Every summer, my then husband and I had a ritual of visiting his family in Switzerland. That year we decided to take a little side trip South for a few days when we found out that one of our favorite movies – Star Wars Attack of the Clones had been filmed at a famous villa in Lago di Como. The historic villa was open to visitors and us two Star Wars nerds were ready for some fandom adventure. 

We packed a small bag and jumped in the car to start our romantic pilgrimage to the Villa del Balbionello. We crossed the Swiss border into Italy without a hitch. The three and a half hour drive from Berne to the Lago di Como region is filled with a variety of language, architecture and vegetation.  Lago di Como is what I call eye candy – a magical lakeside setting with a countryside vibe.  

We explored several lakeside towns, practiced our Italian ordering gelato, vino, cappuccinos, Prosecco,  pasta and pizza a bizzeffe. One of our best meals was the cheapest, and an accidental find, actually a miraculous find – the only restaurant open at 8pm on a Sunday. In Italy, many restaurants are closed or close early on Sundays. That long weekend we ate and drank every meal outside in an ancient courtyard. Is it me or does everything taste better alfresco? 

Finally it was time to visit the epic Star Wars Villa – that’s what we were calling it between ourselves. The grounds were perfection – manicured gardens, majestic architecture and lakeside port of entry. I imagined what it must have been like to live in a such an exquisite place, which had started as a monastery in the 13th century. This historical site is famous for it’s intricate terrace design and this is where the famous love scene between Anakin and Padme (the parents of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia Organa) took place. As my husband and I walked out to the famous “spot” where the scene took place, he indulged my fantasy grabbing me and kissing me where the famous lovers sealed their fate. I was giddy and filled with the magic that is Italy – it was an epic moment! 

Italy is still one of the most visited countries in the world and remains a place of romance, artistic treasures and eternal wonder. 

Padme & Anakin Moment Villa del Balbionello

Anakin & Padme – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones

Villa del Babionello, Lago di Como

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It is common knowledge that we can not survive without water, but few are aware of the enormous healing powers water holds for us, water is medicine. My personal obsession started as a child. At a very early age I began to dream of swimming with dolphins, sailing crystal blue seas, and luxuriating in exotic spas. In the eighties doctors started telling their patients to drink eight glasses of water a day, and so I carried a bottle of water with me everywhere I went from the age of twelve, and still do to this day.

As an adult I made it to the sea, and the dolphins and created my own spa at home with a weekly bath ritual. For years now water has been my medicine and I had no idea I was giving myself a therapeutic treatment. I can be in the worst mood and go the beach or the river or the hot springs, and feel completely revived afterwards, like a new person. Author of The Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols has compiled research on the affects water has on our well being. According to him spending time in, on, under or near water can be beneficial to our overall health.

So pour yourself a glass of cool clean water, have a cup of tea, give yourself a facial steam, take a bath, go for a sail, canoe on a lake, scuba and snorkel, white water raft down the river, take a nap on the beach, swim laps anywhere you can, cook a pot of your favorite nutritious soup, take a steam sauna, play in a waterfall, take an invigorating shower, write poetry by the stream. Whatever life brings your way, make sure to incorporate water as much as you can. You won’t regret it. 

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Trees are our friends. I’ve always been a proud tree hugger and so can you, but why stop at hugging?  Hug a tree, plant a tree, give a tree, eat from trees, nap under a tree, climb a tree, listen to trees, love the tress. Trees are the oldest living beings on our planet. They are the wise ones, the ancient seers, the eternal givers. When all humans on the Earth speak the language of the stars, the seas, the trees, thy work will be done. If you haven’t ever connected with a tree, give it a try. Try meditating under a tree, listen closely for bird song, the breeze against the leaves, and any other natural sounds in and around your chosen tree. Touch and smell your tree, then say hello. Is it strange to talk to trees? Perhaps for some, to others it is as natural as talking to another person. It is another being after all. The tree of life, the trees give life, what would December be without our beloved Christmas tree?  

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