Let’s face it, folks, Covid-19 is a marathon with no finish line. it is nearly February 2021. Travel plans: still on hold. Flight bans: still in place. Social plans: still buried.
While I have had it easier than many, I find myself noting each morning that it is still only January. Le sigh!
An instagram account that never fails to evoke my smile: @fontelungahotel.
I stumbled upon the Fontelunga Hotel’s Instagram account during London Lockdown #1, on an afternoon when I aimlessly thumbed through posts to fuel my armchair travel fantasies.
A dear friend loves to say, and I wholeheartedly agree, every Italian man went to Charm School. And so it is true for Paulo Kastelec and his husband Philip Robinson, who are the hosts at Fontelunga Hotel in Tuscany.
With a persona radiating warmth and cheer, Paulo’s infectious smile and geniality come through in spades during his cooking videos on Instagram…and I loved tuning in and following along to his convivial cooking directions. The Christmas pandoro teach-in is a particular favourite for its ease. 😉
I gave a try to everything from tiramisu (aced it, all things considered, given the extra rum!) to risotto (needs another go!), all the while smiling away to myself. His photos are gorgeous; and so it was that this hideaway Tuscan gem, hosted by two charmers, has shot to the top of my travel lust list.
There are plenty of Instagram accounts that I follow, and love; but there are just a handful which induce a spontaneous smile and a moment of merry during the endless travails of pandemic.
Honourable mentions: