Ode to Umbria Jazz

This week I was supposed to be in Perugia for the Umbria Jazz festival. For the first time in many many years, the famous italian jazz festival could not take place. Needless to say it was a big disappointment for the staff, the musicians and fans alike.... including me.

Fortunately the organization of Umbria Jazz has already communicated the dates for 2021. And they have managed to contract many of the musicians who were supposed to perform this summer. For example Tom Jones, Chick Corea, Stefano Bollani and Jamie Cullum have already been confirmed for next year.

Umbria Jazz is my favourite music festival in the whole world.... because it literally has it all.... great (jazz) music, beautiful venues such as the historical Teatro Morlacchi, the recently restored church of San Francesco al Prato, the Sala Podiani in the Palazzo dei Priori, amazing art and historical sites, a stunning view over Assisi and the surrounding hills, mouthwatering food, fine wines, trendy shops, proximity to Rome and Florence and.... lovely people.

Many musicians are regulars at Umbria Jazz: Sonny Rollins, Tony Bennett, Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Joe Lovano, Michel Camilo, they all love the relaxed vibe and the good food. And the fact that they actually get the chance to listen to some of their peers. Unlike some of the other big festivals, here it still feels like a vacation (oh well, sort of).

Umbria Jazz has given me so much joy, so many happy moments... I miss it deeply. Most of all because of the people working there. It's one big family. Staff, musicians, managers, journalists, regular visitors, locals.... they all share this big love for Perugia, jazz music and in particular this festival.
For the lucky few who will be in Perugia next month, there will be a series of concerts from the 7th until the 10th of august.

See you next year Umbria Jazz!

For more information, please visit:
https://www.umbriajazz.it/en/

Or read one of my previous blogs about Umbria Jazz:
https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2015/07/top-5-things-to-do-in-perugia-during.html

Unfortunately I couldn't find good photos of everyone involved... so my apologies to those who are not pictured here. (I went through thousands of photos...)

Staycation in Zeeland

Summer 2020 has changed all our lives and more specifically all our vacation plans. Instead of going to Italy, I decided to stay home in The Netherlands and enjoy my staycation! Actually it's a great opportunity to get to know my own country a little bit better. This weekend I stayed in Zeeland.

Zeeland is a Dutch province in the southwest of The Netherlands, consisting of several islands. It's a beautiful region, with lots of beaches, historical towns and marinas. I've been there a few times before, but haven't seen all of it (yet).

Zeeland is perfect for people who love watersports, such as sailing, surfing, scuba diving and fishing. It's also a great place for art lovers and foodies. In Middelburg I went shopping (among others) at Sebastian den Herder Vintage & Designers; florist Huis van Bloemen; book shop De Drukkerij; souvenir shop Sjakies Snoepwinkel. 

I stayed at Bed & Breakfast Montancourt Middelburg (where the owners also sell great artworks); had cocktails in the stunning "speakeasy" Cocktail Bar Eleanor; dinner in the elegant Brasserie Eleanor, both located in a luxurious boutique hotel, named after Eleanor Roosevelt.

In the small seaside town Zierikzee, I can really recommend Brasserie Maritime for either drinks, lunch or dinner, but there are many cute bars and restaurants in the old and new marina. One of them is Winebar Gris Sec.

Besides Middelburg and Zierikzee, there is an abundance of beautiful towns in Zeeland to visit! Did you know Zeeland has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other Dutch province?
For more information, please visit: 
https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/zeeland.htm
https://www.vvvzeeland.nl/en/