"Victor Sack" > wrote in message
>>
>> A few rfc'ers have talked about maybe doing a semi-foodie vacation in
>> Italy somewhe my vote is for Tuscany. The idea was to maybe rent a
>> house for a few weeks/month..and make it our base. Plus do a great
>> amount of cooking and eating while we are there..shopping from the
>> local markets, etc.
>
> Heh! Speaking from some experience, I'd say it would be realistic only
> for someone who's been actually living - or staying - for a long time in
> Tuscany (or in any other Italian region). This is a crucial
> distinction.
>
> Most any one-time or just occasional visitor would find that other
> things take up most of the time. And, in such a case, if you mean
> staying in the country (such as the most wonderful Chianti region),
> considering the logistics of staying at such a place, there would be
> really not much time for cooking at all.

Pretty much true, but we did have our evening meal at the villa every night.
It consisted of most items eaten "as is" rather than elaborate cooking. I
enjoyed going to the markets and buying things I don't usually see at home,
be it a bread, fruit, or a prepared dish. . Most evenings we'd be too tired
to want to make anything elaborate or to clean up a lot of dishes.

Part of the fun of the trip though, was going to the stores where the locals
shop. The up side was, we'd eat good, inexpensively, and try things not
readily available in the US. Not to mention the inexpensive wine.

If you went with a few couples, perhaps one day some would prefer to stay
"at home" to just relax and cook and have something ready for when the
others returned. Depends on the people too. After a few days of heavy
touring, it may be relaxing to stay put just cook.