Miss Sarajevo...

Last week I've been to Sarajevo, a city I've never visited before, thanks to an invitation of Bernard-Henri Levy, a close friend of mine, a French writer and philosopher, very eclectic and famous for his social and political commitments.

We went for the opening of "Hôtel Europe", a monologue with the amazing actor Jacques Weber.

With that event as an excuse, we decided to spend the entire weekend, together with a charming group of friends and journalists that travelled with us from Paris.

In addition, Saturday 28th was the 100th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, a murder that would later lead to World War I. The city was hectic with the arrival of many presidents, such as Croatia's and Austria's, among others.

Sarajevo suffered a cruel war between 1992 and 1995, sieged and bombarded, with more than 10.000 victims.

Today, trails of that conflict can still be seen everywhere: the walls of many buildings show the impacts of bullets on their facades, as I've seen also in Beirut. But much has been re-built and the city has an undeniable charm.

A bit of modernity, a bit of Mitteleuropa, lots of green.

Bosnia's people want to become part of the European Union and are raising one million signatures for the petition. 

I truly loved the city and the friendly disposition of its people. We went to see the Brazil vs Chile soccer match in a bar downtown (we skipped Vienna's Philharmonic Concert to do so). There were no language barriers: only football as common love.

I don't know if I'll be back one day, but I definitely loved the trip and the entire experience...

Summer has begun...

Once again, as every year, with the same enthusiasm, we drove all the way to José Ignacio to the traditional December 27th Lacoste Party. It's become so famous it's mentioned in certain circles of New York, Paris, Madrid or Milano.

I've been going for 10 years now, maybe more.

I guess some day I'll stop going, but for now it's great fun chosing the dress and accesories, take my surprised guests and, once there, greet and kiss so many friends (yesterday, at least 40). 

There are no great conversations (too much noise), no politics or economy and, less still, literature or philosophy. But… who's cares?

You see who's there, find out how many (private) dinners are being organized and which foreign friends have arrived. As in Babel's tower, you get to hear many languages. I can instantly say from where they come. Blue blazers in men accuse a Newyorker or a Milanese. Glittery minis, Argentine girls. Flat sandals, French women of course.

Some say this year the season will be a disaster, that everything is so expensive…

I don't know. We'll see...

Roberto Cavalli dress, Kirat Young bracelets.

Magical Marrakech...

Dear Readers,
As I'm in Marrakech right now, I'll take the opportunity to share with you a piece I wrote some time ago about this city that moves me so much...

The magic begins the moment the plane flies over Gibraltar, that particular place where Africa stretches its finger over Europe… That image has always reminded me of one of the masterpieces of the Sixtine Chapel, where Adan touches the finger of his Creator…

We fly over Tangier and we reach the desert. Less than an hour later, we land in the red soil, so red it feels like a wound in the middle of the dunes. Palm trees, camels, flocks of sheep prove that we are in a different world. Here, in Marrakech, we enter the 1001 Nights. I'll try not to become Sherazade….

To Marrakech I usually come invited by some friends who own a legendary riad, where Marlon Brando and Winston Churchill and, specially, the fascinating Talitha Getty once lived in. For 15 years now it has belong to my friends and they are amazing hosts.

It must be said that hosting is part of the Moroccan culture and all the foreigners with houses here adapt to local habits and serve exquisite food. That's why spending a couple of days in Marrakech means entering to a new world, so different in more senses than one to the Western world. And it's from the Palace of Zahia (the name of the riad, «Zahia», means «joy» in Arab), that I venture out to see this mysterious town and its many secrets. I'll begin with the Jemaa el-Fna square, the heart of Marrakech. From there you enter the souks…

Walking around the great souk, a closed market that feels like Ali Baba's cave, is a sensory experience to the eyes, marvelled by the many colours; for the smell, charmed by the spices, the perfumes, the rassoul; for the taste, which enjoy the flavour of the "loukoums"; and for the ears, surprised by the sounds of the "gnawas." Totally worth it. The souk is divided in areas. You have the spices and dried fruit sections, which are extraordinary for their colours and smells, so strong and unique. But also the perfumes' and black soaps' sector. The Arabs give much importance to caring their body (being clean is one of the five commandments of Islam), a ritual that begins with the hamman, where you must use a special glove for scrubbing and the famous black soap, which is sold by weight. After the hamman, some have a special gommage with the rassoul, which is a special clay to cleanse the skin. Finally, a massage using argan oil, which results from the fruit of the Arganier tree, only growing in Morocco. Argan oil has many virtues: high levels of vitamin E and Omega 6 and visibly improves dry skin. There's also a version of argan oil for cooking. 

