Thursday was Mantova and the Festivaletteratura. A book festival. Of course it’s about books and, normally, selling them. It’s a requirement of the authors to go around pushing their books. So they talk about them.

I went to three events and with each one moved to better understand. The first was a translation event – translating from Spanish to Italian. Hmmm. I understood the concept and some of it. Then, another with an English speaker and, finally, an event with Aiden Chambers. As both the author and interviewer spoke English, I understood completely.

But the time went so fast! Last time, without anyone with me, there were times when I didn’t know what to do with myself. This time, I didn’t seem to have lots of ‘spare’ time.

I did spend several hours with Peter over lunch and also with him and Marella at a rather quick dinner (since I had a train to catch).

It was a truly delightful day. Sara looked after me as Marella was ill in the morning but she came in late in the afternoon and, although she wasn’t really well, it was fabulous to see her.

Although, thinking about it now, I never asked about her lovely daughter – but we didn’t talk alone or for long, unfortunately.

I was late back that night. F had looked after the dogs but, even so, we got to bed late and, therefore, were up late and, so, left late the next morning.

For this was a long weekend in Carrara.

That evening, we went with his sister and family to the beer festival that Marina di Carrara has every year.

Since F’s twin brother also works/volunteers there, it’s kind of obligatory.

We ate and drunk beer. The food was good, the beer OK. There were people from Inglestad doing traditional tunes, songs and dancing, in traditional costume. The men wearing liederhosen (spelling?) And the women crisp white blouses and long green skirts.

At one point the put on some tacky Italian music and in came some Italian dancers. I was struck by the difference. Perhaps one should call it national dress. Although dressed slightly more than the dancers that break up game shows on Italian TV, it was all boobs and legs.

It drew more clapping and cheers than the Germans had got – after all, the men had got to see more flesh

After the food and the beer (and the dancers), we walked around the stalls. Everyone bought something, except me.

Friends were met at various times, one of whom I knew.

Two different festivals in two days. And now the beach ……