After our breakfast we were transported to the nearby Verrucola castle for a short tour and painting on site.
It was on a very high point with winding, narrow, alleys up to the top. There are roses blooming everywhere and lush plants carefully tended. People lived in the small and very old stone homes along the route.
We enjoyed the nonas taking turns tending a small boy outside the entire time we were there. He liked my little sketch!
Lunch was in the little Il Castello restaurant. Bill said it had the best pasta pomodorro , with just a simple tomato sauce, and it was delicious! The beef stew, roasted potatoes and a mashed fava bean dish was equally tasty. I was prepared not to like the beans but actually had a second spoonful! A simple fruit and whipped cream dish finished our meal.
We had to "pee before 3", when the tavern closed, then finished up our paintings on the grounds while enjoying the breeze, shade and sound of the rushing water. The artists worked diligently on their pieces, some trying new materials or styles to great success.
The guys took a hike on a not well marked path while we painted. I will need to check George for tics as they are looking for tasty prey. I had a teeny one burrow in which I didn't notice until the redness alerted me. I scratched it out, cleaned and medicated the site and it seems ok. Others have have the little Shuckers attach as well.
Then aperitivi on the terrace, a lovely dinner of lemon chicken ending with panna cotta then coffee in the salon followed by conversation.....all with wine of course.
We seem to never run out of things to chat about with this group! This is the first one with no tutor they have had here and the largest with 18. It is all working very well so far.
Tomorrow we train to Cinque Terre or Luca and hopefully will all make it back!!!!
