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My First Thanksgiving in Italy: Bringing the Feast to Our Home Last November, I had the special privilege of hosting Thanksgiving for my wife, my mother-in-law, my sisters-in-law, and my brothers-in-law—an incredible group of people who had never celebrated American Thanksgiving before. Being the only American in the house and a former chef, I took the reins in the kitchen, whipping up the traditional turkey, stuffing, gravy, and all the classic fixings. My wife gave me a “little” help here and there, but it was something I was truly excited to arrange. After the feast, we shared a special Thanksgiving tradition—playing Alice’s Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie. Introducing this quirky, classic American tune to my Italian family brought a lot of laughter and really captured the spirit of the holiday in a fun, heartfelt way. One of my sisters-in-law even seemed to know the story, which was a nice surprise. This year, our gathering might be a bit smaller, as not everyone can be here due to other obligations. Rosa, Momma, and I will be there to carry on the tradition. We’ll see how the day unfolds, but I know the spirit of Thanksgiving will be alive regardless. I looked back at the few pictures from last year—when we had just moved into our place—and seeing everyone gathered was heartwarming. Having previously visited each of the in-laws’ houses for Easter and Christmas, this was our chance to start a new tradition. Seeing my Italian family around the table, sharing this American tradition with curiosity and warmth, reminded me that Thanksgiving is more than a meal—it’s about bringing people together and sharing gratitude regardless of where you come from. In truth, this is something I had not always experienced in my life, so having this experience is extremely important to me.  My Italian family at our first Thanksgiving together The Story Behind Thanksgiving (Maybe you know this, maybe you don’t, so here’s a little history for you.) Thanksgiving traces back to the early 1600s, when Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to celebrate the colony’s first successful harvest. It evolved through the centuries into a symbol of gratitude and unity. But did you know the official establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday is relatively recent? In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise,” hoping to unite a divided country during the Civil War. Interestingly, Thanksgiving has had some notable moments on the day itself. For example, on Thanksgiving Day 1920, the first practical radio broadcast of a live sporting event was aired—a football game between Princeton University and the University of Chicago. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt controversially moved Thanksgiving one week earlier to extend the holiday shopping season, a change met with resistance and later corrected. Another fascinating Thanksgiving Day tradition is NFL football, which started in 1934 and has become a beloved part of the holiday for millions. If you're overseas, including here in Rome, many bars show the games to bring that festive American spirit abroad. The NFL seems to have a following in Italy and around the world, especially during Super Bowl season, but that’s not for a few more months. Thanksgiving Around the World While American Thanksgiving gets most of the spotlight, other countries have their own harvest or gratitude celebrations. Canada, for instance, observes Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, rooted in similar harvest festivals but distinct in timing and tradition. Other countries, from Liberia to Germany, also hold festivals giving thanks for the bounty of the year, reflecting the universal theme of gratitude. From Thanksgiving to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Beyond Of course, for many, the day after Thanksgiving is almost as famous—the infamous Black Friday shopping frenzy. What started as a way for retailers in the U.S. to move “into the black” financially with holiday sales has now expanded globally, becoming a major retail event worldwide. Many countries, even those without a Thanksgiving tradition, have adopted Black Friday sales as part of their retail calendar—often unaware of its American holiday origins. Building on Black Friday’s success, Cyber Monday was introduced in 2005 as an online shopping counterpart, encouraging consumers to shop on the Monday following Thanksgiving. It quickly became a massive event, offering exclusive online deals and extending the holiday shopping season into a week-long retail extravaganza. Together, Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark the official start of the holiday shopping rush and have become central to the commercial side of the season worldwide. From the meaningful meal to bustling shopping deals and thrilling football games, Thanksgiving’s influence stretches far beyond just one day, weaving into cultures worldwide in surprising ways. 