Italian Inspiration: A Holiday To Fuel My Writing
Last updated: 8.34am, Monday 19th June 2023
It’s the middle of June and my summer holiday to Italy is just around the corner. This year, I’ll be returning to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, somewhere I visited many moons ago and adored. This time, I’m taking my two teenage sons and my partner, and I know they’ll love it too.
As our trip approaches, I’ve been thinking about why I love Italy so much. It’s the magical mixture of history, culture, food, drink, scenery and people that make it my favourite destination. All these things align perfectly with my personality, and so they're also the things I enjoy writing about most.
History
I studied History at Glasgow University, where I focused mainly on Italy and France. As a wide-eyed undergraduate, I was fascinated by the Renaissance and enthralled by Michaelangelo, Da Vinci and the other artists and writers who lived and thrived in Italy at the time.
My interest continued through the Age of Enlightenment - where Scotland played a major role, I’m proud to mention. This was a time that inspired the American and French Revolutions, causing a huge shift in global dynamics. But there I go again, talking about history too much!
To this day, I become absorbed writing about history, but I also love writing about art and culture. I’m continually inspired by creatives who make our world a more beautiful, intriguing place to exist. Of course, I greatly admire and appreciate mathematicians, scientists and engineers, but as a ‘right-brained’ person, for me creativity is what I tune into, wherever I go.
Food and Drink
When it comes to food and drink, I feel very lucky to live in Ayrshire, a part of Scotland celebrated for superb hotels, restaurants, an abundance of fresh seafood and exceptional produce from hard-working, innovative farmers. It's wonderful to get the chance to write about the various ways that different places cater for the thousands of tourists who come to Scotland every year.
Scenery
As someone who is proud of their country, its stunning scenery and the friendly people who make it a pleasure to visit, I’m always keen to support the tourism sector. I genuinely enjoy writing about what makes Scotland such a fabulous place to explore, a place with so much to discover, and where you'll be so warmly looked after.
People
Finally, that brings me to what makes everything tick - people! I’m passionate about their different businesses, their motivations, their purpose, their values - and ultimately their unique stories. It’s these stories that distinguish them from anyone else. I’m committed to helping them and I'll often collaborate with charities that are driven to make a positive impact.
A recipe for inspiration
Italy awaits me next week! History, culture, food, drink, scenery, and people - a recipe for paradise when it comes to someone like me. I know I'll return to Scotland, refreshed, energised and ready to channel fresh inspiration into my writing!