The Grand Tour D'Europe – Travelling across the continent

Anne Sage – The City Sage

photos by Anne Sage taken at the Italian Riviera

Anne is the co-founder of Rue Magazine and is writing her own blog, City Sage . Focusing on interiors and fashion it was even named a mustread by Martha Stewart Living. After living in San Francisco, New York, Toronto, Georgia, Nevada and even Boston, for one crazy hot summer when she dreamed of being a landscape architect, Anne settled in Los Angeles where she is working as a lifestyle writer, creative director, and social media consultant.

What was your itinerary for your European summer trip?

Back in the days I flew with Norwegian Airlines through Copenhagen to Nice. Once in Nice, I met with my travel group and we drove by van to Alassio, a small seaside town on the Italian Riviera. I was in Alassio for five days before returning to Nice, spent an evening in the city, and then departed back to the US the following morning!

Have you been to these destinations before?

I had been to Nice as a teenager but never to Italy. In fact, this was my first time overseas since I was 18, and I was more than a little nervous!

What was the reason for the trip?

I was incredibly fortunate to be attending a styling and photography workshop run by my friend and veteran stylist Annette Joseph. While there, not only was I learning as one of the workshop participants, I also gave a talk on how to use social media to promote your business.

When did you start planning?

I was very lucky that my hostess, Annette Joseph, is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the region of Italy in which we were staying. It’s rare for me to trust someone to design my experience for me, but Annette’s taste is impeccable. I knew she’d choose the best of everything, from accommodation to dining and beyond, and she didn’t lead us astray! This taught me a valuable travel lesson, whenever possible, ask for recommendations from a friend whose taste is the same as yours, rather than relying solely on internet reviews.

What was your favourite moment of the trip?

We enjoyed dinner at Pizzeria La Lanterna , which is literally on the beach just meters from where the waves wash ashore. We dined as the sun sank below the horizon and the sky turned from indigo to black. Chef and owner Matteo gave us the royal treatment with endless mussels, octopus, and tuna carpaccio, homemade limoncello, and of course the best pizza I’ve ever had! Then as we were leaving, Matteo’s mother ran out from the kitchen where she’d been working and offered us a plate of her secret recipe chocolate salami drizzled with hot fudge sauce. The whole night was heaven from first bite to last!

Did you meet any locals?

I didn’t just meet any locals, I fell in love with them! The Italians are so warm and welcoming. For example, when I wandered into L’Eden, an organic food store full of local Ligurian specialties, shopkeeper Mariana made excellent suggestions of gifts to take to my family in the US, and she even sent me home with a free sample of her own pesto. And at the apparel store Eleganza, not only is each item of clothing gorgeous, but thanks to the friendly staff, shopping there feels more like socialising with girlfriends who can predict exactly what you’ll love!

Is there any accommodation you would especially recommend?

In Alassio we stayed at the Borgata Cantone B&B, and I cannot recommend this beautifully restored country house highly enough! The rooms are breathtaking, and the views are stunning. Plus the proprietors Vicki and Emanuel spoil their guests with delicious food and abundant amenities. I’ll definitely be returning, and want to bring my family and friends with me this time!

Are there any souvenirs you brought yourself home?

I bought a white button-down shirt! It’s crisp and beautifully tailored, and every time I wear it I’ll remember all the chic Italian women I met on my trip!

What does travelling mean to you?

This sounds so mushy, but travel immerses me in feelings of love and gratitude. I get such a rush of positivity from seeing how people around the world live their lives in familiar ways: mothers caring for their children, old friends gathering for a meal or lovers stealing a kiss. Plus travel also reminds me how much I love my own life back in the US and how thankful I am to have a loving home to return to!

What was the most interesting new thing / idea / thought you took from your trip?

For me, this was a valuable opportunity to prove to myself that international travel doesn’t have to be stressful! I was anxious about jet lag, unfamiliar foods and not speaking the language, but in the end I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to do some more travelling. It was nice to show myself that I can be comfortable with a little discomfort!

How do you prolong the travel vibe in your everyday life?

I love to keep the travel vibe alive when I return home by getting into the kitchen and preparing food that reminds me of my trip! In Italy I met the lovely food blogger Giulia of Jul’s Kitchen and purchased her cookbook. I can’t wait to cook some of the recipes and relive my Italian adventure!