🦃🌍 Handy Guide for Expats Celebrating Thanksgiving Abroad 🌍🦃 Celebrating Thanksgiving away from home can feel bittersweet—but it’s also a wonderful chance to create new traditions, connect with friends, and embrace gratitude wherever you are. Here are some tips for making the most of Thanksgiving abroad: Plan Your Feast: Traditional or Local Twist? Source ingredients from international grocery stores or adapt recipes with local produce. Combine your American dishes with local specialties for a unique fusion meal. Consider a potluck where everyone brings a dish — a great way to share cultures and lighten the cooking load. Connect with the Expat Community Look for local expat events or restaurants hosting Thanksgiving dinners. Use social media and expat forums to find gatherings and swap recipes. Share Your Traditions Introduce non-American friends or family to classic Thanksgiving customs like the Macy's Parade (available online), NFL games, or Thanksgiving songs—including iconic tunes like Alice’s Restaurant to add some festive fun. Embrace Gratitude Beyond the Feast Reflect on what you are thankful for, volunteer locally, or connect virtually with loved ones back home. Send gratitude notes or share stories across time zones. Join the Black Friday Buzz Check if local retailers or online stores hold Black Friday sales—many countries now embrace this retail tradition, often unaware of its Thanksgiving origins. 🌎✨ Personalized Travel Ideas for Thanksgiving and Beyond ✨🌎 Looking for a unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving or turn the holiday season into a travel adventure? Here are some handpicked ideas that resonate with gratitude, culture, and connection—perfect for making your holiday memorable: Fall Foliage & Thanksgiving in New England, USA Enjoy vibrant autumn colors, quaint towns, and traditional Thanksgiving dinners at charming inns in Vermont, Massachusetts, or Maine. Canadian Thanksgiving with a Twist Experience a harvest celebration in early October in Toronto, Quebec City, or the Niagara region, blending cultural charm with festive spirit. Historic Pilgrim Trail, Massachusetts Explore the origins of Thanksgiving at Plymouth Rock, Plimoth Plantation, and Boston for a meaningful history-filled trip. Italy Thanksgiving Reimagined Inspired by my story? Enjoy a Thanksgiving escape to Rome or Tuscany featuring iconic American dishes with an Italian touch, plus cooking classes and cultural exchange. Christmas Markets & Holiday Festivals in Europe Extend the holiday magic by exploring festive cities like Vienna, Prague, and Strasbourg post-Thanksgiving, soaking in lights, crafts, and holiday foods. Warm-Weather Thanksgiving: Caribbean or Mexico Relax on sunny beaches in Cancun, Jamaica, or the Bahamas, combining resort comfort with special Thanksgiving dinners. Volunteer or Give Back Travel Engage in meaningful travel focused on community service or conservation projects—a powerful way to express gratitude. While these events and travel moments may have passed for this year, the focus remains on American Thanksgiving. At Wandering Puffin LLC, we can help arrange your travel to destinations with strong Thanksgiving or holiday traditions—just like our blog post last week on Christmas Markets. Whether reconnecting with cherished customs or exploring new ones abroad, let Wandering Puffin create your perfect holiday adventure.
I’m thankful to share these moments and stories with you, and I’m grateful for this amazing journey of travel and discovery that brings so many cultures together. Wherever you are this Thanksgiving, may your day be filled with joy, warmth, and plenty of reasons to be thankful. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! — Jamie at Wandering Puffin LLC Travel is an Adventure, Experience it!
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It’s strange to think that just three weeks ago, I was supposed to be in London attending several big travel events, including GEM (the Global European Marketplace) and WTM (World Travel Marketplace). But vertigo sidelined me—bedridden and shaken (no pun intended), I wasn’t quite myself, neither the traveler nor the travel maker. Only in the past week, with my doctors’ clearance, have I slowly started returning to work, my focus coming back into focus. This past week, I resumed teaching—my other profession—which felt great. I was a bit nervous at first, but after connecting with private students and groups, confidence returned. And now, I’ve just completed a long weekend in Arezzo. I traveled by train via Florence on the high-speed line, and going through mountain tunnels, my ears popped and clogged more noticeably than usual. Normally, I wouldn’t even mention it, but after overcoming vertigo, it definitely felt stronger. I’ve done this train ride many times without issue before. The workshop and conference I attended focused on agritourism, where I met incredible partners and learned so much. Arezzo, a town I had never visited until now, is truly beautiful, nestled in the heart of Tuscany. I’ll dedicate a future post to agritourism—a sustainable and growing travel sector here and beyond. Since it’s the start of the Christmas season and I had a chance to explore Arezzo after the conference, I want to highlight something truly special: the Christmas market here. Believe it or not, authentic Christmas markets are quite rare in Italy. Aside from Arezzo, Bolzano (Bozen in German) is one of the few places offering a genuine market experience comparable to those in other parts of Europe. While Italy has many festive decorations and celebrations, traditional Christmas markets of this kind aren’t as common as you might think. Arezzo’s market is warm and heartfelt—unlike some larger, commercialized markets, it retains a local, genuine spirit. Strolling the cobblestone streets and historic piazzas, I