It’s always a joy to tour with Becky and Marcello and the small groups they bring to Italy.
On a recent trip with a most pleasant group, we headed to Deruta for a guided tour by Michele of the creation of those magical maiolica artistic pieces of his family’s business.
A few of these photos might give you an idea of the efforts behind the creation of the splendor:
At the conclusion of our maiolica-creation tour, Michele joined us for a group photo with his wife, Stefania, and sister-in-law, Tiziana, all working here in this family business – (and that trio is on the right in the photo):
After a walk through medieval Deruta, we headed out to the Deruta countryside for a rural feast with farm friend, Giuseppa (a relative of Tiziana, for her son is married to Tiziana’s daughter).
Logicamente,Giuseppa’s buonissima pasta was served in a splendid maiolica bowl.
Doesn’t this look like a work of art?
We all relished the abundant feast, most of the ingredients grown on Giuseppa’s land..
…and our second course included a tasty coniglio alla cacciatora (rabbit in a sauce of herbs, olive oil and more – and rabbit raised by her), flanked by her roasted potatoes…and everyone’s plates were cleaned before I could nab a photo:
I did manage a photo of that crostata starring Giuseppa’s fig jam (clearly enthusing Tony and Jolene!):
It’s always a joy for Giuseppa, too, to host my small groups for a rural lunch.
…and that joy was evident that late October day as she thanked all for their gift.
Marcello (on her left) expressed the gratitude of all in his and Becky’s group as Giuseppa received their textile gift
Before we left, a grouo photo outside was essential.
Mille grazie, Giuseppa for a favolosa rurarl lunch and mille grazie, Becky and Marcello for two memorable days with a favoloso group!
See a video on Giuseppa goodness:
See a video (one of many) on Deruta maiolica mastery.
See another video on maiolica splendor.
Read this note (one of many!) on Giuseppa’s feast.
