Back in Tuscany – A New Season, A New Chapter

It’s been a while since I’ve posted here… but, well—life has been life.

A lot has happened, and honestly, I needed a moment (or a few). Over the winter, I was back in the States—Tampa, Florida to be exact. It was so good to be home with my family, soaking up the sunshine and indulging in Cuban food that always tastes like love. But before that… something really hard happened. My sweet girl, Lola, passed away. She was 17. If you’ve been following The Tuscan Wanderer for a while, you’ve seen her—she’s in the “About Us” section, tail wagging, heart full.

Grief is such a strange companion. It stays quiet one day and loud the next. I miss her every single day.

But then came a little light in the form of a new fur baby—Jasper. He’s a four-month-old chocolate toy poodle and honestly, a gift straight from my in-laws (who knew just what my heart needed). Jasper is curious, cuddly, wild, and full of energy—and while he’ll never replace Lola, he’s already carving out his own little space in my soul. I like to think maybe Lola sent him. And if you knew her, you’d know she had a flair for drama, so sending me a little boy dog that is her total opposite is so something she would do.

So yeah—life has been a bit of a roller coaster, but lately, it feels like things are shifting. Spring is officially here, and with it comes that sense of renewal. The trees are waking up, the light is lingering a little longer, and the air smells like possibility. There’s something magical about springtime in Tuscany. It’s not just a season here—it’s a feeling.

One thing that’s been on my mind is how much I love being back in Italy. Living here isn’t always easy (let’s be real, some days it’s a beautiful mess), but being away for so long reminded me how much I crave the everyday rhythms of life here. The morning espresso at the bar. The walking—oh, the walking! Tampa had me in a car 24/7. I didn’t realize how much I missed moving, breathing, and feeling the ground beneath my feet. My legs are sore, but it’s the good kind of sore—the kind that says, you’re back.

And then there’s the beauty. Italy makes it so easy to fall in love with your surroundings—every street, every old doorway, every view is a reminder to pause. 99% of the architecture here feels like a living museum. It’s beauty, constantly, without trying too hard.

Don’t get me wrong—I loved being home with my people and surrounded by my culture. My heart needed that. But even in those sweet moments, I felt a pull. A gentle tug in my chest, reminding me where I feel most me.

Italy is far from perfect—but in so many ways, it’s perfectly imperfect. It reminds me of how life used to feel—like the 80s, when kids played outside until dinner, and families gathered every weekend without needing a reason. Here, coffee is served in glass cups, not paper. Lunch is long, and conversations aren’t rushed. It’s slower. It’s softer. It’s good for the soul.

And sure—there are emails to answer, responsibilities to juggle, and real-life stuff to handle. But here, I’m reminded to actually stop and smell the flowers. And in spring, trust me—there are flowers everywhere.

Want to feel reborn? Come to Tuscany in the springtime. Or head south to the Amalfi Coast, or better yet—Capri. That little island blooms like it’s throwing a flower parade just for you. And if flowers aren’t your thing? Come anyway. Come for the food. The wine. The energy. The stillness. The reminders.

Because here’s the thing—life isn’t meant to be lived at a constant sprint. We weren’t made to burn out and call it ambition. We were made to feel things. To taste them. To notice.

And speaking of new beginnings—we just got our brand new 2025 Mercedes van! She’s sleek, shiny, and ready to hit the Tuscan roads. We’re ready for the season. We’re ready for you. You can check her out on our Instagram—she photographs very well, I must say.

So here’s to fresh starts, softer moments, and walking (not rushing) into the new season. If you find yourself in Tuscany, send me a message. We’ll grab a coffee, sit in a piazza, and people-watch like pros. We’ll talk about nothing and everything.

Because life is hard—but it shouldn’t always be. Sometimes, it just needs a little Chianti, a view, and a reminder to slow down.

And if that doesn’t work… well, then maybe you’re just broken (lol).

With love and springtime vibes,

Loreal

The Tuscan Wanderer