I get a lot of emails from various travel websites asking if I’d like to collaborate with them in some way. Big sites like Trip Advisor or Epicurious. And smaller sites that you’ve probably never heard of. Usually – big or small – the ‘collaboration’ is in the form of me providing some sort of content for their website in exchange for ‘coverage’ or a small fee. I almost always say no, mostly because I’m way too busy providing content for my own website, apps and books.
But a few months ago I received a different kind of email. It was from a young woman in Germany who was producing content for the travel web site Kuoni. Rather than ask me to provide content, she had a much more interesting proposition: could they come to Rome and film me? They wanted to capture Rome through the eyes of a local (that would be me) for their series Local Soulmates on Elsewhere by Kuoni.
I came this close to saying no.
Then I had a look at the previous videos they had produced in other cities and was so completely charmed that my original misgivings turned into a big yes.
They came. We filmed. And while I was petrified of how the film would turn out (Would I sound stupid? Would I look weird? Would the whole thing look impossibly corny and/or commercial?) I am soooooo happy with how the film turned out that I want to watch it again and again. We walked through my neighborhood of Monti and made it over to Testaccio. We ate food made with love by Alessio and Flavio. And along the way stopped by some of my favorite places drinking coffee, ordering negronis, eating gelato and looking at really old stuff. We hung out in my apartment and on my terrace and chatted about my book, apps and my general thoughts about living in this amazing, complicated beautiful city. They even gave Pico a a bit part.
While Rome – and the streets and people of Monti – play the starring role, the entire credit for the success goes to the team behind the film. Many huge thanks to Tanja and Carina, of Nectar & Pulse and Niclas and Paul , the guys behind the lens, of  the film production company We Make Them Wonder.
Thank you guys for not making me sound stupid. And many more thanks because I don’t think I look that weird. But really? I kind of wish you could have at least made me look a bit taller. Isn’t there a filter for that?
Tanja Roos and Carina Schichl are the extremely talented young women of Nectar & Pulse. Visit their web site to find a long list of great city guides they’ve produced with local soulmates.
Niclas Loeffler and Paul Jax are the creative geniuses behind the lens of We Make Them Wonder.
The film was produced for the Kuoni Switzerland website. where they also have the complete guide to my local view of Rome
The beautiful photographs in this post were taken by Carina Schichl.
Well done! I can’t wait to watch the film(s)! This is big! Kuoni is more than a travel website: http://www.kuoni.com/group/about-kuoni-group
BEAUTIFUL FILM AND YOU WERE FABULOUS
That was lovely! I am glad you took your dad’s advice to do what you love because we LOVE what you do.
Dear Elizabeth- this is beautiful- I absolutely love it! And you are lovely. I’m now dying to return to Rome… xo
congratulations, it’s a beautiful and charming double portrait of Rome and you.
This is a great blog. We have traveled to Italy eight times and visited over70 different places,renting and living in villages towns and cities,always ending in Rome for several days. I can follow what you talk about as our food adventures are always the highlight of our tips. Than you for what you do,and keep up the good work.AJC
beautiful video! Xx, jeannette
Good Morning Elizabeth,
I just had the pleasure of watching your very engaging film, and reliving the super tour Kate, Stuart and I had with you last October in Monti. I can’t wait to return. Have fun!
Gail
Thanks Gail! And hi to all.
Very very nice! Complimenti!
Love this Elizabeth! You sound and look great (tall enough) – your narration of the lovely visuals of Rome is both interesting and energizing. Bravissimi tutti!
Absolutely fabulous! What a great video!
Lovely video – your insights about the Eternal City are spot on and greatly appreciated. Thanks for all you do!
What a lovely little film. It is the perfect accompaniment to your blog. I am very excited about returning to Italy for the first time in nearly 20 years next week. I will be armed with your app and can’t wait to eat!
Wow, 20 years! It should be a great experience.
Brava, Elisabeth, I loved this video! You captured an essence Rome and its food. Thank you.
This is just gorgeous! I worked with the We Make Them Wonder team in Tuscany, they make everything beautiful.
What a great video, I enjoyed it!
as charming and engaging as the blog – brava! We’re looking forward to wandering in Rome (and Monti) in November.
November is a perfect time, no crowds plus cool weather.
It was so nice getting to know you a little better in this sweet, intimate little video. You sounded so down to earth. One of these days I hope to meet you in person on one of your fantastic food tours!
I hope you make it here too!
Loved it! So glad you took that leap of faith and did it.
Absolutely charming, you and the video!
Grazie!
This is just delightful and I’m so glad for a (small) chance to actually hear and see you! I’m almost finished “Eating Rome” and will be writing about it on my blog. Can’t tell you how much I am enjoying it, and all this before my first trip to Rome in September.
Thank you! And make sure you let me know when you write about it, so I can retweet etc.
Bravissima, Elizabeth! A beautiful video! My mom and dad were born in Rome, so I have many relatives there. I go back often and never want to come back!
The videos is awesome! I just ordered “Eating Rome.” I can’t wait to read it. I am so glad I found your blog. I love to travel, and Italy is my favorite destination.
Thanks so much! I hope you like the book, let me know.
I’ve cooked your meatballs from Ann Mah’s blog. Now it’s very nice to find you and your neighborhood in this gorgeously shot video. Next I’m making the fennel and orange salad. (That was a terrific video!) And looking forward to getting your book. ps: Nice sunglasses! I’m going to Bologna in a few weeks, if you have any restaurant recommendations.
Simply a fabulous video!
Brava! Loved the video – you (and Roma) looked bellissima!
What a lovely video ~ just terrific, congratulations!!
That was absolutely lovely and makes me long to go back to Italy. We traveled to Rome, Tuscany, and Amalfi two years ago through the wonderful Ciao Andiamo travel agency…and its a trip that was magical. I’m so delighted to discover your website…I’ve spent many happy hours reliving memories and itching to make new ones. Looking forward to devouring your new cookbook as well. Thank you!
This was great, Elizabeth! You really captured the magic of Rome and why we choose to live here (food obviously playing a huge part!) It’s been a while since I’ve seen you – would love to grab a coffee sometime! I recommend your blog as a point of reference for all things foodie to all my clients, so thankyou for always being on point! Un abbraccio 😀
Grazie!!!!
The film is so well done! It was wonderful to HEAR you and SEE you as well as READ you! I’ve only been to Rome once and you keep it alive. We didn’t do so many touristy things but explored on our own as you suggest and it was a delightful experience.
Fabulous video! What a treat Elizabeth! To finally get to “meet” you in “person” and hear you speak about your passione! It makes me realize, once again, how much we love Rome and how excited we are to be able to return in the fall…sure hope we can make that coffee date work this time! And I have to agree wholeheartedly with your advice about making time to just wander around a neighbourhood or two! Always with a plan for pranzo, certo!
great video. And what is the name of that sweet vine-covered cafe that is in Monti –you two are seated by the door above?
Kept meaning to pop in there when there a few weeks ago but we were always on our way to somewhere else so never did. It looked lovely…Next time!
Yes, it’s darling and called La Casetta della Madonna dei Monti and on Via Madonna dei Monti 62.