Medieval Techniques

We had a day immersed in the past!

Bevagna was the location, a small walled town. The locals host a medieval fair, with costumes and food and  'careers' in medieval traditions at the end of June. So the town is set up for those kinds of presentations.

Francesco Proietto is the master paper maker in Bevagna.

Two of our travellers making paper with a master paper maker.

The town of Fabriano is famous for its paper making. It is just north east of Bevagna.

We had our hand at making paper using medieval tools which were remade to the exact specifications of the originals.

Originally rags were stripped and soaked and transformed into pulp which then became paper. It is linked to textile.

Signore Francesco's little shop had many gorgeous products to purchase, all hand made with such skill. Artegianale.

The next stop was Rita Trabalzo's silk shop. She demonstrated how silk thread was made using medieval tools from the year 1335.

The exact same mechanism is used today but instead of having two women operate it, it is operated by machine.

I think the travellers enjoyed these hands-on workshops. Says C...We certainly did!

We had lunch in a small, shaded piazza. Typical fare.

Instead of sketching we focused on collage since our morning was about paper.

We made a quick stop at the famous church, Santa Maria Degli Angeli.

We had to go through security first!

Back at home we had a relaxing swim and a nice glass of wine!

Good Italian Food

Today was our cooking class outside of Montefalco at the Antonelli vineyards.

We prepared nine Umbria dishes which we ate for lunch. I am certain the ladies will make them when they get home!

The vineyard paired 4 of their wines with our dishes.

A friend and sommelier, Angela, joined us.  She added a few notes for us to consider when tasting.

I learned so much.

Home made pasta!
We even got a compliment from Angela!

On the way home, we stopped in the medieval town of Montefalco.

Our group with cooking teacher, Wendy (centre)

There were some interesting shops, one selling the Umbrian traditional woven cloth.

Back in Trevi, my friend, Fiona McPeak, showed us her leather work. So talented!!

Back home we had a small dinner as no one was really hungry.

The journaling is going well. We all enjoy sharing our entries at the end of the day with a glass of delicious local red wine!