enjoyed browsing artisanal gifts, sipping mulled wine, and tasting traditional treats. The market runs from November 15 through January 6, extending the festive cheer well beyond Christmas Day in true Italian style. Budapest also shines during the holidays with vibrant Christmas markets set against stunning architecture along the Danube, offering Hungarian folk art, chimney cakes, and hearty goulash—a feast for your senses. Interestingly, while cities like Arezzo and Bolzano boast classic traditional markets, iconic places like Rome—and especially Vatican City—do not have typical Christmas markets. Instead, the holiday spirit there is celebrated through spectacular nativity displays and festive lights, but without the classic market stalls and bustling atmosphere found elsewhere. Europe is full of other fantastic Christmas markets worth exploring: Strasbourg, France – Known as the “Capital of Christmas” with magical lights, Alsatian crafts, and festive music filling the historic town center. Cologne, Germany – Multiple markets including the famous one near the cathedral, drawing millions of visitors for handcrafted decorations and treats. Salzburg, Austria – A fairy tale setting for traditional Austrian crafts and seasonal delicacies. Tallinn, Estonia – Medieval charm featuring a towering Christmas tree and local handmade goods. Bruges, Belgium – Canals and Gothic architecture create a storybook backdrop for markets with artisanal chocolates and waffles. Dresden, Germany – Host of Europe’s oldest Christmas market, the Striezelmarkt, dating back to 1434 and famous for Stollen cake and woodcarvings. Here’s some fun Christmas market trivia: 🎄 Oldest Market: Dresden’s Striezelmarkt Dating from 1434, it’s the oldest Christmas market in Europe. Originally a one-day event focusing on selling Stollen, it has become a festive celebration rich with traditional crafts and seasonal flavors. 🎄 Largest Market: Cologne, Germany Cologne’s multiple Christmas markets combined hold the title of Europe’s largest. The market near the cathedral is especially iconic, attracting millions every year with hundreds of festive stalls. And then there’s Rovaniemi, Finland—the official hometown of Santa Claus. While it doesn’t have a classic market with stalls and crafts, the magic here comes from Santa Claus Village, reindeer sled rides, and the chance to see the northern lights. Perfect for families or anyone dreaming of a truly Arctic Christmas. 🗺️✨ Sample Christmas Market River Cruise Itinerary: Danube & Rhine Festive Highlights 🎄🚢 Day 1: Arrival in Budapest, Hungary Explore the lively Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square with Hungarian folk art, chimney cakes, and goulash. Evening stroll along the beautifully lit Danube promenade. Day 2: Budapest to Vienna, Austria (cruise or train) Visit Vienna’s classic Christmas markets, especially the grand market at Rathausplatz featuring ice skating and concerts. Sample Viennese pastries and mulled wine. Day 3: Vienna to Bratislava, Slovakia (optional river cruise stop) Discover Bratislava’s charming Old Town Christmas market. Day 4: Vienna to Regensburg, Germany (river cruise continues) Wander through Regensburg’s traditional market in its UNESCO-listed medieval center. Day 5: Nuremberg, Germany Experience the world-famous Christkindlesmarkt, known for gingerbread, bratwurst, and festive cheer. Day 6: Cologne, Germany Visit Cologne’s many markets, including the one by the cathedral with handcrafted decorations and gifts. Day 7: Strasbourg, France Explore the “Capital of Christmas” market with stunning lights, Alsatian crafts, and local delicacies. Day 8: Optional extension to Arezzo, Italy (independent travel) Enjoy Arezzo’s authentic Christmas Market, active November 15 through January 6, with artisan stalls in historic squares. This itinerary combines incredible scenery, rich history, and authentic Christmas magic across diverse cultures—all easily accessible by river cruise and short train journeys. Hey friends! A few weeks back, I took you off the beaten path in Croatia to explore some lesser-known spots that are just bursting with character. Now, after a little break (thanks, unexpected vertigo!), I’m excited to bring you along on the next leg of this journey—a wine-filled adventure that pairs Croatia with its charming neighbor, Montenegro. Whether you’re a serious wine fan or just enjoy a relaxing glass after a day of exploring, these two countries offer stunning scenery, authentic experiences, and some truly unforgettable sips. Here’s a fun grape fact to kick things off: the original Zinfandel grape—the one so beloved and grown widely in places like California—actually has its roots in Croatia. It’s often confused with Italy’s Primitivo grape, which is grown mainly in Puglia, the "heel of the boot" in Southern Italy. Primitivo gets its name from the Latin for “first” because it ripens early, thriving in Puglia’s warm climate and producing bold, jammy, full-bodied wines. But Zinfandel and Primitivo, while closely related genetically, are distinct, and the Croatian heritage of Zinfandel makes this region incredibly special for wine lovers interested in history and tradition. So, let’s raise a glass and dive into what could be your next great travel story. 