I am in Italy! First time in this country. Yes, I know I was just in Finland…..and I will be going back after Easter, but I have taken a sabbatical from my sabbatical (!) to attend the Constructing Modern Knowledge event here in Reggio Emilia, with Gary Stager and Sylvia Martinez and team. I will also spend Easter in Milan after CMK.

How did I get here – well early flight from Helsinki, starting with a Tesla taxi ride to the airport. My first electric car ride – it was wonderful and the young driver and I talked all the way about the car and its advantages. In the words of someone infamous, “…it’s all computers”.

Train from Milan airport to Milan Central train station – what a throng of people. Quite a different look and feel to the sophistication of Finland. Then another train to Reggio Emilia. I am staying in a wonderful hotel called Hotel Posta. The ceilings must be 12 feet high, and the decor and atmosphere is old world. It is situated in the historic centre. I walked around a little in the evening trying to find an early restaurant (about 6pm) but it seems most opened later. There was also a wine festival happening in the various plaza or squares and lots of people and music and general good times. I grazed for dinner, starting with a glass of Tuscany red, and finishing with Gelato. This morning breakfast was in a regal dining area with excellent service and food.

Now to start Day 1 of CMK!