Anya Nielsen’s new book, Following the Grand Tour is based on the 19th century rite of passage. It’s purpose was to discover archaeology, architecture, art, music and culture.
Anya was born in Harbin, China. She is the author of Russian Embers and Unexpected Fork in the Road, about her time in Egypt, Israel and Cyprus. Her new book is an engaging memoir about her time in Italy, Spain, France and Monaco.
She starts in Bari at the relics of St Nicholas. During her ten weeks journey she keeps coming across churches dedicated to St Nicholas. Is he guiding her along the way? Then on the last day, at the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Nice, France, she receives a farewell blessing from the wonder-working icon that once belonged to Nichollas Alexandrovich Romanov, the son, and heir apparent, of Alexander II.
Grand Tour, is full of her impressions, anecdotes and little-known gems. We ride on her shoulder experiencing Italy from top to bottom. Through Tuscan countryside, to Florence then take a gondola cruise in Venice before heading to Sorrento, Pompeii and Sicily.
We discover a second Mona Lisa, in Madrid, before seeing Barcelona through Gaudi’ kaleidoscope. In France, our bucket list includes fairytale castles and fine champagne, Monet’s Garden and the Moulin Rouge. Anya takes a short cookery course in Toulouse before we feast on Countess Efrussi’s unique gardens at Cap Ferat.
You are invited to the Russian Club in Albert Rd, Strathfield on Saturday 17the Aug at 1 pm. Copies of these books will be available for sale. Come have a glass of bubbly with us.
A surprise second book of my family recipes, called Babushka’s Feast will be available for the first time.
