Thursday's events

Here's Aunt Clare's account of Thursday (while I was in school):

Donna and I took the train to Chiusi and then a bus to Montepulciano. It is a hill town that has the highest elevation in Tuscany. It was fabulous with spectacular views overlooking the olive groves and grape vines. Everywhere in town they had wine tasting - obviously we didn't know this area was famous for its wine. We also had a pasta that we never saw or ate before. It is called pici - it is made from flour, water and olive oil and then hand rolled into a tubular shape - fabulous! We mostly walked up-hill exploring the city, shopping, and eating in the 90+ degree weather. We need a cold wave soon!

And from me:

I spent the morning in school, and then had a leisurely lunch and a short nap, since I knew it would be a long night. I then met mom and AC for a quick dinner in a bar near our apartment, and then I went to the opera! It was a production of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino at Teatro Communale, which is very near our apartment. The opera was Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk by Shostakovich, and it was MARVELOUS! I loved everything about it. During intermission, I went to the bar to have a little snack and a glass of wine. A man came over to me and asked if he could sit with me, and we chatted a bit. He walked me back to my seat, and as it turned out, he had been sitting right behind me during the first act. He sat next to me during the second act, and afterward, took me out for a pizza and then walked me back to the apartment. A complete gentleman, very polite and interesting. And thank goodness he was full of stories, because my italian isn't really good enough yet for small talk with strangers!