Visiting Italy several times since past so manyyears has given me an adrenaline rush. It pushes me to keep seeking, learning, traveling and creating.
When I traveled to Italy the very first time on September 6, 2013, little did I know that exactly three years later on 6th September, 2016 I would be taking another flight to the Bel Paese. (Quite coincidental, really)
Yes I am going to Italy again! Yippee!!!!
The purpose of my visit is different this time. I will be a Guest and International Blogger/Journalist for the Mantova Literature Festival/Festivaletteratura.
The International Literature Festival takes place annually in Mantova and this year and doubly special as it is celebrating 20 years of literary love and success. I am stoked to be part of the 20th edition because I know this journey will be like no other!
For everyone’s benefit the town of Mantova is in the region of Lombardy, about 2 hours from Milan. It is the Italian Capital of Culture for 2016 and needless to say another UNESCO world heritage site.
There will be a lot of Literature talk on Italophilia this entire month as several big names visit the Festivaletteratura. I can hardly contain my emotions because it’s two of the things I love a lot – BOOKS & ITALY. Nothing like both passions coming together, right?? So, BEHOLD!
I will be soon amongst a crowd of notable authors such as Alain de Botton, Roberto Calasso, Antony Beevor, Alessandro Baricco, David Mitchell, Sarah Waters, Julian Barnes and the list goes on.
There is still a lot to be done at my end-packing, to do lists, planning etc. I also just finalised my plans on where I will be traveling to after Italy. Any wild guesses?? 🙂
Meanwhile, follow along here as well as my Instagram and Twitter pages. I promise to make it entertaining for all of you out there- the Literature as well as the Non Literature lovers 🙂
“I am all the more convinced that we, as Italians, know nothing about certain aspects of being Italian.. Now I am in Mantua on a July night, where some Mantuans have come up with the wonderful idea of a literary festival which, year after year, takes place as summer draws to an end.” -Andrea Camilleri
Until next time. Ci vediamo!
Congratulations Ishita! What an opportunity of a lifetime! I am so happy for you to be able to blend your passion for Italy and your love of books in this endeavor!! I will eagerly be following your posts!
I am so pleased that I have wonderful bloggers like yourself, supporting me. Many thanks Margie. I am very happy too!! <3
I am excited to follow you around..!! Sarah Waters, and more – – How Fun!!!
Yay thanks Sheryl 🙂 I am excited for it too.
Oh wow. Sarah waters and David Mitchell and of my god so much bookish and cultural goodness. You so deserve this and I can’t wait to see what you post. So proud of you Ishita!
Thank you so much, Chitra!! I am elated and honored. You will love the updates totally for this one. Thanks very much again. Keep following!
So happy for you Ish! Read, explore and be awesome!
Thanks so much, girl. I hope you are well and traveling and exploring as always. 🙂
Italy, books, literature and authors….what more could you ask for? I’m so jealous. Looking forward to your posts.
Thanks Valorie 🙂 haha, as is every book lover. Maybe you could put it on your wishlist. Grazie cara 🙂
Wow Ishita !!! Congratulations and the best wishes as you get ready to embark upon a new role. It was beautiful to see your bond with Italy grow and cultivate over a period of time. Get ready to unleash the spark all over again. #morepowertoitalophilia 😘😘😘
Aww, thanks babe. Thanks a lot. it means so much. More power to you too girl!! Wish you lot of success. Hugs!
Have a wonderful time. I am green with envy!!
😀 😀 I take that as a BIG compliment. Grazie
Complementi!! What a great opportunity for you. Can’t wait to follow along on this adventure. Way to go!!
Grazie cara!! Thank you so much 😀 😀 I’d love if you follow and enjoy. Baci!
Im off to SALENTO! 😉
Bravo!
😉
I’m both proud and excited!! You are doing so well….I can’t wait to follow along with you!
Thank you so much Susan.. I’m so proud to know you. Please keep following :* yay!
Most definitely!!
KUDOS TO YOU ISHITA!!! How awesome and exciting!!! I can’t wait to follow along!
Yay Rae. Thank You! It will be my pleasure to show you around Mantova virtually.
Richly deserved recognition!
