anywhere office + our different versions + eat, pray and love + as above, so below + back to basics + hedonism
“Faced with the creation of man,
we discover that travelling has also the power and purpose
to reconcile us with humanity.”
Was about time to travel to Italy again. For a person who moved to London to also frequently visit my favourite country, being almost 2 years away sounded like a nightmare. Lesson learned: we can’t take for granted even this eternal country.
Fortunately, like the rainbow that follows the rain, this day has arrived and I spent almost the whole of October in Italy, merging leisure and work, something I’ve been planning for quite a long time. Anywhere office is really something I set as a goal and is manifesting.
The itinerary couldn’t be short. I over needed Italy. Needed to feel its hug again. I included cities I’ve never been to and many I’ve been to many times and just wanted to revisit.
Crema was a delight. Almost sleeping near the stars and eating one of the best dishes of the whole trip. Eating gelato in the afternoon after visiting a church in a small piazza, you know things like that? My own version of Eat, Pray and Love. The purpose of it all.
In Mantova, finally saw with my own eyes the Camera Degli Sposi. Difficult to believe sometimes how man created the old world as we know it. Italy always invites you to reflect on how the world, despite its imperfection, is full of perfection. I truly believe that Italy is and always will be a place where you can find beauty and pleasure on a high level. The true sense of hedonism. For me, I interpret it as the ancient’s legacy, a reminder that we are really surrounded by dual energies, and the country is like that little treasure you can always check-in if your eyes are tired of the world’s sadness.
Fortunately, not the case, but you got the point. I also revisited Venezia, Verona, Milano, and had three full weekends to explore. One I spent in the Langhe region, in Piemonte, where Barolo and the white truffle were born, and then in the northern lakes.
Working from there some days later, I realised that in the middle of laziness and in the joy of eating together, I found productivity has also space when you focus on yourself. The best part? Having a trattoria next door for the lunch break. In the end, merging a holiday with work can be the best idea if you don’t want that feeling you are just back home to go back to old and boring reality. Reality can be good and fun. I was back in London at peace.
A bit disconnected in the beginning, I have to admit. Have you ever had that feeling you just lived another life and another version of yourself while away and it’s challenging to reconnect to your hometown commitments for a moment? It happened to me. A feeling I pressed the ‘pause’ button and then ‘play’ some days later. We may not feel that gap, but others might do.
But it’s November, and I am ready for my birthday, naturally planning my next destination. Now that I have been in Germany and Italy, the way I wanted, after this whole crazy pandemic period, I can now explore other worlds. But first the basics. Always come back to basics when in doubt.
I am also reading another astrology book and, after this recent journey of visiting museums and galleries and observing how the ancient world registered astrology, it’s wonderful to get the connection between how the above (heaven) influences the below (earth), something that 2021 intensified my perception. So writing this newsletter just feels the right thing to do.
In summary, dear readers, faced with the creation of man, we discover that travelling has also the power and purpose to reconcile us with humanity.
Ready for this month’s forecasts?
Aries
For a cosy autumn night, make yourself comfortable at The Boundary, in Shoreditch, where they have a roof terrace, blankets, fireplaces and a food menu.
Taurus
Head to N16 this autumn, where you can find Esters, for great coffee and that menu that brights our eyes when we think about breakfast and brunch: eggs, cheese, muesli and tiny terraces.
Gemini
To beat my dual mood between London and Italy (guess why it reminded me Gemini?), I can always trust Luca, in Clerkenwell, when I want a flavour of the Bel Pease. Their parmesan fries will make you come back tomorrow and then.
Cancer
Craving some home away from home moment? If you can’t go to Paris, Paris can come to you at Le Relais de Venise. My preferred branch is in the City of London, where you can always expect that menu that does not change: two-rounds of steak and unlimited fries. Yes, you read it right.
Leo
Explore the king inside you and book the The Medieval Banquet experience. In the lovely St. Katherine’s Docks, enjoy some theatre with British food in old costumes.
Virgo
European society and culture changed dramatically in the mid-18th century. In Britain, William Hogarth became famous for paintings and prints that captured the new modern experience with energy, wit and humanity. Don’t miss the chance to see his artworks at Tate Britain this month.
Libra
Find your balance at Illuminated River this year, a long-term art installation transforming the Thames at night with an orchestrated series of light works that span nine bridges in central London.
Scorpio
Remember, remember, the 5th of November! As follows the tradition, Bonfire Night is celebrated every year on or around this date, as London marks the historic moment when Guy Fawkes and his motley crew attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I. I’ve already been to the Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival and it’s really a thing if you want to experience a real firework episode.
Sagittarius
As a lover of exploring new places, those ruled by the sign will like Ida, in West London. Simple, colourful, just the way we live la dolce vita.
Capricorn
Daffodil Mulligan should be on your where-to-go-next list in November. From Irish super chef Richard Corrigan, expect a lot of big slices of steak in the heart of Old Street.
Aquarius
Yay, it’s ice rink season! After an incredible 16 years, this will be the final year of the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum. They will be transforming the space into a hub for urban wildlife, as part of a national campaign to encourage people to help nature on their doorsteps. Adults from £12.65.
Pisces
There is a new French bakery in Islington, my dear sign. Spacious enough to bring your laptop too, Joie De Vie has great crepes and an extensive menu full of flavours of our fellow neighbour, from morning to early evening. The well-trained staff is the cherry on the cake.
And we are done for the month. I’m leaving now to blow out candles of my birthday cake and see you next month. Same place, same time. Keep safe! x, NB