Well, I have arrived at La Meridiana School of Ceramics to begin teaching for 3 months. It was a long hard trip London, (Ontario), Toronto, Paris, Florence and then here to Certaldo. Peitro hustled me off to a little hole in the wall ristorante that only the locals could know about. Amazing! Bring food was the only thing needed to be said. I said this is delicious, what is it????" It is food enjoy!" was the answer. Of course without asking the meal started with Prosecco, accompanied by a good bottle of Chianti and followed by the waiter dropping off 6 bottles of Grappa for us to do a taste testing. Where else would this happen? The Grappa aged in bourbon barrels was of course my fav.
I've settled into my apartment here at the school and went for a morning walk feeling high on the scenery and the espresso.
 |
| The welcoming gates at La Meridiana |
 |
| My morning walk |
 |
| Why Clint Eastwood shot his films in Italy. Great scenery, better wine! |
 |
| I wonder if I can make tequila outta this! |
 |
| Garden sculpture by owner/potter Peitro Maddelena |
Here are the first of the band of people I have supporting me here at the school. Francesca and Francesco. You have to be careful not to call Francesco Franscesca or he will get pissed with you.
The o is for the guy and the a is for the woman. So here is goes Nono- grandpa, Nona-grandma, Zio- uncle, Zia- aunt, Mario- man Maria- woman. I think I'm getting it the a is the woman and the o is the man. The two of them are here to greet 8 students from students from India, Australia, Denmark, and The US. Tonight a Welcome Dinner created by resident chef Luchia. What I do for the sake of art!!!!
 |
| Francesca and Francesco |
Comments
or la dolce vita eh!