My name is Tanya Adelina Pacini and I live in the Lucca region of Italy, in the town of Zone. I was born in Chicago, Illinois and have both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Computer Science and E-Commerce. I am very creative, and enjoy meeting new people and seeing new places. Before moving to Italy, I worked for over 14 years in a law firm within the technology department. I came to Lucca 8 years ago for a change of pace and to take care of my father’s property matters, and have been lucky enough to retain dual citizenship, allowing me to live and work on both sides of the ocean.
I have travelled throughout both the U.S. and Europe, and really enjoy European travel as a whole, because it is so easy to get from city to city and country to country. In the United States, you almost always have to get on a plane to get around, and because the country is so large, you can potentially encounter all four seasons of weather on one trip, making it difficult to plan ahead. In Europe, you can easily get in your car and just go.
I first heard about Hosted Villas through the Italian Regional director, Jessica Russell, and this is my second year working as a Local Host. I love meeting new people and hearing about where they’re from, and being a Local Host gives me the chance to brag about Lucca to those who have never been to this amazing part of the world.
If I had just 24 hours to spend in this region, I would organize for a driver to take me to some of the most scenic spots in Lucca, such as the Ponte del Diavolo, or the many beautiful towns and villas nearby. We would then head towards a vineyard to take a tour of their cellar, followed by wine and olive oil tastings and lunch on a veranda overlooking the city. In the evening we would visit another beautiful town, such as Montecarlo, and dine on local specialties, while taking in the twinkling lights and lively atmosphere. Afterwards, we would enjoy some live music and drinks with friends.
The best part about being a Local Host is when I receive phone calls and emails from guests, letting me know how much they enjoyed their time with me in Lucca. I think everyone should visit this region of Italy, because it is a beautiful place, filled with lots of art, wine, history, wine, culture, wine, great food and… did I mention the wine? There’s no need to book an expensive and time-consuming wine tour to Siena, when there are so many delicious varieties to try right here in Lucca!