All this wonders can be found at the souk. Millions of people walk through it daily and you can find almost everything. Important: you must know how to bargain! They'll take it as an insult if you don't! Bargaining is a social skill in the Arab world. At the souk you can get amazing embroidered djellabas, shawls, fabrics, bags. Exquisite crafts.

When I spend some days in Marrakech, it's usually the 5-am call for praying that the muezzin makes what wakes me up. The first time I heard it, I was shocked. Then, of course, I got used to it and now I can easily fall back asleep. Then breakfast arrives with its Moroccan delights: tea, "les cornes des gazelles" (almond filled pastry) and pita bread with honey.

I am very passionate for the food of this country, specially because I can easily remove meat from the menu (as you know, I'm a vegetarian). I eat vegetable couscous, cooked and spiced eggplant salad, tomato jam with sesame seeds, tajines, cumin zucchinis.  And teas, lots of teas: mint, jasmine, verbena.

There are excellent restaurants in Marrakech. I love Dar Yakout, on a small street of the Medina, with the musicians sitting on the floor and the terraces that offer a magnificent view of the city and the gardens of the Koutoubia. Another great one is the restaurant of the Royal Mansour Hotel, opened two years ago (it is said the King is the owner). Five hundred employees come and go through underground tunnels to attend only 50 guests.

However, the most famous and classic one is the legendary Mamounia which has received celebrities and important personalities. Impossible to resist entering at least to visit the gardens, the tennis courts and the mythical pool. After a long restoration, it has been reopened for the sake of all those visitors who felt "homeless". Since 1923, when it first opened its doors, a never-ending number of personalities have stayed in this palace, from Winston Churchill or Josephine Baker, who spent the entire winter, to the Rolling Stones. Books have been written in its rooms, and movies were also shot in its halls. Kings and queens, presidents and artists have all been guests at the Mamounia.

Marrakech is all this and much more. It's the crafts, the colours, the smells, the fashion… Its charm is so unique it is one of the most visited places in the world (the Jamaa el-Fna square has been chosen World Heritage by the UNESCO).

Yves Saint Laurent loved Marrakech, where he would find inspiration for his collections. His love for Morocco was such that his remains rest forever there… 

Dear Montepulciano…

My readers always ask me about Montepulciano… I wrote this piece about my home town for Revista Mustique and, as it is now in newstaands, I can share it with you. I invite you to travel there for a few minutes. I hope you enjoy it!

It is said that, in life, to know where we are going, we must know from where we come… For me it's crystal clear: I was born in a small and glorious town in the heart of Tuscany, called Montepulciano. And that small town is like no other.

The beauty is more beautiful, the light is more luminous, cipresses are taller and churches (the true treasures of Italy) are more mystical than others. The first thing I learned in Montepulciano (and never forgot) is walking. In fact, its streets are so narrow, steep and difficult for cars that, since childhood, I had to walk and climb up slopes. Constructed on a hill 605 meters over the sea level, everything goes up and down. The Italian say that the polizianas (that's how they call the women of Montepulciano) have great legs and butts. The term «Polizianos» comes from the great poet and Humanist Angelo Ambrogini, known as Poliziano, who was born in Montepulciano in 1454.

Montepulciano has global popularity because of its wine. If Bacus or the Greek god Dionysus returned to Earth, they would certainly live there. Our wine is known as «Vino Nobile» and that is quite a statement. Documents from 1350 already mention commerce condition for exporting the wine produced in Montepulciano and, by 1685, poet Francesco Redi writes an ode dedicated to praise its many qualities (Montepulciano is king of every wine).

