Not all learning takes place in the studio. A lot of it happens after hours in a torture chamber somewhere. The Chinese use water as an instrument of torture. The Italians use vino rosso. We went to a favourite little bar in Certaldo Alto. The place seats probably 15 people and we make up 11. It's a lot like prison since you get what the cook prepares for you. Last night we started the torture with vino rosso, two different bowls of soup, bread, a selection of cheeses with onion jelly and honey, bruschetta with tomato, olives anchovies, then came the meat tray, more vino rosso and all chased down with a Grappa and some almond and chocolate cookies to be dipped in your Grappa. All this for 20 Euros each.
There on the wall was a reminder from home- a license plate from Nova Scotia. We are in week 9 now and the count down begins. We prepare for the 2 chamber wood kiln next week so I'll start to not sleep too well. It is part of my DNA to get up tight about the firing. 8 people that have never wood fired before putting their hard earned treasures in the unknown abyss.
We've had 4 birthday parties since the course started and each one has been celebrated. Some life long friendships will have been made.
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| The Warden and the inmates. Andrew is hidden- too bad he spent hours on his hair. |
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| Nova Scotia is not noted for it's wine! Friendship and seafood, yes! |
Comments
For a bit of contrast it was 8F. here at 6:00AM