Tuesday 20th May

It was another cheerless sky that woke us this morning and a guilt free day to read a book, as the weather did nothing to inspire us for any adventures out. We made homemade pizza for lunch and once again went down to the convent to access the internet. Later in the day I had my first drive down the Tramonte hill into Ponte a Moriano in the rain*#@!!.... I have no idea why Leon decided to choose this particular day to let me loose in our left hand drive car and start my training by having to traverse the scariest part of our area. But I knew if I was going to have a bit of independence the only way to get anywhere was to be able to drive down the hill first……..All went well and Leon tried to compose himself while I gave him the experience of feeling like you are about to fall off the edge on all the narrow bends. He hadn’t realized that sitting in the wrong side passenger seat and not being in control of the car was just as nerve raking as actually having to drive…. He wasn’t too impressed either as most cars were very considerate and backed up for me and always seemed to give me the right of way he, he. It pays to be female and blonde even when you are driving a French car!! Charlotte stayed at home as she had no confidence in her mamma’s first drive down the Tramonte hill. When we arrived in Ponte safe and sound, we bought some fake wood for our fire, our own wood was wet and picked up some scrumptious pastries for afternoon tea, as Christin and her secretary Fabiana were coming over to check the rooms for the guests they wanted us to accommodate.

Charlotte was very grateful to have her parent’s home in one piece, especially ones loaded with delicacies from the local Pasticcheria! Soon after getting home Christin and Fabiana arrived and had a quick look through the villa, then huddled around the fireplace enjoying the pastries. Christin filled us in as to what help she needed from us during the Classical Music Festival and told us she would also like us to dine with the guests and watch the concerts in the Chapel. It sounded marvelous, but my female mind was in over drive wondering what one would wear to such events when we were expected to help with the setting up (being members of staff), then attend the concerts with guests coming from all over Europe (guests were paying $59 euro to attend each concert) and being amoungst the Opera set (high-class), also then dining with them (language barrier) and after that, helping with the clean up in the kitchen……Allora!!!! The festival was being held over four days, so I could see an array of costume changes being needed…..