From Little Things Big Things Grow

Ok,

So, "From Little Things Big Things Grow" is a protest song recorded by Australian artist Paul Kelly, fitting as this is a kind of protest, as one conversation, one post, or one idea can and has sparked something much bigger.

Recently, that catalyst for us came from the brilliant Emiko Davies. If you don’t already follow her work, please do. Buy her books, cook her recipes, and listen to her voice—because she is the meaning of integrity.

On Instagram, Emiko began sharing how we can take a stand by choosing not to support companies lacking moral backbone—companies like Booking.com and Airbnb, whose silence (or worse, active support) in the face of the horrific events in Gaza has been well documented (The Guardian link here).

Instead, she began highlighting small, independent businesses across Italy that take direct bookings, properties run by exceptional humans offering thoughtful hospitality and meaningful connections. With every post, Emiko wasn’t just recommending places to stay; she was creating a community.

That’s how Fritto Misto Comune decided to take the leap into direct bookings. Her words reminded us that the way we run our business matters just as much as the apartments we’ve restored or the orto we are rebuilding. Booking direct is more than a transaction; it’s an act of solidarity, a step towards keeping hospitality personal, and a way of making sure your money supports people, not platforms and genocide.

And the ripple effect has been beautiful. We’ve started planning trips to visit other properties she’s shared, kindred businesses across Italy who, like us, are trying to build authentic connections with guests, to create experiences that matter and get you off the major tourist paths and experiencing some of the real Italy. Even more exciting: we can now recommend them to you, knowing they share the same values of integrity, hospitality, and care.

So yes, from little things, big things grow. A post becomes a conversation, becomes a community, becomes a movement. We can make a difference, together.

We cannot thank Emiko enough for including us in this list, for the full list of Emiko’s recommendations, and to join her community, head to her Substack.

Oh, and if you want to hear the song and find out more about its importance, link.