I slept terribly last night so I got out of bed at 9 this morning. I slowly got myself ready and made my way to the shop, where I arranged some reeds before Claudio & I agreed I should go home and relax as I've now been take over by a cold and wasn't in great form. I went back and watched a DVD before taking a nap.
At 2:30 Claudio & I went to pick up Stefano en route to Cremona; the Italian, and arguably the world, capital of violin making. Once in Cremona we dropped a repaired accordion off to its owner before heading for the Museo del Violino. The museum is stunning. Everything is in Italian and English and the audio guides have sensors so they play automatically when you reach a new audio number. It's a fabulously kept, modern and interactive museum in a lovely old building in the main square. There are displays on the history of stringed instruments, the history of the Italian violin industry, the making of a violin and the more recent history of violin making worldwide. There is a whole room full of original instruments by the Amati brothers, the Guarneri family and, of course, Antonio Stradivari. They're all in exquisite condition. There's a room full of original tools, moulds and designs from Stradivari's workshop, dating back to over 300 years ago. Sublime. As a violinist I found it incredibly interesting. Whether you're a violinist or not, I thoroughly recommend that you pay a visit. I know Mum will be green with envy, and I'll have to take her one day.
We headed back towards Piacenza, where we stopped off for 3 hours at a beer exhibition/festival. Not being a drinker I wasn't particularly excited, but I certainly ate well - bruschetta with meat and beans, arancini, palate fritti and canolo. So much! I drank water, too! I also got covered in beer after getting involved in a game with Stefano! We met up with Simone and a friend before Claudio and I came home just before 11.
Sorry this post is a day late. There hasn't been time to put it up!
Buondì x
No comments:
Post a Comment