrive. Wandering its timeless canals and hidden alleys feels like a beautiful dream that never loses its wonder. Year after year, the city draws us closer, and the feeling that there’s more to explore grows stronger. Venice is endlessly fascinating, its story stretching back over a thousand years. There’s really no place like Venice.

Last week, thanks to a Venetian friend’s invitation, we attended our first Venetian soccer match. It was pure joy—a powerful expression of local love and pride for their team. The atmosphere pulsed with chanting and cheers under the hot Venetian sun. We found shade while our friend moved to his usual seat with seasonal tickets.

The warmth and kindness of Venice’s people have touched me deeply, gifts I hold close to my heart. Venice’s architecture and canals are breathtaking, but it is the people—their generous spirit and heartfelt hospitality—that give this city its true meaning. Their warmth transforms every moment here into something life-changing and unforgettable.

We’ve explored every corner of this enchanting city, but my heart has found a home in Cannaregio, near the historic Jewish Ghetto. This neighborhood holds Venice’s true spirit: family-run shops thrive here and, if you know where to look, you’ll find the city’s richest collection of exceptional restaurants—a secret I’m sharing only with you.

Walking through the Ghetto feels like stepping into a living storybook. It was Europe’s first Jewish Ghetto, established by decree in 1516, and remains a vibrant, close-knit community. Many don’t realize its synagogues hide behind unmarked doors and climb narrow staircases, tucked above street level—a testament to centuries of resilience.

Venice is made up of over 118 islands, linked by over 400 bridges. The city rests on millions of wooden piles driven deep into the lagoon centuries ago. Being here, surrounded by ancient history and vibrant culture, is an honor.

Venice’s location in a tidal lagoon and its construction on low-lying islands means neighborhoods like Cannaregio face acqua alta — occasional floods where walking through knee-high water becomes part of daily life. Recently, workers have been raising and reinforcing the old stone sidewalks to help the community adapt. It’s a testament to a place holding tightly to its traditions while embracing change, keeping Venice’s heart beating strong.

Meanwhile, we are truly excited and grateful to welcome our wonderful group of friends for their third Gastronomad Experience and one new couple we look forward to meeting. My heart fills with joy knowing how fortunate I am to have so many incredible friends who trust and support our work. It is the people who give life meaning. Their love and friendship keep me inspired and my world turning.

Creating magical Gastronomad Experiences has become my true purpose. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the awe, wonder, and smiles on our friends’ faces as they are enchanted by the once-in-a-lifetime surprises we carefully craft for their delight. This is my gift, and my greatest reward.

Next stop: The Prosecco Hills and Venice Gastronomad Experience!

• Amira

Love and Joy in Oaxaca

Wandering the world with an open mind, I’ve learned that love reveals itself in unexpected ways and places. It unfolds in the presence of kindred souls, blooming softly in a smile, sparkling in joyful eyes, and lingering within fleeting moments.

Embracing the beauty that surrounds us and the joy of sharing our hearts roots us deeply. In a world often shadowed by negativity, love is the essential light we need to find peace and harmony. Just as food and water nourish our bodies, love feeds our hearts and souls, sustaining our essence.

When we intend to give love fully and without hesitation, it envelops us. I’m not speaking only of passionate love, but of the gentle love from friendship, gratitude, and kindness that comes directly from our hearts. I believe in love at first sight because I’ve felt it, meeting kindred spirits who awaken an immediate, profound connection. In those moments, it ignites, and I give my whole heart freely.

Those who know me understand this deep part of who I am. This truth illuminated itself again during The Oaxaca Gastronomad Experience, where I spent a joyful week with an extraordinary group of kindred spirits. Old and new friends inspired me, filling my heart with joy. These remarkable people shined with a beauty that stirred my soul, and I never take for granted the blessing of meeting such gracious souls while doing the work I love.

I’ve realized that the more love I give, the better I become at loving. As my circle expands, my heart grows fuller, along with my happiness. Offering my heart and meeting kindred spirits to share it with is a gift I’m profoundly grateful for.

