Train day.

Sadly our time at Watermill came to an end but most of us continued in Italy. 

We took the train from Pisa to Civitavechia, a two hour ride. To get to the platform we had to go down stairs then up again, all while dragging along our suitcase and carryon bag. George managed two cases and his backpack.This was not easy!! When they say pack light...listen!

We knew this and made the choice. Seats were right by the door with room to stack luggage on the extra seat.  The ride was nice and stopped at many small towns along the way. We were excited to see the sea.

When we arrived we stood by the door luckily another passenger came by and showed us the door would not be opening. Yikes! So we had to drag the cases up three steps, down three more to find a door. A kind passenger held it open for us.  Once at the station there were more steps down then happily an elevator.

A taxi took us right to the ship to check in. From there took very little time until we were in our staterooms.

The ship is beautiful and does not seem any larger but has more decks and large dining rooms.  After walking around a bit, reserving the sanctuary for tomorrow morning, we enjoyed dinner and then an early bedtime. George and Henry were pooped from lugging the luggage! 

Now I m sitting in the sanctuary looking our over Naples. Later we'll go out walking with a bit of shopping I expect.

Final day reception...the group

Thursday

We were off to All Convention del Carmine, a nearby former monetary with views of the town below. It is used as a wedding venue now and is lovely to paint.

We scatter around the grounds and worked on our sketches and paintings until lunch.

Karsten brought lunch to us and served focaccias, polenta, spinach pastries, a bulgar salad, with wine and other beverages. For dessert there was a tart. Alas none left for me!!!

After lunch we went back to the Watermill to continue working or to read or nap. Some were dropped in Fivizzano to shop. We are needing the pharmacy as several of us have colds now. George will need antibiotics as its in his chest like his Christmas bronchitis. Hopefully he can get some today.

The shoppers sweet talked a local to give them a ride back from town as it began to rain just before they started the walk back. It would have been interesting to watch as he did not speak English and they did not speak Italian. Many hand gestures were involved. They packed into his small car but were very happy to do so!! He was approved by the pharmacist...no worries!

Dinner was prepared by Lois and was delicious! A pesto risotto, then sausage with lentils and grilled eggplant. Dessert was a Torta da Capri made with ground almonds instead off chocolate. Delicioso!!

We had the usual after dinner in the salon but many retired early to rest. Tomorrow is our last day here. A new venue to paint and a gourmet lunch then back to Watermill to finish up and set up for the little reception this evening. We have a early morning drive to Pisa to meet trains.

Gansens and we will board the ship in Civitavecchia to continue our adventure. Others continued to Venice, Florence or home.

Cypress

Artists...

Karsten setting up a lovely lunch

Monastery in Fivizzao