In 1669 English traders came to Tuscany searching for that marvellous wine, reserved only for the "lords". Our richness and tradition lies in the wine cellars which, in every corner, rival in quality, character and texture.  

When I was little, tourism was scarce in Montepulciano. We looked surprised at the few visitors that arrived in Summer (Winters are very cold) stunned by such beauty. 

Today, Montepulciano is «the place» to visit in Tuscany. The small streets are now always crowded. This has increased the number of restaurants and memorabilia stores. 

The poliziani are secret and mysterious people, and tremendously proud of their roots. They don't like to be compared to the people of nearby towns, less still with those from the province of Arrezzo. The only city they feel a certain brotherhood is Siena.

It's very difficult to befriend a local, although things have changed in the past years. It has to do with the history of the town, marked for so many centuries of poverty because of the constant wars between Siena and Firenze.

Of those times still remain what we know as "poor cuisine": little meat, lots of vegetables and dishes than include bread, an invention of the peasants to use old bread. That was the origin of the mythical «panzanella», a cold salad made of bread crumb and crust, seasoned with basil, tomatoes, cucumbers, tuna and onions. A delicious dish. Another typical Tuscan recipe is the minestra of bread and vegetables.

The best restaurant in Montepulciano is «La Grotta», in front of the Tempio di San Biagio. In Summer, you can eat in the small garden. In Winter, by the fireplace.

But the most typical one is dal Pulcino, a fattoria where everything is homegrown and homemade. The wine, the bread, the cantucci, the pici (long pasta) and the pecorino cheese are all made by the many members of the Ercolani family: sons and grandsons of the capofamilia, known as Pulcino.

My sister and I went to school with Pulcino's daughters and I even had my communion with two of them. 

With time, the range of Pulcinio's products have grown, including now honey soaps, lavender perfums, potpourri and much more. Even in Montepulciano he has another restaurant, called «La Porta di Bacco»

But not everything is food and, of course, the best part in town is its architecture. The famous Piazza Grande is a jewel of Renaissance. The Cathedral (il Duomo) is a masterpiece and inside it holds treasures as the Tríptico de l’Assunta by Taddeo di Bartolo, the altar by Andrea della Robbia, the Madonna Piccolomini di Benedetto di Maiano, among others.

The Palazzo Contucci, the Tarugi and, above all, the Palazzo Comunale (which ressembles the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence) encircle the main square, which has also served as setting for movies such “New Moon” and «Under the Tuscan sun».

There are many churches in Montepulciano: Santa Lucia's, Sant’Agostino's, Santa Maria's. One better and more beautiful than the other, but similar to many of those you can find in other Italian towns. 

However, the biggest, unique, one of a kind church is the Tempio di San Biagio and it's worth going to Montepulciano just to visit it. It is definitely breathtaking. Work of the architect Antonio da Sangallo (the Elder), his construction began in 1518 and was completed in 1580. 

Every human being need a safe place in the world. Mine is in Montepulciano…

Vacations at Montepulciano...

Every year, during the European Summer, I spend a couple of weeks in my homeland: Montepulciano.

It's here that a become the Tuscan girl I used to be... I walk up and down the hills: I do 6 kms a day. I read by the pool, dine at the restaurants in the nearby towns the dishes of my youth: Sformatini, Pici al tomate, Cantuccis. And the vegetables from the garden, beans and zucchinis. Life is very quiet: there are some tourists, but they don't bother... 

When I was a small girl, I dreamed about going to New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Buenos Aires. I found being in Montepulciano so boring. But now I return with so much pleasure that I head back to Paris, Buenos Aires and New York a bit sad...

I've become the best ambassador of my homeland and a true "poliziana."

I must go, but I will return...

Postcards from Corsica...

The style of New York women...

Dear readers,

Here we post the last piece I wrote for Why Not Magazine, so you can read it with no inconveniences and without having to enlarge the image we published in the Press section. We hope you like it!