As I continue this journey of love and connection around the world, I’m deeply thankful for every kindred spirit I meet. These shared moments remind me of the beauty and goodness in our lives, even in unexpected ways and places.

Thank you for being part of this community (near or far) and for embracing the spirit of love that guides our paths.

May your heart stay open, your spirit stay curious, and your days be filled with adventure and joyful moments of love.

With love and gratitude, Amira

Journeys That Renew the Heart

In just one week, we’ll open our arms and hearts to welcome familiar faces and new friends into The Oaxaca Gastronomad Experience.

Most are wonderful friends returning for their second or third adventure, and I’m humming with joy. We’re happy to welcome new friends joining our growing Gastronomad family. Together, we’ll spend the week embracing Oaxacan traditions and flavors, cultivating joy in the simple act of living—intentionally, wholeheartedly, and in the true Gastronomad way—immersing ourselves in the authentic spirit of Oaxacan culture and delicious cuisine.

Each Gastronomad Experience begins as a dream—a vision tenderly and lovingly spun into reality through months of imagination, care, and the careful attention to countless details, both big and small. No two Experiences are ever alike. Each is a unique creation, born from the spirit of a place, the souls who gather there, and fleeting moments that become the essence of a life well lived—in the true spirit of the Gastronomad philosophy.

In today’s changing travel world, the path is rarely straightforward. Overtourism, geopolitical tensions, rising costs, and local and global politics shape the landscape. Yet we remain committed to responsible, sustainable travel—stepping away from familiar trails in search of the true heartbeat of a destination. We gather around friends’ tables, cook in their kitchens, visit farms and cellars, and discover open spaces and quiet corners untouched by conventional tourism. In those places, we uncover and share the genuine heart and soul of each destination—honoring and benefiting our local hosts and their culture.

This summer, despite its challenges, has been unforgettable and uplifting. In June, during The Provence Gastronomad Experience, we enjoyed the beauty and timeless charm of ancient villages surrounded by lavender-scented landscapes. In July, The Mexico City Gastronomad Experience swept us into the city’s vibrant culture, bold flavors, and warmth. Both adventures brought together extraordinary souls whose presence nourished my heart—a reminder of the deep connections and rare moments that make life truly meaningful.

While the work behind each journey can be demanding and challenging, The Gastronomad Experience remains one of life’s purest joys for me. I’m deeply grateful for the extraordinary community we’ve built together—thanks to your trust. To welcome our guests, share meals around a candle-lit table, wander through unfamiliar streets, and watch quiet moments unfold into lifelong memories—this is joy so profound, it never feels like work.

In a heavy and chaotic world, these journeys remind me of what truly matters: our shared humanity, the grace in simple kindness, the beauty revealed when we pause, and the connections linking us across cultures and borders. Each journey renews my spirit, restores my faith in people, and deepens my trust in the world’s goodness.

This week—and in the weeks ahead—I’ll share some of the heartfelt words our guests in Provence and Mexico City have shared. Their messages have brought me to tears of joy, gratitude, and awe. For nearly a decade, it’s been one of my life’s greatest honors to meet so many kindred spirits from around the world—souls whose presence has enriched my life beyond measure.

Thank you—from the depths of my heart—for allowing me to live this calling, and for trusting us to create something so meaningful, so soul-nourishing, and so full of love.

With endless love and adventure,

Amira

Provence, and the Art of Living

It’s been a week since we left California, and once again, I find myself wide awake in Provence, fighting off jet lag. No matter how often I cross time zones, my body never adjusts to the change quickly—even though we were in Italy not long ago. Still, being here in Provence makes every sleepless night worthwhile. Provence has always held a special place in my heart, and somehow, I fall in love with it a little more each time we return.

Our journey here was anything but smooth. We missed our connecting flight in Dallas and spent the night in a less-than-charming airport hotel, dining on food I’d rather forget—courtesy of American Airlines. When we finally arrived in Paris, we picked up a rental car and drove eight hours straight to Provence, utterly exhausted.