🚤 Wine Roads of Croatia and MontenegroStart in Dubrovnik, the glowing “Pearl of the Adriatic,” where centuries-old walls meet a sparkling blue sea. The city’s charm gently slows you down as you wander cobblestone streets, sip coffee in shaded squares, or just breathe in the salty air. Soon, you’re island-hopping across the peaceful Elaphiti Islands, discovering secluded coves and tasting local wines on Šipan Island—where your wine journey truly begins. Next, head north through olive groves to the Pelješac Peninsula, famous for its oysters and stellar wines. Family vineyards tucked into the hills invite you to taste their award-winning wines, each with its own story. Cross the border into Montenegro, and the landscape shifts dramatically. The Bay of Kotor holds a mirror to the sky and mountains. Here, the local vineyards proudly cultivate Vranac, Montenegro’s most famous red grape variety and a real source of national pride. Known as the “black horse” of Montenegrin wines, Vranac produces full-bodied, deep red wines with rich flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice—and great potential for aging. Alongside Vranac, you'll also find the indigenous white grape Krstač, which yields fresh, aromatic whites with delightful floral and citrus notes. Together, these grapes show off the impressive versatility of Montenegro’s winemaking tradition. Explore postcard-perfect towns like Perast and Kotor, soak in maritime history, and enjoy slow afternoons with a glass of wine by the harbor. For a change of pace, hike to the peaks of Lovćen National Park or stroll the upscale marina of Porto Montenegro. Finally, spend a day around Skadar Lake exploring Montenegro’s wine country—from large estates to cozy family wineries—where warm hospitality and fine wines flow freely. Returning to Dubrovnik for a final toast, you’ll find yourself carrying the spirit of the Adriatic long after this journey ends. 🗺️ Suggested Wine & Wonder Itinerary: Croatia & Montenegro Day 1 – Arrival in Dubrovnik Welcome to Dubrovnik! Your private driver will meet you at the airport and get you settled into your hotel. Take it easy today—wander the city streets or simply relax after your travels. Your personal concierge will be available for a casual meet-and-greet to chat about your upcoming days and answer any questions. Day 2 – Private Walking Tour & City Walls After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour through Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Learn fascinating stories about its history, culture, and hidden corners. Later, explore the famous city walls and museums at your own pace. The afternoon is yours to relax or discover your own favorite spots, with recommendations from your concierge. Day 3 – Elaphiti Islands & Wine Tasting on Šipan Today, a private boat takes you island hopping across the beautiful Elaphiti Islands. Swim in secret coves, walk along peaceful trails, and taste local wines on Šipan Island—the perfect start to your wine adventure. Return to Dubrovnik for an evening of rest or more wine exploration. Day 4 – Oysters & Wineries of Pelješac Peninsula Travel north to the Pelješac Peninsula, famous for oysters and stellar wines. Visit an oyster farm for a tasting and learn about local traditions. Stop in Ston to see ancient walls and enjoy black risotto before heading off to three family wineries. Taste the diversity of Croatian winemaking, from international stars to hidden gems. End the day watching the sunset on your ride back to Dubrovnik. Day 5 – Free Day in Dubrovnik Sleep in or head to a beach. This day is yours to go at your own pace. Need a suggestion? Just ask your concierge. Day 6 – Transfer to Montenegro, Stop in Perast, Overnight in Kotor Cross into Montenegro with stops along the way. Visit Perast, a postcard-perfect baroque town, and take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island. Enjoy lunch waterside before arriving in Kotor, where the rest of your day is free to explore. Day 7 – Kotor Walking Tour & Afternoon Options Discover Kotor’s rich maritime history on a guided walking tour. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring on your own. In the afternoon, choose between a nature hike in Lovćen National Park or a stroll through the luxury marina, Porto Montenegro. Both offer unique sides of the region. Day 8 – Full-Day Skadar Lake Wine Tour Spend the day exploring Montenegro’s top wineries near Skadar Lake. Visit a mix of large cellars and family-run vineyards to taste award-winning wines and enjoy local food pairings. Soak up the beautiful views and laid-back hospitality as you learn about the region's winemaking. Day 9 – Return to Dubrovnik & Farewell Dinner Head back to Dubrovnik for your last full day. Relax and take in any missed sights. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a handpicked local restaurant, raising a final toast to your Adriatic adventure. Day 10 – Departure A private transfer will get you safely to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels—and until next time! If the idea of wandering old streets, tasting local wines with stunning views, and discovering hidden corners of Croatia and Montenegro sounds like your kind of getaway, then you’re in the right place. Travel in this part of the world still feels like uncovering a well-kept secret—and having someone who knows the ins and outs makes the experience even richer. Whenever you’re ready to explore the wine roads of the Adriatic, I’m here to help you start dreaming and planning, no pressure—just good stories and great adventures waiting to happen. Cheers to your next journey!