Thank you David 🙂
Congratulations Clever girl. I feel so proud of you. How very exciting to be rubbing shoulders with like minded people. Have a terrific time.
Thank you, Lyn. Can’t imagine a more perfect thing for myself.
Congratulations! Padova is wonderful you will love it.
Thank you Debra. Won’t be able to meet this time as it’s a short trip. Next time. And il be in Mantova 🙂
Sorry, I must be going nuts. I always get Padova and Mantova mixed up, they are both fabulous.
What a pity you can’t stay a bit longer. I arrive in BdL on 17th September.
Yeah unfortunately no. I travel to eastern Europe .. I think it’s high time I make the most of my European travels after Italy 🙂 who knows when I might come back.
Wow, lucky you, sounds like heaven on a stick. Looking forward to reading all about it.
Thanks Kathy. Indeed for us book lovers it is.
Brava amica!!!! Only the beginning…
Aww grazie, cara. That gives me goosebumps. Thank you!
That’s an amazing opportunity Ishita – Congratulations and I’m not surprised you’re so stoked! Hope all the prep is going well and enjoy every minute 🙂
Thank you Shikha. Yes indeed all the last minute packing. So sweet of you! I will 🙂
How fantastic! Sounds like a great opportunity. Have a blast!
Thanks so much Jen.
Have a great time.
Thanks Coral.
Congratulations dear. Waiting for the beautiful pics and your thoughts on your unique experience.
Thanks a lot Elizabeth. I hope you enjoy along
Outstanding! I am impressed that someone of your caliber both like my Photo Blog and chose to follow me. We had visited Italy in 2014 and as so many of your fans here have stated. We fell in Love with both the Country and its people.
Wishing you Safe Travels and Break A Leg!
Thank you so much 🙂 I missed replying. I really appreciate your comments.
wow! this is great! congrats! and I expect lots of posts about Mantova and the festival!:)
Thanks Tanja. You are expecting the right thing 😉
Ishita, congratulations! What an incredible opportunity, can’t wait to follow along. Safe travels, and thinking of you!!
Aww thanks Stacy. Im stoked by all the love. I will. Grazie.
Looking forward to reading your impressions of all those distinguished authors. And Mantua is so appropriate because it is the birthplace of Virgil, classical Rome’s greatest poet.
Thanks a lot cara. I hope you enjoy along 🙂
Congratulations and what an interesting opportunity! I hope you enjoy it though it sounds difficult not to.
May I ask a favour – I am a finalist in a travel writing competition on the Balkanvibe website. Would you mind if I posted a link here to the finalists page where your followers could read the finalists, look at the many lovely photos and like/comment on those they enjoy? Thanks and all the best.
Thank you so much 🙂 sure do put it. Wish you all the best for it! Hope you win 🙂
Thanks very much Ishita. The link is below and mine is the raspberry picking story. They promoted it as a writing competition and now say on ‘September 5 we will initiate a two-week competition to determine three winners … Because your selection as a winner depends on your post’s quality of content as well as social media virality, we encourage you to share your Balkanvibe article … with friends and followers and have them like, share, and comment on the story … to maximize your chances of winning the trip’ which is a bit rude IMO but what can you do. 🙂
Anyway, this is the link to the finalists’ page and thanks again:
https://www.balkanvibe.com/category/Balkanvibe-Contest
Bentornata! And what an exciting event and a stellar author line-up (you’ll love Mantova, too). Will look forward to following this. Enjoy and buon viaggio!
Grazie Kimberly 🙂 I hope too. Reached safely. Buongiorno da Italia.
lucky you! It’s a lovely city, enjoy!
Thank you!
Italy has so many beautiful cities and villages! I’m looking forward to following your adventures abroad.
Thanks Ellie 🙂
Bravissima!!! a great experience & great food too in Mantova😋😋😋😋did you know next year my birthplace – Pistoia – will be the Italy’s capital of culture ? This year is Mantova😉hope I could meet you soon as you have a friend here,me!👍👍
Grazie cara 🙂 Indeed I would love to meet you and Pistoia is high on my list! <3 next yr surely. Will stay in touch.
👍👍👍😍☕️