Bailey Alexander

In my book, “Personal Legends of Piemonte” we meet Anna Fila Robbatino and cross another threshold, entering her secret garden. Anna is famous for her nature hikes in Piemonte, Italy -  and they really do provide a peak experience. Young and old people alike take copious notes. She refers to her herbs as Superheroes, and we discover how to heal our body; realizing our bodies are much wiser than we think. 

Piemonte; the secret that needs to be told.

Living in Prague let having cognac and ice cream on a Sunday afternoon feel just right.

Romantic, I heard her whispering sweet things into my ear, like a subliminal mantra, daring me to let go of my bourgeoisie past. My mind opened up and became fanciful.

Living in Prague made having a cognac and ice cream on a Sunday afternoon feel just right. A romantic kind of place whispering sweet things into my ear, like a subliminal mantra, daring me to let go of my bourgeoisie past.

My mind opened up and became fanciful.

Excerpt from “A European Odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace”

Montaigne: “Lying is an accursed vice, it’s only our words which bind us together and make us human. If we realized the horror and weight of lying, we would see that it is more worthy of the stake than other crimes…

In this wicked, wicked world there is beauty everywhere. Why not study it like Johann Wolfgang con Goethe:

Goethe’s approach to studying plants was holistic, emphasizing understanding the whole plant rather than just its individual parts. He believed in observing plants closely, mentally “transforming” one organ into another in his mind to grasp their interconnectedness. His work laid the foundation for modern plant genetics and evolutionary biology.

I’ve been an American gypsy for a long time, I’m getting old. But I’ve seen so many countries from various ports, their personalities spread before me, that’s why I write about cities as personalities.

The angels of history are looking forward. As empires fade, and they always do - ancient civilizations masquerading as countries are about to have their say. Thankfully, cafe culture survives.

As the world turns.

With war creating surround sound - gratitude is proving to be a powerful anchor in such turbulent times. We need to keep creating independent thought and cultivating personal, quiet spaces to help us find peace and perspective.

Connection with others, cooking for our beloved and breathing-completely.

Therefore but for the grace of god go I.

“Bailey does it again, with another captivating book of place, people and changing times.

This is a series of interviews with people whom the author got to know whilst living in this, somewhat less visited, region of Italy.

We learn of a region that lost its industry and had to reshape itself. One where local identity has become increasingly important, but where interdependence is a way of life. Creative people, making cheese, fixing cars, living life, express their hopes and fears for the future both individually and as a region.

I finished this book feeling I’ve been introduced to a region rich in artisans; but I was also left thinking about the idea of localism and it’s place in a world that is reshaping global trade and politics.

The authors sensitive questioning brings out the character of these people; and it is both easy to read and thought-provoking. It made me want to spend time in this part of Italy, but also to dig deeper into my local roots and “Campanilismo”.

Another:

“Personal Legends of Piemonte” by Bailey Alexander is a masterful exploration of the region’s rich history, culture, and traditions. Her work is a sensory delight, transporting readers to the rolling hills, charming villages, and bustling markets of Piemonte.

One of the standout conversations and amongst my favorite, is the interview with Fabrizio Garbarino, which offers a unique glimpse into the life and experiences of a local expert. Alexander’s conversation with Garbarino is warm, engaging, and insightful, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the region’s nuances and secrets.

What truly sets this book apart, however, is its evocative prose. Alexander’s writing is so vivid and immersive that readers will find themselves smelling the sweet aroma of freshly picked cherries and tasting the rich flavors of Piemonte’s famous cheeses. The author’s descriptions of the region’s culinary delights are so vivid that it’s almost as if the cherries and cheese are dancing off the pages.

Throughout the book, Alexander weaves together history, folklore, and personal anecdotes to create a rich tapestry of stories and legends. The result is a book that is both informative and entertaining, making it a must for anyone interested in Piemonte and its culture.

Overall, “Personal Legends of Piemonte” is a triumph, and Bailey Alexander is to be commended for crafting a book that is both a love letter to the region and a testament to the power of storytelling. In part, the magic of this work is the seamless translation by Selene Zattra. If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to the heart of Piemonte, look no further. A must read for everyone traveling to Northern Italy, especially in advance of the upcoming Milan and Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

If you’re looking for hedonistic tales about living in Paris, bizarre stories about living in Malta, funky stories about living in Bohemia and Venice - if scary trips across the Atlantic are your style - then A European Odyssey; how a boxer’s daughter found grace if for you.

Reviews on Amazon are great and it’s an interesting twist on the travelogue. Forget about travel drama, waiting for planes, dealing with trains and automobiles -

• why not travel in the mind, it’s so much more fun.