A REALLY BEAUTIFUL EXCURSION
On Thursday December 8th, aboard two buses normally used for urban transport, the participants travelled thirty or so kilometres from San Benedetto del Tronto to the town of Offida. A medieval village almost left in its original glory with its large square and its two churches, one of which has an impressive crypt with a crib as well as a grotto imitating that of Lourdes. Nearby is the town’s theatre dating to the 1860’s.
the large square in Offida 
the theatre, completely unchanged since its construction
The second phase consisted of a short climb along the village’s narrow streets towards the former monastery which had been turned into a wine cellar, to reach the buffet lunch prepared by the School in this shrine dedicated to wine, and called VINEA. It was a magnificent setting that was ideal for large events (see section on buffets and catering).
And finally, in the afternoon, we headed for Ascoli-Piceno, another much larger medieval town whose architectural treasures are not to be missed. There is an abundance of squares and churches. It is also in this setting that at the beginning of August each year the inhabitants hold jousting matches between various districts of the town. This time it was a Christmas market that was being showcased, and a guided tour aboard a little train, with the participants divided into two groups, enabled them to have a better impression of the extent of the town’s carefully restored treasures. The two hours of free time also gave everyone the opportunity of strolling around the markets and second-hand stalls in the Piazza del Popolo, or else to get warm in the ‘Café
Meletti’, the place which you must visit at least once in your life!
A student from the School has changed into a guide 
Piazza Aringo, departure point for the little trains
But the trip had not yet come to an end for all that. As night fell we made our way to the meeting point in one of the town’s districts dedicated to the Brotherhood of the Sestieri. And so we partook of dinner in a medieval setting, as always prepared and served by the teams from the School. All in all it was a most convivial evening, and quite naturally the musical entertainment was provided by Silvia Ulpiani
Conversations are animated in a warm atmosphere 
Yet another richly deserved standing ovation for the kitchen and restaurant brigades
SIGHT-SEEING IN SAN BENEDETTO
On the morning of Friday December 9th a group of participants was treated to a guided tour led by student guides for a beautiful walk along the jetty, where there is an open-air exhibition of work by various sculptors who have carved the rip rap rock, with the magnificent symbol of the town and the three fishermen right at the end of the pier.
A little later on we were treated to a visit to the fish museum and the amphora museum, where we were shown a 3D film showing several episodes in the evolution and importance of the sea. The visitors were equipped with special glasses for the purpose. And to finish off, a little visit to the fish market.
