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International Writing Retreats |
Umbria, Italy September 18-25, 2010 (scroll down the page for info on Puerto Vallarta)
Umbria is called the green heart of Italy, since it is the only region in the country that is "landlocked," meaning it does not border the ocean. This tranquil and sacred place borders Tuscany, but is wilder and less cultivated. It is also the land of the Etruscans, the ancient grain farro, chestnuts, truffles, and the best olive oil in Italy. Writer and event planner Sharon Smith is my partner on this retreat, and we have reserved the house La Pietra. right on the border of Tuscany. La Pietra is a restored 17th century stone farmhouse on a 155-acre estate (the beautiful property Altabella) , high in the hills above the Niccone Valley. The house is located between the towns of Umbertide and Cortona, just north of the famous Lake Trasimeno. The views from La Pietra include the nearby hilltops and castles surrounded by chestnut forests and olive groves. It's a quiet place. Inspired by our surroundings and the tastes of the valley, the writing workshops will run three hours each day, and there will be two evening workshops. There will be plenty of time in the afternoons to relax, swim in the large pool, or take a walk in the nearby forest. In the evenings, we'll settle in around the giant camino (fireplace), listening to live music or reading to one another. In addition to writing, we'll also explore nearby towns, including day trips to Assisi and Cortona, and one late morning at the local farmers market in Umbertide. We’ll eat well, taking advantage of the seasonal and regional offerings, and we'll enjoy meals prepared with local olive oil and vegetables from the organic garden. We'll also enjoy local wine, and a few special meals prepared by the renowned local caterer Amore Sapore.
The fee for the retreat includes:
The retreat is limited to twelve people, and the fee for the retreat is $3250 to share a room with one other person; limited single room options are available for an additional fee. A $1000 deposit is necessary to hold your place, and the full amount must be received by July 1, 2010. For more information, or to sign up, click on the "Fees and Deposits" link here or in the right-hand column. If you'd like more information, please contact me, or give me a call: 415-206-9771. I've included some links below for you. The first is the official web site for the house (make sure to view the photos). The last link is to a terrific travel agent named Sara Swanson. I love her! Bring your passion, your curiosity and your favorite pen or laptop, and leave your daily routine at home. Come write with us in Italy! Links Elizabeth Wholey (caterer and co-owner of Altabella) Sara Swanson: Travel agent extraordinaire!
Come write with me again in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! January 9-16, 2011 If you've never been to Mexico before, Puerto Vallarta is a great place to visit for your first trip, because it has a modern, international airport, a solid infrastructure, and most places have filtered water. Plus, it's relatively small, (about 175, 000 people in the city itself).
Since it has a special place in my heart, I recently began looking for a house to have a retreat in Old Town, and look what I found in the hills overlooking the bay, just a short walk from the beach:
Would you like to join me here for a writing workshop?
IThis house feels like a secluded, private hotel. It's on a hill, but not too far from everything the small city below has to offer. Since I've been to Puerto Vallarta several times, I know great places to eat, to grab a taco on the street, to shop, to parasail, and to kick back with the best margarita or piña colada you've ever had in your life.
The official writing sessions won't begin until Monday morning, and some people may not arrive until late Sunday night, but I'll have dinner for us that night. At the other end of the retreat, we'll be able to write together in the evening, but the retreat will officially end the following Sunday at 11:00.
I’m encouraging everyone to make a longer vacation out of this, if possible. There are many places to explore nearby, including the rustic beach town of Bucerías, the quiet village of Yelapa (no cars!), and the big city of Guadalajara (1.5 million people, and famous for its handpainted tiles and pottery). Also, the major airport in Puerto Vallarta offers you the chance to fly to other places in Mexico, conveniently and inexpensively, such as Oaxaca and Mexico City.
I’ve included some links here for you. The first is the official web site for the house (make sure to view the photos). The last link is to a terrific travel agent named Sara Swanson. I love her!
Directions to the house in English and Spanish:
Villa Las Palmeras: 214 Callejon de la Igualdad Puerto Vallarta, 48399 Directions to Villa Las Palmeras from the airport: In English
The Villa’s phone number is 011-52-322-22-20044
Villa Las Palmeras: 214 Callejon de la Igualdad Puerto Vallarta, 48399 Direcciones al Villa Las Palmeras del aeropuerto: En Español: Entra la Zona Centro, siga la calle de MORELOS sobre el puente, donde la calle cambia a I.L. VALLARTA. Dé vuelta a la izquierda en la calle de BADILLO. Van dos bloques, y toman una derecha en INSURGENTES. Usted pasará una gasolinera de Pemex a la derecha momentos antes que el Calle Pulpito. Continúa encima de la colina cerca de cientos yardas y toma una izquierda en CALLEJON DE LA IGUALDAD. Permanezca en este camino hasta que termine en un pequeño patio. La casa grande en el extremo con la puerta grande del hierro es Villa Las Palmeras. Villa Las Palmeras está apenas a través y sobre de la Casa Cupula, en la misma calle. Las puertas al Villa Las Palmeras están apenas en el extremo de las casas Cupula a la derecha. Hay una muestra. El número de teléfono en Villa las Palmeras es: 011-52-322-22-20044
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