Letters From The Olive Grove

Tag: food

  • Letter # 3

    I fell a little behind with my letters, so this week you’re getting two! It’s a Tuesday night here in Tuscany, and thankfully, the weather has finally cooled down. I know many of you live in places far hotter than this, so I won’t complain too much—but last week, the temperature spiked to 35°C! (Yes, I’m really trying to teach myself the metric system… mostly because everyone teases me for still using the Imperial system. It’s tough to rewire your brain after a lifetime of Fahrenheit and miles! And honestly, I think people are less sympathetic to my heat complaints now that I’ve switched units—somehow 95°F sounds more dramatic than 35°C, doesn’t it?)

    Having grown up in Utah and spent time in Tucson, I’m no stranger to heat, but this Tuscan blend of dry and humid is something else. Let’s just say I’m very grateful I stuffed my suitcase with Liquid I.V. packs—they’ve been lifesavers.

    The big highlight of this past week was hosting our very first wedding of the season! This property truly is a dream wedding destination, and it’s easy to see why more couples choose it year after year. It was an exciting (and exhausting!) weekend, as a couple from Brazil booked out the entire property for their celebration. Over 35 friends and family flew in—plus two very well-dressed chihuahuas.

    With our small team, it was all hands on deck to prepare. I returned to my housekeeping roots and joined our incredible trio of housekeeping staff to clean and prep the rooms. I’ve always had a deep respect for the work that goes into housekeeping—it’s hard, physical labor, but incredibly rewarding. There’s something satisfying about seeing immediate results from your effort, and jumping back in brought back fond memories from my early hospitality days. Huge shoutout to all housekeepers out there—you are the backbone of every hotel and resort.

    I quickly got back into the rhythm, thanks in large part to one of our housekeeper, Eleonora. Despite our very limited shared vocabulary, we found ways to communicate—helped along by a little teamwork, a lot of miming, and some lively ’60s Italian pop music. One thing I still struggle with? Duvets! I may never understand the obsession with duvets—putting covers back on them on feels like a full-body workout, and I’m not convinced of their practicality either here or back home!

    Though I was busy running around, I did manage to watch the ceremony from a quiet corner—and it was bellissima. Near the end, they brought out the couple’s two chihuahuas, one in a dress and the other sporting a tuxedo collar. Just as they were being led down the hill toward the ceremony site, the groom dog made a break for it—cold paws, perhaps? After a solid 10-minute chase in the hot sun, he was caught and marched down the aisle to a surprisingly fitting yet cheesy, chihuahua-themed song.

    The weekend was a great success, and we’re already making plans for the next wedding. It’s been exciting to get a peek into the world of wedding planning—from initial conversations and contracts to the final execution. It’s definitely a side of hospitality I’d love to explore more.

    After a long, event-filled weekend, it was pure bliss to take a day off and return to the beach for a refreshing swim. We also visited another Tuscan town—Massa Marittima—which was very charming. Its grand cathedral anchors the town square, surrounded by narrow cobblestone streets, colorful shops, and tiny eateries. I’ve been learning more about Italian dining culture too—like the difference between a trattoria and a ristorante. A trattoria is typically family-run, casual, and hearty, serving traditional regional dishes at more affordable prices, while a ristorante tends to be more formal, with curated, contemporary menus. Every meal here is a lesson in culture and I love it!

    Tuscany continues to amaze me with its beauty, its people, and its rhythm of life. Each day brings something new to learn, taste, or appreciate. I’m soaking it all in—and grateful for every sun-drenched, pasta-filled, slightly chaotic moment.

    alla prossima volta!

    With love,


    Holly

  • Letter #2

    Time is moving so quickly—somehow, we’re already in June! The Tuscan sun is shining strong, and I’ve gotten my first sunburn of the summer (despite wearing sunscreen!). This week, I took a trip to the beach with some of the other staff members, and it felt amazing to finally swim in the sea. I’ve been wanting to take a dip since I arrived, and now that I’ve gone once, I think I’ll have to make it a weekly habit.

    I’m learning that Tuscany is a tapestry of small towns, each with its own charm—and names I can barely pronounce! One such town, Roccatederighi, sits high in the hills and is absolutely enchanting. There, we dined at a wonderful restaurant called De Nada Locanda Toscana, known for their thick, handmade pasta prepared to order. Sitting on their terrace, watching the sun set over the rolling landscape, I was once again in awe of this place. Time may be flying, but moments like that make me pause, take a breath, and feel deeply grateful to be here.

    Another thing I’ve come to truly appreciate is the culture. I still have so much to learn and observe, but this past Sunday, I sat in our little town of Montieri and just watched life unfold—people gathering in the streets, chatting in small groups, kids running and playing, nonnas selling their hand-painted tea cloths, and nonnos offering hand-carved olive wood bowls and spoons. There’s such a strong sense of community, and I love it. Even though I speak very little Italian, I can tell that communication is treasured here—it’s full of passion, warmth, and expression. I’m fascinated by how people speak with their hands and how their words flow so beautifully.

    Inspired by this, I’ve decided to dedicate this week to learning more of the language. I recently came across an Italian copy of Anne of Green Gables, one of my favorite stories. I’ve started using it to learn new words and phrases, and maybe—just maybe—by the end of my stay, I’ll be able to read it aloud and truly understand what I’m saying.

    Work at the hotel remains both busy and fulfilling. It’s always satisfying to see a project come together. This past week, we completed the finishing touches on our co-working space, and it’s already being used regularly! We’re now pressing pause on other projects as we prepare to host a Brazilian wedding this weekend. It’s the first of many to come this season—this one alone will fill all 35 rooms with the wedding party.

    Until next time.

    With love,
    Holly