Ravenna

Alora (as everyone says)

Arrived safely in Ravenna about 7.30 last night & walked the 2 or 3 blocks to the hotel. It was a little strange but nice to have some familiarity with the place, particularly since it was dark.

I feel quite spoilt in this hotel - it's 3 star & I have unpacked! It's the first one with a bar fridge, & toilet paper located in a logical place (where you don't have to turn like a pretzel to tear some off). I also have a hairdryer - luxury! I stayed in my room the whole night - couldn't be bothered going out again.

Kay, I'd never say no to dinner with Italian men. And you, of course!

And Tracey, yes, just hearing from people at home is great.

We started our first mosaic today. While we'll each take ours home, we're preparing them as if they would all fit together to make a floor. So we can learn the joining techniques. Given I haven't made anything since the last course I chose a pattern I liked but was pretty simple. Boy am I pleased! It's one of the old roman knots but I'll do a border as well. Others chose quite ambitious projects. I must say it's nnice to get back into it & I am looking froward to setting up when I get home now. Any news on that front Ollie?

There are 7 of us in the course this time - 6 girls, one man. 1 American, 1 south african, 1 dutch & 3 british. Nice bunch & we're all heading out to dinner together tonight. Only one other person is staying in this hotel.

It's still cold but I borrowed one of Kay's anoraks. Inside places it's fine, but of course I have my pashmina to help when I go out.

Bye for tonight,

Bella xxx