Hi everyone,

How are you all doing?

We've been quiet as we have been adapting to some changes after being quarantined in Barcelona. We decided to take the time to process all that is taking place, given the current situation with the COVID-19.

Now, you all know that we love to travel and share the places that we visit here on Travel & Lust. Our health, however, comes first and as global citizens, we all have a responsibility to minimise the virus spreading. That said, there is something advantageous about being still, which we are fully embracing.

Travel & Lust was born out of frustration after staying at an awful place while in Florence almost six years ago. There we were in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, close to UNESCO sites, historical monuments, an incredible food scene and we were so uncomfortable where we were laying our heads at night. We refused to believe that there weren't more affordable places that were still boutique in style. So although we loved our first visit to Florence, we knew we wanted to return and stay somewhere better and share the experience.

As a result, Italy has become quite the hub when it comes to Travel & Lust. We have; visited goat farms and pasta factories with KM Zero Tours in Tuscany, learnt to cook rabbit ragu at Florence Food Studio, stayed at places like Residence Hilda, toured at Villa Cora and dined at JK Place Firenze. We've also explored Puglia and eaten at fresh fish restaurants with Zest of Italy, dined under the stars at Masseria Potenti, baked with the elderly in small towns and got to know locals that live in Trulli houses in Alberobello. So we are deeply moved by how much the country has been affected by the virus.

We scaled our travel arrangement back a couple of years ago, to take a more "slow" approach to tourism. We don't jump on planes as much as we used to and often decline unnecessary press trips, opting to stay in places for more extended periods to immerse in the area that we are in entirely. It means that we publish less, but we share a more authentic reflection of the places we visit.

The concept of "slow" has now been thrust upon us. Let's perhaps take this time to be present, learn and reconnect. I believe that it will make us more appreciative of human physical connections and travel experiences in the near future.

I hope you all stay safe and thoughts are with you Italia! We can't wait to return!

Charleen

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