Linda Griffin

Linda G

How did you get interested in travel?

An aptitude test at the time of my divorce directed me to a career in travel.

Favorite city or country? why?

Italy because the Italian people are so warm and friendly. The Italian government actually gave me an escorted private seven-day trip to Tuscany.

Best or most interesting travel experience

Taking a group down the Amazon River

Ever met anyone famous?

I traveled in Italy with Kathy McCabe, who writes and publishes the “Dream of Italy” newsletter and now has a PBS series with the same title.

Likes: Reading (five books a week), theater, jazz

Loathes: opinionated people, snakes, extreme heat

Favorite food: homemade pasta

Favorite restaurant: Ristorante Belvedere in Cinque Terre

Something interesting that people might not guess about you

I was raised with Sam Elliott. My stepfather was the fish and game supervisor in Sacramento; Elliott was his boss’s son. We fished, trapped and roamed the countryside together.

A place that you could visit over and over again and not get bored? why?

Hawaii, the Big Island: after 40 years of exploring I still always experience something new, and this island holds the mystery of the ancient kahunas.

The most unforgettable view you’ve ever seen

Sunset in Rome from il Vittoriano

A place you’ve never visited but really hope to get to

Jerusalem