Finding Your Passion: Traveling and Eating Your Way Through Italy

Do you remember the late, great Anthony Bourdain?  If not, you should look him up.  He lived my dream job: writing, traveling, and savoring foods from all over the globe.  An award-winning journalist, chef, and storyteller, his sharp wit made every word linger.

What I loved most about Bourdain was how he carried you through every experience, not just showing food, but people, cultures, and stories.  Watching him felt intimate, like you were right there beside him, tasting, listening, and learning.  His work inspires me to chase the things that light me up creatively.

Over time, I realized my dream looks a little different.  I’m drawn more toward the Stanley Tucci route: slower, warmer, rooted deeply in place.  He travels across Italy, tasting and sipping his way through each region, pausing to reflect on the food, the people, and the history that shape it.

And truthfully? Italy left a mark like no other.  I’ve only been once, but the hospitality, endless food, and feeling of being welcomed into a family, even as a stranger, made it unforgettable.

I could have stayed there forever, soaking in the smells, the rhythm of life, and the quiet laughter of diners.  I remember strolling through the small cobblestone streets, peeking into the windows of every shop and restaurant with curiosity and delight.

Near the Ponte Vecchio, I stopped for a gelato. Local musicians played familiar tunes, artwork adorned every corner, and the sunset painted the sky in colors I’ll never forget. Moments like that are exactly why I dream of spending my career exploring Italy this way.

So, what would my dream job look like? I’d write, eat, and travel through Italy. Tell the stories of people, flavors, and the culture behind each dish. Explore cities, small towns, and hidden corners. Experience life through meals, conversations, and the art of hospitality.

This dream job is all about connection, curiosity, and storytelling.  That’s the life I imagine, inspired by two great chefs.  And it’s the dream I’m still chasing.

What’s your dream job?

Stanley Tucci’s Searching For Italy

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you.”-Anthony Bourdain