Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Robert St. John: The Yonderlust

PETROGNANO, TUSCANY—Bringing people together has become one of life’s greatest joys, and that’s exactly what these RSJ Yonderlust Tours are about. Traveling with a group wasn’t something I expected to hold such meaning, yet here I am, reflecting on more than 50 tours and over 1,200 guests since 2016 (with a two-year pause for Covid). Tuscany has become our gathering place, where most join me to begin our continuing journeys through Europe. There’s a certain magic here that brings out the best in each of us and sets the tone for the adventures that follow.

From the first moment my feet touched Tuscan soil in 2011, this place has felt like home. Tuscany has a lot in common with the American South. It’s an agrarian society, but here they grow olives and grapes instead of cotton and soybeans. The people are warm, welcoming, and deeply family-oriented, just like the folks back home. They love gathering around a table, sharing a meal, and making everyone feel like family. That kind of open-hearted hospitality is what first drew me to this place, and I think it’s why so many Southerners connect so strongly to Tuscany on my tours. The landscape may look different, but the spirit is familiar.

When guests arrive, I can see the anticipation and a bit of worry they carry—questions about connections, packing, group travel, and, of course, if there’ll be enough food. So, right at the meeting point, I put their minds at ease: “You have worried about a lot to this point,” I tell them. “Am I going to make my connection? Am I bringing the right clothes? What will the weather be like? Will we get to the meeting spot on time? Am I going to like traveling in a group? Is there going to be enough food?” Then I assure them, “From this point forward, and for our entire time together, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. No worries at all. Leave all those cares at home because everything is taken care of, and everything is covered.”

It takes a couple of days, but eventually, I see them slowly relax, allowing the Yonderlust spirit to take over. Veteran travelers, who’ve joined me on five, six, and seven tours, get it right from the first minute of the first day on their revisits. They’re veterans of the way we travel on these tours. They know to sit back, relax, and let the journey unfold. For my first timers, there’s something special about watching them— a couple of days in— when they finally realize they don’t have to plan or worry about a thing. They’re free to be in the moment, enjoying everything as it comes. Seeing that gradual transformation and realization never gets old.

The true Yonderlust spirit was on full display last week. One of my guests injured his knee on our first day, and though he was determined to tough it out see it through, by the final day, we needed to bring in a wheelchair to help him navigate the steep hills of Siena. I’d gone off to purchase tickets for their visit to the cathedral, and by the time I returned, several of the men in our group had already taken turns pushing the wheelchair up the cobblestone paths. When I tried to take over, insisting it was my responsibility as their host, they wouldn’t hear of it. They were resolute in their determination to help their fellow traveler, and they took genuine pride in making sure he was taken care of. As we made our way down one of Siena’s steepest hills, it took three of them to carefully manage the wheelchair, holding it back to keep it from running away downhill. Not a single word of complaint, just Southern pride and camaraderie, helping a friend in need. That’s the Yonderlust spirit in action, and it’s moments like this that remind me why I keep doing this.

One of my favorite surprises has been watching our guests form lasting friendships on these tours. Many are recently widowed or divorced women, stepping out on a new journey for the first time. They often arrive a bit anxious, unsure of what to expect. But by the end, they’re sharing laughter, wine, and conversation with new friends they didn’t know they needed. Many of them come back to travel with me time and again, soaking in the scenery, architecture, and food while building connections and true friendships that last well beyond the tour. Some groups that started as strangers over here become so close they host reunions back home—events I have no hand in planning, though I get invited. That, more than anything, fills me with a deep sense of gratitude.



It’s olive-picking season here in Tuscany, and my guests are getting a firsthand experience of freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil. We’ve been out in the groves, picking olives, tasting oil that’s only hours old, and marveling at its neon green hue and bold, peppery flavor. To me, Tuscan olive oil is the best in the world, and there’s nothing quite like introducing others to it. Each taste, each view, each shared moment is a chance to discover something new.

Tuscany may be the entry portal for my guests on these RSJ Yonderlust Tours, but it’s only the beginning. Many guests go on to join me on tours through Spain, Sicily, Northern Italy, Rome, the Amalfi Coast, England, Scotland, and beyond. No matter where we go, the Yonderlust spirit is always alive, showing up in the kindness, the connection, and the joy that fills each trip. This is what fuels my passion, the reason I remain committed, and why I pour my heart into this work.

These days, I measure success a little differently than I did in my younger years. It’s not always about dollars; it’s also about the joy I see in my guests, their excitement as they discover new places, the friendships that last long after the trip, and the peace that settles in when they realize everything’s taken care of. Being part of something so much bigger than just travel is a privilege I’ll never take for granted, and it fills me with gratitude every single day.

Onward.


Spinach Flan with Roasted Tomato Coulis

2 cups Heavy cream

1 ea 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained well

4 ea Eggs

2 tsp Kosher salt

1 tsp Fresh ground black pepper

1/8 tsp Ground nutmeg

Grated Parmigiano Reggiano as needed for garnish

1 recipe Roasted Tomato Coulis

Preheat oven to 275.

Combine heavy cream and spinach in a small sauce pot and warm over low heat, just to take the chill off.

Remove from heat and puree until smooth. Strain through a chinois. Discard any solids that remain.

Transfer to a bowl and combine remaining ingredients gently.

Coat 8 4-6 oz. oven safe ramekins with non-stick spray and divide mixture among them. Bake in a water bath for 30 minutes or until set. Allow to cool slightly. Using a paring knife, loosen the flan from around the edges and unmold onto desired plate. Garnish with fresh grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

Yield: 8 servings

Roasted Tomato Coulis

6 ea Roma tomatoes

1 TB Vegetable oil

½ tsp Kosher salt

¼ tsp Fresh ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350.

Coat tomatoes in oil and place on sheet pan in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until skins begin to wrinkle and begin browning. Rotate tomatoes every 10 minutes to avoid one side burning.

Allow to cool just enough to handle, remove skins and place in food processor or blender with salt and pepper. Puree until smooth. Pass through a chinois if a smoother texture is desired. Serve warm.

Yield: 1 cup


Kingfish note: Yonderlust? I just can't resist.



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Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
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