Yet even after all that, sleep still wouldn’t come for me. But I don’t feel stressed. I’ve learned to accept that travel comes with its share of hiccups—flight delays, airport chaos, and unexpected detours. My body resists all the time zone changes and refuses to settle right away. So, I go with the flow. I rest when I can, let sleep find me when it will, and slowly adjust to the rhythm of this magical place.

The real magic, though, is reconnecting with people we love. The moment we arrived in Provence, we were welcomed to a cozy dinner with dear friends. We found ourselves in a charming old farmhouse, sharing laughter and stories over a delicious meal outdoors prepared by our friends. These are the moments that make us happiest—being surrounded by wonderful people and creating memories that make our journey profoundly meaningful and unforgettable.

One of the things that really stands out to me about Provence is how much locals here value food, connection, and simply enjoying life. Coming from Silicon Valley, once upon a time, where everything was fast-paced and “time is money,” this slower rhythm was a revelation.

Walking around a village in Provence, you see locals taking time out of their day to sit at a café for coffee or enjoy a long, relaxed lunch with friends—always with a glass of wine. At first, I wondered how they managed to fit it all in. But after spending so much time here, I’ve come to understand that, for the French, life is about savoring each moment. Things move slowly in Provence, and that’s intentional. Here, living well isn’t just a goal—it’s an art form and the purpose of life.

June has always been my favorite month in Provence, which is why we host The Provence Gastronomad Experience every year in June. We welcome this year’s guests on Monday, and I can’t wait!

In June, the markets burst with the bright colors of fresh berries, cherries, and stone fruits while flowers bloom everywhere you look. Sunsets linger late into the evening, and as we drive along Provençal country roads, the sweet scent of lavender drifts in through the windows, filling the air with intoxicating magic.

The Provence Gastronomad Experience is crafted to help us truly embrace the Provençal way of life—immersing ourselves in their joyful, relaxed rhythms. For one unforgettable week, we savor each moment, honor local traditions, and celebrate life through the delicious art de vivre that makes this region extraordinary.

As I soak in the beauty of Provence—the rosé, the food, the beauty of the landscapes, the company of dear friends—I remind myself that every moment here is worth a little lost sleep.

With Provençal joy, love, and a spirit of adventure,

Amira

How to choose your Italian Gastronomad adventure

We recently received a beautiful note from a cherished member of our Gastronomad community, who wrote:

“Your message about El Salvador was moving. The underlying message we took away is that time is fleeting, and putting off something that may not be available in the future is not the way to move forward in our late working years. So... we are deferring to you as our advisor on where to go next. While we had a great time in France, and will go back, we want to experience Italy next. North or South, that is the question. Between Sicily and Prosecco, which place is most like Provence?”

Dear C.: Thank you for your kind words. The situation with El Salvador has been heartbreaking on many levels, but, as you so beautifully recognized, it’s a reminder that life is fleeting and we have to make the most of every moment. That’s why Mike and I chose this path nearly two decades ago, and why we created The Gastronomad Experience: to share the world’s beauty, joy, and connection with kindred spirits like you! I’m so grateful you and A. are part of our Gastronomad family.

Sicily vs. Prosecco Hills & Venice? South or North? This is a question we’ve heard before. And I love this question. In short, both the Sicily Gastronomad Experience and the Prosecco Hills & Venice Gastronomad Experience are extraordinary, but each offers its own kind of magic.

Although both are Italian, they’re very different culturally, historically, environmentally, and gastronomically. One is the southernmost point in Italy, an Island in the center of the Mediterranean closer to Tunisia than to Naples, the other so far North it’s closer to Austria than it is to Tuscany. One place was part of every empire to sweep through the Mediterranean, with all the turmoil and cultural change that entails over the past three thousand years. The other, the “Most Serene Republic of Venice” lasted for more than a thousand years.

