My role as 'Italian Ambassador' for Carmen Darwin

INSPIRATION

In Liguria as ‘Italian Ambassador’ with Carmen Darwin

When I first ‘met’ Carmen Darwin through a wonderful expat group I fell in love with her attention to detail, and joy for life. Happily I was able to join here as ‘Italian Ambassador’ to share our own simple lifestyle here in my beloved Italy. Enjoy!

Stepping off the train in Rapallo (and feeling a little bedraggled) we were met by Carmen Darwin looking casually elegant in a black pant suit. I immediately knew that her Revel in the Riviera tour was going to be something special!

Bold, stylish, determined, and with an eye for detail. Her favorite quote is “You are the master of your fate and the captain of your soul.” Henry Ford

Not content until she finds just the right venue, we arrive at our historical Villa in Rapallo.

Relaxing at the Villa with an Aperol Spritz in hand I found my role as ‘Italian Ambassador’ a joy. Sharing about our ‘Simple Life’ here in Italy, how moving here from Australia changed our lives for the better, oh and the joys of teenage daughters!

As a woman, mother, wife and friend it’s easy to forget to take time out. Carmen encourages women to do something special just for ourselves.

‘Guest Photographer’ and my dear friend Di Mackey then took each of the women in turn for a private portrait session. I haven’t seen all the results yet but the ones I did see were stunning!

With the entire villa to ourselves we spent a few days together enjoying fabulous food, sunshine, happiness, laughter, and lots of sharing!

My two nights sleeping in luxury was heaven. Every element of the Villa was exquisite. The others all thought me odd as I had to put my room back together perfectly each morning, I just loved the feeling when I entered the room.

Of course we also sailed into Portofino, dined in an amazing restaurant (with the most delicious ‘mini’ panna cotta topped with peanut brittle), wandered the tiny shops, and drank too much Prosecco.

We even played billiards at the Villa with the guys from Australia who knew Sharon. What a small world, we bumped into them in Portofino, and had a huge night at the Villa (yep I was slightly tipsy).

Super yachts, the marina, tourists, colour, style and everything that I know Liguria to be. We saw it all and the trip into Portofino on the ferry was glorious.

The thing I just love about Carmen is that she took her dream and ran with it….. all the way to Italy!

Carmen Darwin had a dream to take her ‘Design and Lifestyle tours’ to italy. Now she is two years down this wonderful path.

What a wonderful group of women. I am happy to report that I had the best time and loved being ‘Italian Ambassador’ sharing laughs, sunshine, Prosecco and my beloved Italia with them all!

learn more about Carmen Darwin and her tours to the Italian Riviera and Tuscany – Italy Tours

learn more about Di Mackey Photography

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and the gang x

12 replies

LA CONTESSA says:
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Portofino……………….31 years ago I sailed there on my honeymoon!!!!
I still have the orange DO~DA for my hair I bought at a shop there!
How great you GOT OFF THAT MOUNTAIN!!!!!!!
You look GOOD.SO< life must be keeping you busy!
XX
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  How Exciting that would have been!! Made me laugh re the Getting OFF THAT MOUNTAIN!!
  Always lots happening here, you know what it’s like! Now I’m working on putting all our knowledge into an online school! Big learning curves coming up. much love xxx
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France says:
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looks like a wonderful experience! hope you and your family are doing well in italy.
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Krista Bjorn says:
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What an amazing trip with such inspiring women! 🙂 So glad you got to experience this, and feel so spoiled and welcomed. 🙂
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Anne says:
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Hello Lisa ..well this looks absolutely amazing . And Carmen does look super .(you do too) . What an unbelievable place too stay. I have been to Portofino for a whole day . The whole trip looks and sounds awesome xx
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Carmen Darwin says:
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Lisa, I just had the most wonderful time and loved you coming along as Italy ambassador. It was a wonderful memory and one I will treasure always.
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Penee Young says:
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It looks like you had an absolutely fabulous time. The food looks divine and you all look extremely happy and relaxed. Gorgeous photos. xxx
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Colleen says:
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Love all of the posts over the years. I remain affectionately jealous.
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Stephanie says:
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So glad you had a wonderful time. It looks like it was divine!!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  A lovely break from life in the mountains, I think one day I’ll retire by the ocean. much love lisa x
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Wynne says:
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How I wish I could have been there – sounds magnificent!
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- Lisa Chiodo says:
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  Oh we would have had lots of laughs Wynne! You’ll just have to come back to Italy asap!! love ya xx
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