Author: leanagallagher

We had an outing today, but of course we began with cappuccino and then the spa.

Brad started with Massimo, and me with Fiorella. We both came back like putty. Who would think that a 9AM massage was such a good thing? It puts you in the right frame of mind.

The morning was beautiful, full of clear skies and sunshine, and we headed out to the small mountain in the center of Lake Iseo, called Monte Isola.

Finding the ferry was the hardest part of the trip. The island was all but abandoned, which was glorious! We walked through cobbled streets and passageways, visited the church, walked through some hiking trails and of course had a two course lunch with wine, which was stupendous. Did I mention that the specialty of the island is cured sardines from the lake? We got to see some drying as well as having them for lunch. They were delicious!

The best part of the island were the cats…. this is for you Maria.

We took the ferry back and stopped at a birrificio that John was interested in. He finally got to have a dark beer!

We ambled home on a road that totally rivaled the worst of Scotland. Lots of moving away from the door in hopes that our car wouldn’t catapult down a ravine. Captain Brad got us through it, and we hung at the Albergo for the evening. A little swim, a little sauna, a little wine and salad (and cuttlefish pasta) at the bar. Such a gorgeous place to come home to.

I forgot to tell you. I lit a candle for Chazy in the Church. She would have hated the island (no stores) and she would have never climbed the hill to get to the church. I did it anyway.

Well Giordano really put me over the edge yesterday. I slept till 8:30 this morning for the first time since Chazy got sick, and I actually got out of bed with zero pain. A good massage therapist is worth their weight in gold.

I gave Brad my massage appointment today and went on a walk through the vineyards with John. We stumbled onto the owners car collection and took pictures for Brad. After our walk I met Brad at the gym (he was doing the exercises Massimo gave him) and then pool, steam and shower. Here are. Couple photos of the spa:

We found an Outlet Mall nearby and met my dear friend Cathryn for a little retail therapy and a Sicilian lunch. Yes, spa, outlet mall and dear friend in one day. The boys went to the Mille Miglia Museum to kick a few tires.

We topped off the day with fantastic pizza from Il Filliale, an offshoot of Franco Pepe’s great pizzeria in Campagnia. And what a pizzeria it is!

Magical day. I feel like myself again. Lisa feels better than she has in the longest time. I’m feeling like we’re on a new path.

Just so you know what you’re missing.

These are decidedly not Dunkin’ Donuts!

Well, it is what it’s cracked up to be.

An Italian spa is a beautiful thing. I was awake early and went out to watch the sun rise, had a cappuccino, stretched at the gym, had a gorgeous breakfast, went for a walk in the vineyards surrounding the property, met one of my dearest friends and was pummeled and tested and soaked and buffed.

No real pictures because I was offline all day, but trust me, it was otherworldly. There was a moment when Cathryn, Lisa and I had emerged from the hydro massage detox mud treatment when we couldn’t really talk.

There was a lunch with caviar and a gorgeous salad. There was a stroll through Brunello Cucinelli and Lori Piano merchandise, there was the trying on of designer jewelry……. Viva Italia!

So as not to deprive you of visuals, here are some photos from Lisa’s suite:

Brad and John had massages and went to the gym. Brad had a training session with Massimo, who looks like an elegant rogue Italian film star that Brad would absolutely hate. Of course they’ve become best buds, talked golf (Massimo was a trainer to several PGA golfers), and he’s been invited to Newbury this summer. I will try to get a picture of them together because it’s priceless.

The boys then went on a private tour of the Beretta factory. It is the largest gun manufacturer in the world, and they thoroughly enjoyed it.Cathryn was kind enough to bring Brad and I a few of her creations, so be prepared for us to look like Gianni and Marella Angelli shortly.

Being Monday, pickings were slim for dining choices, but we found a country restaurant up on a hill overlooking Lake Iseo. After an inauspicious beginning, we were delighted with the meal and wines.

A day in paradise.

Brad slept not one wink, John not far behind him. Lisa and I stretched out on empty rows and slept like babies. I did watch one episode of: Totally delicious.

We picked up our car and headed for the Franciacorta vineyards and found our luxurious Albergho waiting for us with open arms. They insisted on us having a glass while they brought up our bags. Who could argue? Brad is very sleepy….. The room is Grouper worthy!John and Brad needed sleep, Lisa and I had Detox massages which included cupping — highly recommend — and then we bathed and dressed for the Michelin 3 star dinner. Fabulous on every level. The bread and olive oil is for Christina, the Cocchi is for Janet, and the desserts are for all of you. Pictures do not do the Zuppz Inglese with meringue, the Sacher Torte with clementine, or the Giadiuja Bomba justice. Five courses and a gorgeous 2015 local Pinot Noir. Buona Notte.

