First Week in Spoleto

Hi everyone,

First of all, a huge thanks to Dana for posting this message, as I can't because my internet browser isn't working.

I just finished with my first week in Spoleto. The program is great. The conductors are very talented here. Our classes are always very fast paced and informative.

"Ho italiano per due ore tutti giorni di settimana."

I have Italian for two hours every day of the week.

I am still getting the basics down, but I can understand a fair amount of it now. It gets better every day.

For those who are curious, I will be conducting the introduction to the first act of The Pearl Fishers by Georges Bizet for the concerto on August 7th. I will try to get video footage if at all possible!

Last night I went to a cool restaurant called Ostello del Matto, which translates to "Inn (or Hotel) of a Madman." Once we were seated they just brought out food. They brought out about 7 dishes to share for the table. They change their food a bit every day apparently. The owner lived up to the title of the restauraut. He talked to us the entire time about all sorts of things. Whenever he served food he either scowled or smiled. He was actually a very nice person. I saw him at the supermarket on a different day. He helped me find the gluten free foods! In any case, it was a nice three hour dinner experience!

That's about it for now. I am still working on pictures. Hopefully my computer will start working again so I can put them online. Until next time!

Ben