My Monthly Journal
Travels, whether near or far, long or short, all come down to the same thing: being present in the moment, open to the spirit of your surroundings, and true to the intentions you set along the way.
This month I have been enjoying a European adventure that took me to Greece and Italy. The featured image is a photo I took on the way into the town of Castelmezzano. As usual, I’ll share five points of interest: things that impressed, things that delighted, and things worth repeating.
1. Greece, land of the gods
While touring the famed Acropolis, I sat at the home of Zeus, or so I imagined. In Sifnos I swam with dolphins, and in Santorini I took a cable car down a mountain to the sea. I also ate a fantastic meal at a restaurant on the side of a cliff overlooking an ancient fishing port.
2. Work in progress
It hasn’t all been fun and sightseeing. I’ve been working on my new book, The Adventures of Willy Weasel, Book 3 in my Blue Mountain series. With a bit of good fortune, I should have it published in early October.
3. Back in the swing of things
As soon as I return to Toronto, I’m filling in for head karate instructor Tim Sensei at Naka Ima Dojo on Thursday, October 1st. I’m looking forward to seeing all the students and the progress they’ve made over the last month.
Then it’s back to my sanctuary in the Blue Mountains to prepare for the Creemore Arts Festival. I’m one of 50 artists on location, and you’ll find me in front of a house, 231 Mill Street, the main street, just before entering beautiful Creemore. Come out and experience some amazing artists working in many different mediums. Stop by my location to say hello, see my new book, and maybe even pick up a signed copy.
4. A holiday market
While I was in Italy, I found out I’d been accepted to the Beaver Valley Handmade Artisan Market, and I’m very excited to be part of it. It takes place on November 14, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm in the wonderful town of Thornbury, Ontario, right in my neighbourhood, or at least nearby.
5. Hidden treasures of Italy
My travels in Italy have revealed many hidden treasures for the senses. In the Basilicata region, I found deserted ghost towns that were once thriving military bases, The Military Ruins & Rocky Cove of Batteria Costiera San Francesco (San Vito, Taranto) complete with the infrastructure to defend the land. Now in ruins, they offer a marvellous scenic hike to a rocky shore with protected coves where the swimming is fantastic. I also discovered in Tursi a 5th-century village that is still inhabited. The Rabatana (Approx. 40 mins from Pisticci.) A short detour from the highway brings you to Tursi. The highlight is the Rabatana, the ancient, crumbling hilltop district originally founded by the Saracens in the 5th century.
Driving through southern Italy, you can travel from the east coast to the west with complete ease, and there are hidden gems all along the way. There is real wonder in swimming in the warm Ionian Sea one day and the Tyrrhenian Sea the next. Both are a pleasure, and at this time of year the temperature is perfect. Best of all, the beaches are nearly deserted.
Well, that’s all for this time. Be safe, keep reading and writing, and I hope to see you at one of my events.
All my books are available through your favourite bookstore or local library. If your library doesn’t have them yet, do me a favour and ask your librarian. They love a good request.
Copyright © 2026 Paul Yanuziello, PNJ Services, All rights reserved.
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