TWA Hotel for a quick look. Such a fun place.

Onto the plane, we each had a whole row to sleep on. Uneventful flight, and here we are sipping Franciacorta in front of the fire.

And now onto massages and dinner.

People are generous and kind. Keep that thought with you when you think of Chazy. So many people came together and made this beautiful party — Lisa and LaLa and I were merely bystanders. We were spent, and we didn’t know how we’d do it, and miraculously Chazy’s friends stepped in and organized this beautiful fete. They met as a committee, arranged speakers, put together a video montage, organized a menu, selected wines, created a program, and published book of photos that will be passed down in our family. A Herculean effort that will be remembered forever.

There were tears, there were laughs, there was gratitude, there was reunion. She touched so many, she lived so fiercely, and she made such a contribution to so many lives. We did exactly what she said she wanted, a beautiful party with good food and drink and a chance to tell some stories. And we all wore dangly earrings.

As most of you know, my sister Chazy struggled with cancer for the last 7 months and left us in December. Her illness and death has taken a toll on all of us in ways I would have never imagined. The last month was horrific on so very many levels, and the only thing that kept me from crumbling was the thought of a spa vacation after all of this was over. As the days got tougher, the spas got more elaborate. The fantasy started to take shape after her death as a way to move forward emotionally and physically, so I roped Lisa into coming with me, LaLa is going to watch from afar, and Brad and John signed on immediately.

We (I) picked a spa just outside of Milano in the Franciacorta region of Italy. It happens to be an hour away from one of my best friends in the world. 🙂 The initial thought of 7 days of mud wraps and raw food quickly devolved into 4 days of mud wraps with pasta and wine, coupled with 8 days of travel in Northern Italy.

Chazy would approve.

But first we fly home to host Chazy’s 70th birthday party with all her friends and colleagues.

Jacksonville airport didn’t disappoint — 10 minutes from the front door through security and then, thanks to my dear friend Janet, Club JAX provided a lovely breakfast and cappuccino.

This is always more for me than you. No pictures, just thoughts.

Remember not to order hamburgers outside the US. Over cooked and never right. Scotland has world class cheese, butter, ice cream, potatoes and fish — eat it daily. The Scottish make phenomenal soup, and great desserts.

It rains always. The temperature varies. Best to have a fleece, a vest and a rain jacket — layer accordingly. Invest in pants that dry quickly. REI is your friend. Hiking shoes are a must. They are waterproof, can go trough mud, are comfortable and EVERYONE wears them.

Rent a tiny car. The roads are narrow and you’ll be squished but less scared. If budget permits, hire a driver. You’ll get great info, a bit of history and much less marital fighting.

Having a big house was tremendous. We all had our space, yet we could gather when we wanted. It made the trip. Don’t skimp on luxury here – after a day of touring, a great bed with space around you truly allows you to rest and rejuvenate.

Play golf at unknown courses. Great to say you played the big names, but there are hundreds of good courses for $30.

Family time is so important. Go out of your way and comfort zone to make time for it. There is nothing that connects you more than spending a week with someone. It’s a treasure and we should strive to do it more.

The end of a perfect trip, or so we thought…. We left our estate and headed toward the airport in three cars. Some of us got there before others :).

Check in in Glasgow was easy, but there was a foreboding sign as we rode the escalator Michael wondered about the need for the Prayer Room. The plane left on time and it was an easy flight.A few movies later and we were in JFK in the largest customs line in the world. The girls made even TSA a fun adventure.We got Jeff and Jenn onto their flight at a gate that seemed half way to Glasgow. We met Kirsten and the boys and then watched as our flight got delayed, and delayed and delayed again.

After trying several different options, we settled on a flight the next day and checked into the new TWA hotel. Such a fun end to what could have been a miserable night.

Oh, and let’s not forget the rooftop pool!And as a final addendum, I realized that my wheel had broken on my suitcase.I went back to the airport the next day and Delta GAVE me a new suitcase. That’s right, they have s store of brand new suitcases, and they let me pick one. How cool! Also, had a chat with the baggage folks and they recommend Ricardo luggage and soft sided as the best for durability.