Life doesn’t always respect our carefully made plans, especially when it comes to balancing personal health and a demanding career. As a travel professional, I often separate the business from the personal, but sometimes the two collide in ways we don’t expect. This past week brought that collision front and center for me when a sudden bout of vertigo turned my professional agenda upside down—and forced me to confront the delicate intersection of personal well-being and work commitments. When I started writing the blog again after a couple of months’ hiatus, I promised to focus on the business side of travel. In the first few blogs, I explored what we travel professionals do and what our role really means in today’s world. After covering these angles, I planned to shift the focus to the unique destinations that make travel so special—starting last week with a special feature on Croatia, followed by another post about the region. But, well, last week something happened that literally stopped me cold.
It hit me like a ton of bricks so hard that standing up wasn’t even possible. For three to four days, I couldn’t stand at all, and when I finally could, it was only with help. I didn’t fall or break anything. But when I tried to get up, the walls swayed—vertigo. Maybe you’ve never had it, or perhaps yes. Or maybe you have experienced a migraine so paralyzing you thought it was the end. I’ve had migraines before, and after a few hours of darkness and quiet, they’d pass within a day or so. Even then, I was sometimes dizzy from head colds, but a decongestant here, an ibuprofen there—and a few hours later—I was up and good to go. This time, though, the walls were moving, and so was the floor, just trying to get to the bathroom. Rosa was out, and I somehow clung on for dear life, making it from point A to point B. After I did what I needed to do, somehow, I made it back to bed—and stayed there. This was the day before we were set to fly to London. I held out hope that maybe this was like the other times: short-lived and manageable, and even if I missed a hotel night, we could still make the trip. But it didn’t get better. When Rosa came home, she was concerned—it wasn’t just clogged sinuses this time. She went to the pharmacy and got a decongestant/ibuprofen combo to clear things up. But even after that, I couldn’t sit up without dizziness and nausea, so the decision was made to cancel the trip. I basically ate nothing because I couldn’t get out of bed without feeling sick. Bedridden, I was.
If you remember last year, I couldn’t attend GEM or WTM—not because of illness but bureaucracy, since I still didn’t have my “permesso,” the permanent resident document in Italy. So, two years in a row, my “London week” plans have fallen through—once due to paperwork, and this time, due to my health. Was there a message in this? Yes. My body—and Rosa would agree—was telling me I needed to slow down after a very busy year in the travel industry and in our lives here in Rome. It might be true. I’ve barely been on my computer these past few days except to clear some emails. Do I have work to do? Absolutely. And I’m grateful Rosa was here to help me through this time. I would do the same for her if the roles were reversed. I’m learning more about balance in life, something I thought I had learned long ago but somehow had forgotten. Fortunately, this happened during a slower business cycle. It reminded me that I am not an island—even though I wish I’d remember that more often. The last time I was similarly dependent on others was when I broke my arm in Iceland over ten years ago. But back then, the support system I expected wasn’t there, so I convinced myself I had to do everything solo. Now, I’m older and, hopefully, wiser—and I truly appreciate what I have. I spoke about the intersection of personal and business life, and these past days have underscored it for me even more. Life is short, and this experience has deeply impacted me. I’ve let clients and colleagues know what happened, as many were wondering why I hadn’t responded, knowing my usual practice of getting back quickly. While I don’t plan to stop what I love—running the travel business and teaching—I had to cancel a class the very first night of my vertigo episode. I’m considering whether “doing less” may be necessary if this is the price to pay—whether it hits suddenly or creeps up over months. Travel and education define me and bring me joy. So does my marriage to Rosa and our life here in Rome, with all its challenges and stresses. Yet, we’re stronger together—both personally and professionally—when tough situations arise. Earlier this year, I had my travel lawyer draft a succession plan—not for anytime soon, I thought, as I fully intended to keep doing this. But this vertigo experience brought it into sharper focus and scared me a bit.
Italians don’t live to work—they work to live. Life is too short to be all work, work, work. I want to enjoy simple things more. I rediscovered that during the pandemic, but when reality hits home so personally, it really hits home. After a week mostly in bed or doing nothing, today Rosa and I are going out for a walk and spending the day together. Being scared of falling or taking stairs (we live on the 3rd floor with no elevator) was not me—at least, not before this. Staying housebound this past week changed me. Don’t worry—the Wandering Puffin is still at the helm. But maybe I’m taking it a bit easier these days, while the opportunity allows. Thank you. |
Wandering PuffinWeathering the Storm with the Wandering Puffin Archives
January 2026
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