The Sicily Gastronomad Experience: Soulful, Sunny, and Savory

Imagine yourself under the Sicilian sky, where the gentle rolling hills are covered with ancient stone walls, vineyards, olive groves, wildflowers, and the dramatic silhouette of Mount Etna. Sicily is more than an island. It’s a world all its own. Here, every meal is a celebration of centuries-old traditions, and every day brings new discoveries, whether you’re sampling authentic Sicilian food, wandering through an ancient village, or sipping volcanic wines in ancient cellars.

Sicily carries the same Mediterranean warmth that draws people to Provence, but with an energy all its own. Life here unfolds at its own unique pace, and everywhere you go, you’re met with open arms and genuine smiles. Meals are more than just food — they’re soulful celebrations, shaped by centuries of Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences that have layered the island’s cuisine with a complexity you can taste in every bite. Whether you find yourself in a vineyard bathed in golden sunlight, a village square buzzing with laughter, or at a long table where strangers quickly become family, Sicily invites you in as one of its own.

The food is rustic, vibrant, and unmistakably Sicilian: think pasta alla Norma with its rich tomato and eggplant, golden arancini crisp from the fryer, and cheeses from the hills around Ragusa, each bite telling a story of place and tradition. The island’s culinary treasures are as diverse as its history, and every meal is a window into the soul of Sicily — one where the flavors of the Mediterranean mingle with the generosity of its people. If Provence charmed you with its authenticity and slow pleasures, Sicily will feel like an old friend, but with a dash of volcanic fire and the unmistakable flair of the Mediterranean sun.

The Prosecco Hills & Venice Gastronomad Experience: Undiscovered, Elegant, and Picture-Perfect

Just north of Venice lies the Prosecco Hills — a paradise of stunning, green rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and astonishing beauty that remains blissfully undiscovered by the tourist crowds. Here, you wake up surrounded by vines, explore ancient castles and palaces, and taste prosecco and regional wines with the winemakers themselves.

Venice itself is its own incredible, unique world. While millions of visitors come to Venice each year, they never see beyond the vast crowds of other tourists. On a Gastronomad Experience, of course, we skip the tourism and take you into the rarely seen true heart of Venice.

The Prosecco Hills & Venice Experience is a journey into a region that feels untouched by time, where authenticity and tradition are woven into daily life. Here, you’ll not only discover how prosecco is crafted by passionate winemakers, but also taste rare wines that never leave Italy and savor meals made from the freshest local ingredients, often enjoyed in historic farmhouses overlooking rolling vineyards. Venice, with its timeless beauty, is just a short drive away, and instead of the usual crowds, you’ll be guided to secret corners and quiet canals that reveal the city’s true soul.

The atmosphere throughout is one of understated elegance and genuine hospitality, set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery and the irresistible joy of Venetian living. If you’ve ever fallen for the charm of the Provençal countryside, you’ll find the same sense of discovery and wonder here — only with the sparkle of prosecco and the magic of Venice adding their own incredible allure.

So, Sicily or Prosecco Hills & Venice?

In the fewest words possible, Sicily represents the passionate, bold, fiery side of Italy, whereas Venice shows the refined, elegant, gentle face of Italy. Both are utterly delicious.

Each experience is life-changing, transformative, and unforgettable. Time is fleeting — don’t wait to live your dreams.

I can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you — whether it’s the volcanic heart of Sicily or the sparkling hills of Prosecco. Choose the experience that calls to your heart or, the best choice of all is not to choose! Neither should be missed!

Let’s make memories, celebrate life, and savor the world together.

With love, joy, adventure and Sicilian vibes,

Amira

Time to Experience the Wonder and Beauty of Sicily

I'm writing to you from sunny California, where we've just arrived after the conclusion of our joyful, uplifting, and transformative Oaxaca Gastronomad Experience! My heart is still dancing with the memories of those magical gatherings under the stars and the laughter shared around candlelit tables. We're currently visiting family, running errands and doing business stuff, but my thoughts are already drifting across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean Sea.

In April, we'll be heading to Sicily, where the sea shimmers in shades of blue and the scent of citrus blossoms fills the air. I love the old buildings, terraced hillsides and winding roads of the countryside.

I have some great news!