I've always loved to see how New York women get fixed and dressed.

In spite of being basically practical, they do not neglect their personal style. They may go walking to work in sneakers, but they hide their heels to use in the office in a convenient bag.

They also go to the hair salon a couple of times a week (this is why it's possible to find salons that open early in the morning and close late in the evening, with moderate pricing). And they never forget a good manicure, thanks to the many "nail centers" spread around town, where a never-ending number of Asian girls work non stop, even on Sundays and holidays.

Most Newyorkers work hard and take conscious care in a personal style to pair their job. Buying clothes is not only a pleasure but almost "mandatory."

In some cities, trends are born in the streets. New York is definitely one of them.

Walking around this cosmopolitan city is a chance to be witness of how runway fashion hits the stores and from there it gets adopted and adapted to personal style. This process is totally natural.

When I go to Barney's or Bergdorf, I always love watching the elegant newyorkers carrying the lastest Louboutins or Manolos (shoes are their obsession) and Chanel jackets, but not with jeans, as Parisian women, but with tailored skirts or pants.

At noon, the famous "ladies who lunch" make up for their fame and seeing them at Cipriani on Fifth Ave. is a pleasure for the eyes of the fashionistas. Their elegance is a mixture of American classicism  with French design and a touch of Italian fantasy.

But the place to truly see the Newyorkers at large is at the famous benefit Galas or Dinners, which are a trademark of New York's social life.

While in Paris I never know for sure the "dress code" of a party or dinner (in fact, I have decided to invent my own), in Manhattan long party dresses are a beautiful obligation. And those events are the pinnacle of the great designers, such as Oscar de la Renta (the King of the Party Dress), Carolina Herrera, Monique L'Huillier, Rem Accra or Bagdley Mischka.

Jewels are the accessory that define the status of the bearer and, above all, that of her husband. 

Since "Sex & the City," the eyes of the world have been fixed on New York. Like a giant theatre, passers-by are always alert to what others are wearing and they never miss the chance to compliment with a "nice outfit," "what a beautiful dress" or "I like your coat."

That's New York!

Photo credits: Cristian Mitrani

Postcards from St. Tropez...

Running errands in Beverly Hills...

I love it when Americans say "running errands" to being from one place to the other, doing things... 

Here I am, walking, on a very sunny Beverly Hills...

Images from New York...

Although brief, my stay in New York has been, as usual, a real pleasure...

Here I am doing some window-shopping at Bergdorf & Goodman, my favourite store.

Going towards the Apple Store, to see the computers...

Watching the trees in bloom... It's Spring!!

My travel tips!

I've been asked about this many times... Some of them you already know... But, anyway, here they are, all together... My travel tips!

Nowadays travelling has become so normal it's even banal. However, this constant nomadism can be disturbing and uncomfortable. 

As I travel constantly, I follow certain rules  and habits (organisation is the mother of luck...) to be able to feel my best while in the sky...

1. I start packing much in advance: I take out the clothes, the accessories, the shoes and lay them all on the bed of a spare room. I mix and match the looks and return often to check on them to be sure I'm not missing anything.

Then, the night before travelling, I pack everything (I do it myself, always. I want to be responsible for any leftovers...). Coats and dresses go first, separated by silk paper. Then, sweaters and t-shirts, carefully folded. All underwear go in special fabric bags from Henri Bendel. Earrings and necklaces in plastic bags, also from Bendel.

Shoes go in their own fabric bags (most labels hand them out with their shoes), and my creams and makeup products travel in Henri Bendel's necessaries. Those go in a separate bag if possible and not in my luggage: you never know... something might spill or break due to pressurisation. Avoid possible disasters!

2. A carry-on luggage is very important for the on-board comfort. In my carry-on I always pack a cashmere blanket (a gift!!) to wrap myself and feel protected. I also carry a 100% cotton pyjama (t-shirt and loose pant) and a black cashmere cardigan (I call it "the plane cardi" and use it only on board). A pair of socks is also very important.

