Perfect Puglia

Another Puglia tour has sadly come to an end. The gastronomads started weeping and gnashing their teeth from day two at the terrible thought of leaving Puglia. As soon as they saw Lecce they said, but surely we are in Baroque heaven? Our fabulous manager Ali directed us through sunshine, ancient olive groves, Susumaniello vineyards, sailing on the high seas to Monopoli and wandering around the cave dwellings in Matera. We talked an aristocrat into playing the piano for us in his palace, consumed heroic quantities of Puglian olive oil and wine, embraced the siesta tradition with enthusiasm and threw ourselves into pasta cooking classes – even mastering the devilishly tricky orecchiette ear shape. We danced the pizzica for two hours on the last night and then danced our way to the airport. Bookings for 2018 are open now.

My South India tour is confirmed and happening... we still have a few places available for those of you who feel like doing something wild and spontaneous this January. If an exotic, foodie escape to an ancient and secret land sounds like you then get in touch immediately!

Oh and lastly ladies – if you fancy a pair of these gorgeous tassel earrings get in touch pronto! They are designed by my friend Rebecca in Morocco and handmade by a small community of women living just outside Marrakech. I've been wearing them for years and get so many comments on them. See the website for full details and colours available... but be in quick as we are nearly sold out of some colours.

I am teaching classes in Uzès till the end of the month, then I zip off to India to attend the magical RIFF in Jodhpur. RIFF is one of the best traditional music festivals in the world... THE best according to the Guardian, with Mick Jagger as patron. I am looking forward to the dawn sacred music concerts. After that I will welcome my North India gastronomads for our October culinary tour. Bring on the fireworks!

Peta