The response to our Sicily Gastronomad Experience has been overwhelming, and I'm very happy to announce that we've opened new dates for The Sicily Gastronomad Experience: October 27 - November 3, 2025!

This 8-day journey will immerse you in the island's extraordinary culinary traditions and introduce you to the magnificent people who make Sicily such a magical place.

We added this additional Sicily Gastronomad Experience to our website just a few days ago, and we were surprised to receive sign-ups even before making it public! Now, we have only a few spots left.

Sicily has been named "European Region of Gastronomy 2025," but those of us who have fallen under its spell already know what makes this island extraordinary. It's not just the sublime cuisine—though the flavors here, shaped by countless civilizations, create a gastronomic language entirely their own. It's the way food connects you to Sicily's soul.

When we gather around a long table under in the open air, sharing delicious food, exquisite wine, and enthralling stories with kindred spirits and extraordinary food artisans, something magical happens. Time slows down. Barriers dissolve. We remember what truly matters in life—human connection, conviviality, and the simple pleasure of breaking bread together.

There's a particular magic to Sicily in autumn. The tourists have dispersed, the harvest is in full swing, and the island reveals its most authentic self. The light here is different—golden and soft, casting a warm glow over terraced hillsides that have been cultivated for millennia.

Sicily has captured my heart completely—the way ancient traditions live alongside modern life, or how each meal feels like a celebration of the island's complex history. Whatever it is, I can't wait to share it with you. I can't wait to see your eyes light up when you taste your first cannolo in a tiny village bakery or sip wine made from grapes found only in Sicily and grown in Mount Etna's black volcanic soil. I look forward to witnessing the moment when Sicily works its magic on your heart, just as it has on mine.

The Sicily Gastronomad Experience is filling up fast, and space for these new dates is limited. If you feel the call of Sicily, I hope you'll join us for what promises to be an unforgettable journey of discovery, adventure, and joy!

The Sicily Gastronomad Experience is more than just an experience—it's a magic spell. And you'll be enchanted completely.

With love, joy, and adventure,

Amira

The Wide-Open Spaces of a Gastronomad Experience

Tourism is shattering records worldwide. Last year, Europe received 747 million visitors.

Here in Mexico City, protests against tourists and digital nomads in general, and American visitors in particular, started on the 4th of July, and have been taking place every weekend since. But while Mexico City, with a population of 22 million, got fewer than 6 million tourists last year, the City of Barcelona, with a population of 1.6 million, received 26 million tourists in 2024.

Anti-tourism protests have become a common sight in Europe, especially in Barcelona, Venice, Lisbon, Genoa, Palermo, Milan, Naples, Paris, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, San Sebastián, Valencia, Granada, Bilbao, Menorca, Sevilla, Tenerife, Málaga, and Bologna.

Protesters claim that foreigners rent Airbnbs, spend too much in bars and restaurants, tip too much and, in general, drive up the local cost of living.

Meanwhile, tourism has been denigrated in the over-tourism hotspots. On Barcelona’s main street, called La Rambla, some 80 million people per year (locals, Spanish visitors and foreign tourists) set food on this street. It can take 20 minutes to get from one side of the street to the other, with a sea of humanity blocking the way.

Over-tourism crushes authentic local cultures. As the tourists pour in, looking to spend money, businesses are transformed to satisfy the demand for large-scale simulacra — a make-believe version of the culture. Savvy businesses spend big to create Instagrammable scenes and experiences, (investment that must be recouped through high prices) which wannabe travel influencers line up to capture. In many locations, thousands of people per hour take the same photo in the same spot all day, every day.

Nobody’s happy. Locals feel overrun. Tourists can’t find authenticity. Prices are soaring. And it can feel impossible for anyone to escape the crowds.

Finding beauty, peace and tranquility

As you know by now, The Gastronomad Experience is a magical culinary travel adventure that transcends tourism by immersing you in authentic local cultures, bringing you together with passionate food artisans, visionary chefs, and kindred spirits to celebrate life, food, wine, and human connection in the most beautiful places on Earth.