In a ziploc bag I carry a cleanser, a toner and a super-hydrating cream. All of them in tiny doses. A book, my notebook and my headphones to listen to music. And, of course, some melatonin pills to deal with the jet-lag.

3. I almost always travel dressed in the same way: a LBD, a black coat and Manolo Blahnik's sling backs. It's like the uniform of my own airline! For some time now I've decided not to wear jeans nor pants, not to mention joggins! It's more elegant, I'm more prepared to shift between weathers and I feel more comfortable than in tight jeans. 

4. I also carry something to eat. Some almonds, a soy burger previously cooked, some green tea bags. On board food is too fatty and salty...

5. I always try to wash my hair that same day and have a brushing done before travelling: it makes me feel better.

6. As soon as I get my seat, I go change and tie my hair. Before sleeping, I wash my face and apply a moisturising cream. And then I hope to dream, to wake up in shape and change back before landing!

Have you some tips of your own to share?

Memories from Punta...

Memories from Chandon's White Party in Punta del Este. Dress by Versace.

(Photo by María Teresa Alvarez) 

It all seems so far away...

Last dinners in Punta...

The party season here is over... Now is the time for private dinners, which are the best, where you get to meet friends and chat, eat and dance freely.

Here I am with one of my best friends, Myriam, my guest of honour.

We both have Judith Leiber's Leopard clutches, and we both placed them over the table, for protection!!

St. Tropez forever...

After a couple of hectic weeks, running from here to there, it's finally time to return to Buenos Aires and, quick enough, undo and redo my luggage to head to Punta del Este shortly. The last few days of the year are always so full of activities and things to do, but it's the proximity of summer what keeps us going...

Punta del Este reminds me of another destination I enjoy as much: St. Tropez. I`ve published many post from the French Riviera, but all the same, I want to share with you a piece I wrote for Mustique Magazine...

Before going to St. Tropez, it's important to make some stops in the road towards the legend... We must start by remembering the small fishermen town of the beginning of the past century, discovered by Paul Signac and his artists friends; then, the city of parties and glamour, made famous by Brigitte Bardot, Roger Vadin and Gunther Sachs; to finally reach the melancholic place that played as scenery for Francoise Sagan's famous novel and her band of insolent writers. But, apart from this clichés belonging to the past, St. Tropez proposes a contemporary reality forever re-visited. It is because of this that this mythical and magical place never ceases to amaze and seduce.

Doubting still? Well then, follow me...

Do you want to mingle with the rich and famous?

Then, enough to just have a seat, around noon, on the terrace of the Senequier, center of St. Tropez microcosmos. This year it celebrates its 125th Anniversary. It is there, among a French former President, some rich oligarchs barely-arrived-from-their-yachts and many show-biz stars, that the events and gatherings of the day are decided. Do you want to go to Naomi Campbell's birthday party? Or to the annual Tony Murray's party? Or to the (private) dinner organized by Bernard Arnault? All those activities are not forbidden to the common mortals, because generosity is a rule in St. Tropez. Of course, the tanned and beautiful are usually more lucky...

Do you want to eat well and socialize?

Among the many mandatory rituals of vacationing in St. Tropez, the more mythical one is having lunch at Club 55 (my favorite) in Ramatuelle. It's a nest of celebrities, a place to bump into old friends or simply spot the millionaires (and their entourage) arrived from the four corners of the world. Every day they serve more than 800 guests.

The first time I had lunch at Club 55 I fell in love with their salade Pampelonne (goat cheese, tomatos, fresh mint leaves and vinegar) and today, many years later, I still cannot order something else. 

Another beach restaurant is Nikki Beach, also very bling bling. The most decadently famous, la Voile Rouge, has just closed its doors... Some regret it. Other, like myself, not at all. Even St. Tropez' excesses have a limit.

Do you want to go shopping?

Here you'll find Ali Baba's cage. It's best than a cage , because its treasures can not be found anywhere  else. Sandals, earrings, beach totes, bikinis, sunglasses and party dresses "made in St. Tropez," worthy only because you find them precisely when you need them. I recommend a detailed visit to the tortuous streets of the seaport: Rue Allard, Rue Georges-Clemenceau, Rue Gambetta, Place de la Garonne. There, the flagship stores of the international labels mingle with the typical tropezienne boutiques, which are a source of inspiration to the most glamorous looks of the summer.

