My love of travel was acquired from my wonderful parents Stuart and Ruth Allaby, who took their five daughters (smartly not at the same time) for various trips across Canada and to parts of the United States. All this in a small cherry coloured trailer with a bright orange interior, Dad was always blamed for that colour choice.

At sixteen my parents sent me on a trip to Switzerland where the travel bug took hold, all whilst I sat eating cheese in the Swiss Alps. For as long as I can remember, I saved my pennies (now out of circulation in Canada) to fund my trips and of course my cheese fixation.

In 1995, I married a remarkable man who shared my joy of travel and discovering all things new; different cultures, sites, people, food and wine.

Following a glorious trip to Tuscany in 2006, we began dreaming about living abroad someday.

The moment that changed it all was in 2014, I received an email from a wonderful British couple who were selling their Casale. This Casale happened to be located in the villa we had rented from them in 2006. I could not press the buttons on the phone quick enough. I called my husband shouting, ‘we have to respond‘! Our life list took flight, the timing was right and we set off in a new life direction.

In 2016 following a successful career in health care, I retired from my role as a senior leader within the provincial government. I absolutely loved my position, the days were long, the work challenging, the teams amazing and health care provincially and nationally was in constant change.

So, why leave something you enjoyed? Honestly the time was right, my spouse had retired, my beloved parents had both passed away and I needed a reintroduction to myself.

I ask that you join me on my Tuscan travels not because you will find me to be an accomplished writer or traveller for that matter. I am a person with a dream, who wants to share my adventures, some challenging and some life changing while living in and exploring Tuscany.

Salute,

Carolyn

**My photograph was taken by Wayne Walker, a dear friend who is a gifted and creative photographer. His photographs continue to inspire me with each snap.
Check out his photographs at http://www.waynewalkerphotography.com or on his Instagram account @Waynewalkerphotography