Gastronomad Experiences are the opposite of over-tourism. We avoid tourism and the tourist hotspots, opting instead for the wide-open spaces and real culture.

While conventional tourists exploit, Gastronomad Experiences nurture the places we frequent. We support local artisans, indigenous makers and growers, organic and sustainable agriculture and our local friends who are doing the hard work of traditional food and wine making.

Instead of Airbnbs, we stay in beautiful restored farmhouses and delightful boutique hotels.

Instead of fake, staged faux culture, we participate in the real culture with our local friends, often in their homes.

Instead of cramming into the same old restaurants everybody knows about, we delight in discovering the truly undiscovered gems, rising star chefs and hidden, family-owned spots — in addition to some of the greatest and most renowned restaurants that we deem Gastronomadworthy).

Instead of crowding into a popular tasting room at highly commercialized wineries, we drink vastly superior wines, often at the homes of the winemakers, or at little tables in the cellars.

Instead of seeking out backdrops for Instagram and using locations as merely a slightly novel place to drink (as so many tourists do), we learn about food culture from cooks, cheesemakers, winemakers, food experts and farmers, who happen to be our friends. We immerse ourselves and participate in the authentic culture.

And we love dining al fresco, under the sky and stars. We love tasting wine in the vineyard. We love the wide-open spaces where the nearest tourist is many miles away.

Even in Venice, during our Prosecco Hills & Venice Gastronomad Experience, guests enjoy that city’s authentic gastronomy in an exclusive 800-year-old dining room and the wide-open spaces of its quiet neighborhoods and outlying islands.

And you won’t even believe how peaceful, tranquil, and idyllic our Barcelona & Cava Wine Country Gastronomad Experience is.

Get away from the noise, crowds, and chaos of over-tourism. Experience the simple pleasure of sharing the world’s finest food and wine in a moon-lit vineyard under the stars.

Mike

Taste the Magic of Provence: Your Gastronomad Journey Awaits

As June draws near, my thoughts drift to the sunlit hilltop villages of Provence. I imagine winding along the country roads of the Luberon, where wild herbs scent the air, lavender fields begin to bloom, and lively Provençal markets overflow with vibrant, fresh produce. Every village feels like it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale, alive with charm and history.

I’m counting the days until we return for our Provence Gastronomad Experience. I can’t wait to share its magic with you. Every visit here is unique, a deep dive into the heart of Provençal life on the Côte d’Azur.

Time in Provence reminds me that real meaning lies in life’s simple joys—morning walks through bustling markets, heartfelt chats with local artisans, or lingering meals under ancient plane trees, as if straight from the silver screen. (If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend watching A Year in Provence to get a sense of the singular atmosphere in Provence!)

There’s something truly enchanting about Provence. I love the slow, joyful rhythm closely tied to the land and its traditions. I love how the French cherish every meal, savoring each course and the company at the table.

Just thinking of Provence lifts my spirits—the sweeping landscapes, the flavors of the season, and the laughter that fills our long, beautiful tables as we celebrate life together. Sharing these moments, tasting every dish, and soaking up the blissful atmosphere is pure magic.

Our Provence Gastronomad Experience is designed to immerse you in this magic. We’ll wander through storybook villages and uncover hidden gems known only to locals. We’ll gather at exclusive tables covered with crusty bread, creamy cheeses, sun-ripened figs, and the finest local ingredients brought to life by passionate chefs, winemakers, and artisan friends.

What truly sets our journeys apart is the sense of community that blooms naturally. Whether you join us solo or with someone special, you’ll find yourself among kindred spirits—people who value connection, curiosity, and the joy of discovery.

This year’s Provence Gastronomad Experience has been sold out for nearly a year, but I’m delighted to announce that reservations for June 2026 are open. If you’ve ever dreamed of living the Provençal life—even just for a week—I would be overjoyed to welcome you.

Come celebrate the beauty of France, the warmth of an inspiring community, and the simple joy of gathering around the table the Gastronomad way.

With all my love,

Amira