The unforgettable Rondini sandals, which rival those made by K. Jacques in situ, the earrings at Gas and Alix, the sexy dresses at Brigitte B. For some seasons now, big labels as Dior and Chanel install pop-up boutiques on famous villas with gardens. Dior's was decorated by Peter Marino.

One last suggestion: don't miss the markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at Place de Lices, an important appointment if you want to feel the true St. Tropez...
Do you want to "faire la fête"?
Then St. Tropez is the perfect place. You can spend the night at Les Caves du Roy, at the Hotel Byblos, which is the favourite spot for all the VIPs (and they are many) in town... However, for me, the best place is Papagayo, which this year has celebrated an important anniversary: 50 summers... Founded by Francois "Frangy" Malortique in 1962, if its walls could talk, they would tell us how Brigitte Bardot danced barefoot, not far from Pablo Picasso, how Francoise Sagan discussed at the bar, how the Disco movement ruled the place by the end of the 70s and how now is the time for the coolest DJs to set the mood. Many loves have flourished and died at the Papagayo.
Feel like resting?
The hotel to be then is Byblos. Right downtown, with Les Caves du Roy downstairs, it's a classic. 
A bit retired and closer to the beach is Le Chateau de la Messardière, with premises resembling that of a castle taken from Perrault's fables' (which you may chose to like or not), which has made it already part of St. Tropez's decoration.
My favourite however is La Reserve de Ramatuelle, a small jewel up in the hills, very minimalist, offering peace, calmness and a panoramic view, away from the noise downtown.
Or do you simply want to enjoy a one-of-a-kind sea?
Then go swim around the shore of Ramatuelle. Stay away from the crowded beaches and get lost around the rich and mediterranean nature of this paradise. Everything may change from season to season, except its natural beauty.

Windows of New York...

Bergdorf Goodman, on Fifth Avenue... My favorite store in the world...

Bulgari's snake...

Harry Winston...

Como Shambhala in Parrot Cay...

If there is a place in the world I truly enjoy, which gathers all the conditions I exactly seek in a stay, that is Parrot Cay.

I've been here many times already... If I could, I'd be here more often. Parrot Cay is a resort in an island with the same name, which belongs to Turks & Caicos, an archipelago in the south of Bahamas, and Como Shambhala is an ayurvedic spa and a very important yoga center.

Apart from the color of the sea, the white sands and the amazing gardens, what calls your attention is the peace and calmness around. No high-volume music, no noisy people... It's like a Yoga clinic, whose staff is mainly proffesional: masseurs and masseuses, therapists and coaches. There are two restaurants: one which is ayervedic and the other, vegetarian. There's no dress code, no smoking allowed, you wake up with the sun and can take yoga classes in the beach. There are Pilates and Pranayana courses, at sunset, in the Pavillon. Early dinner is served and then, to bed!

I challenge anyone to come here and get in shape. There are no stores around, except for a tiny one in the lobby.

In the hours free of courses, you get to read, think or just stare at the sea...

There are many Como Shambhalas in the world: in Bhutan, at the Maldives, in Bali.

For now, I know only this one, in Parrot Cay... But I'm sure all of them are just fantastic...

It's raining over Parc Monceau...

Ferragosto...

Since you've been asking, here's a brief wikipedic explanation of the Feast of Ferragosto...

Ferragosto is an Italian secular celebration that takes place on August 15th and which is usually an excuse to travel to vacations spots such as the beach or mountains.

The term Ferragosto derives from the latin expression Feriae Augusti (Augustus' rest) indicating a festivity set up by the Emperor Augustus in the year 18B.C. which was an addition to the existing and very ancient Roman festivals which fell on the same month, to celebrate the harvest and the end of the main agricultural tasks.

