Last morning waking in the Chianti hills. The sun was out and it was warmer this morning after our day of rain yesterday. A late breakfast and one of the couples that joined the cooking classes yesterday returned today. Just the three of us today.

Today we made beautiful fresh focaccia bread (focaccia con patate) topped with tomato and oregano. Along with this was ricotta stuffed capsicums, an eggplant sauce (salsa alla norma) with penne, bocconcini (small pieces of veal) with a spicy sauce and saffron panna cotta for dessert. How exciting. I didn't even really know what panna cotta was when I first saw it on the cooking shows on tv! When served Paola added some melted chocolate to the top before serving. Perfecto!!! We were also given a small shot glass of nocino, which is a walnut liqueur and oh so strong! It is supposed to help with the digestion.

My driver Michale arrived at 2:30pm to take me back to Montevarchi where I caught the regional train back to Florence. I am getting the hang of the whole train thing now and have worked out how to understand the timetables etc (something a bit overwhelming at first). Arriving at the hotel that shifted me to another one last week it was nice to know I was staying here tonight. I have a huge room with king bed and a marble bathroom. Think they are making up for the stuff up last week My ceiling is painted with cherubs- bit scary actually!!! Just had an extra long hot shower and washed my hair ( won't tell you how often this has happened!). Off to dinner soon.