Carla Mackey

Years ago, I started walking in Italy. I mean a lot of walking. I’ve walked from the Swiss border to Rome, from Bologna to Florence, from Palermo to Agrigento - twice, across the Dolomites and loads of other walks, all with my zaino verde (Italian for green backpack). I’ve been to more Italian towns than every Italian I’ve ever met. In the process, I have developed a love for and a deeper understanding of the lives of these mythologized “dolce vita” Italians. The tropes you see in movies are cute, but their stories are so much more nuanced and complicated. 

A few years ago, I began taking friends and  clients to Italy on walking tours, allowing them to experience Italy beyond its popular cities in a slower, richer way.  Recently I have turned my attention to organizing a new way to experience Italy. Joining one of my writers retreats provides an opportunity to seperate from the daily distractions of home and immerse oneself in the beauty and serenity of a quiet and beautiful place. I learned the value of this first hand when I struggled to complete my book and the subsequent update. Retreating to a remote locale was the only way I was able to finish my work.

I always continue to marvel at the juxtaposition of antiquity and modern life in an environment so rich with natural beauty. I don't think there has ever been a better time to explore your creativity and there's no better place than Italy to do it.