In the Catholic tradition, Ferragosto coincides with the celebration of the day in which Virgin Mary is taken to Heaven. 

In many cities and towns, local festivities are organized to celebrate that day and those to follow.

In Montepulciano, many tourists come to town to rest and escape from the heat of August in Italy.

The main event is the Bruscello, which means "arboscello," small tree branch.

Il Bruscello Poliziano has been taking place, since 1939, between the 12th and the 15th of August, in the Cathedral's Sagrato, in Piazza Grande.

The Bruscello is a type of popular Tuscan theatre, recited and sung by amateur actors. The themes vary year after year (epical representations, historical events or famous plays), and the scripts, costumes and set design are the work of the "bruscellanti," a group of people that do all this just for the love of tradition.

This year I saw "Orpheus and Eurydice."

But all comes to an end, and it's time to leave Montepulciano and its Ferragosto, to go to other countries and find new things to tell you...

Summer Ecstasy...

Some time ago I used to measure time with Summers: how many have passed, and how many are to come. Then I've realized that you could have many Summers in one same year... and that in less than a 6-hour flight, I could have one at my request!

And for me, Summer and pleasure, Summer and ecstasy (which means, in Greek, to exist outside oneself) are synonyms. Some examples...

1. Sunset on the Greek island of Santorini. To see how the Sun, resembling a ball of fire, drowns in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, projecting a pureness of light almost mystical.

2. To read the newspapers on a clear and sunny morning of June or July, seated at a table at the Cafe Le Senequier in St. Tropez, while I have a cold mint. And see the movement of the Harbor, the peacefulness before the agitation of the afternoon and the nightlife...

3. To witness what it feels to be the first, the one that marks the beginning of the season, when, by early December, I go to have lunch at La Huella in José Ignacio. I know all what's about to come: the parties, the tourists, the traffic jams, the summer scandals, the summer romances, the IT looks... But, for now, there's no-one and I'm the only one able to admire the strength of the waves, that come and go...

4. To swim among the rocks of Il Pellicano, in Porto Ercole, Tuscany. A unique place. The sea is cold and I feel like I can re-born as Aphrodite. 

5. The uncontrollable pleasure of leaving Paris, in an early November morning, so sad, grey and rainy, to land, only 10 hours later, at the Guanahani Hotel, in St. Barth, where the sun shines, it's 28°C outside and there's still much of the day to enjoy...

6. To eat grilled octopus, with lots of lime juice, at a restaurant on Agios Beach in Mykonos. And loose my sight on the horizon...

7. To walk the Tuscan hills around Montepulciano, in the Italian "estate" and feel small again. To smell the hay, the heat, the sun. To admire the hundred-year-old olive trees and the vines which, soon, will be loaded with grapes, rich in nectar.

8. To enjoy the narcissistic pleasure of watching oneself on the many mirrors of the Charlie Trotter restaurant, in Palmilla, Mexico. And see how my salmon dress enhances my tan...

9. To eat a juicy fig, hand-picked by me from its tree, in a wild garden on the Island of Panarea. To feel with my hands how it was brought up by the Sun, leaving its taste and heat in the fruit. And to think how wonderful the Summer is...

10. To take a yoga class at sunset at the Como Shambala, in Parrot Cay. To advance with the different postures as night falls, till I reach the final relax in the semi-darkness. And be in peace with myself...

I wrote this piece of the last issue of Mustique Magazine. I hope you've enjoyed it!

Dinner in Montefollonico...

One of the many charms of spending holidays in Tuscany is being able to dine every night at different restaurants in different little towns. To have the chance to change the shorts and sneakers used during the day around the hills, for a "fashion" dress. It sounds absurd, given the context... but who cares? And discover, as if for the first time, the wonders of the Tuscan cuisine: tomato salads, sauteed chards with peperocino, vegetable sformatinos and, from time to time, an order of pici (the local pasta) with basil and tomato. 

Tonight we went to "La Botte Piena," in Montefollonico, a charming place with tasty food.

Tomorrow, an early wake-up call to walk my daily 5 km around the hills...

It promises to be a sunny day...