A sunny, beautiful morning happened. At the crack of 9:30 we were off to Deruta. Now there is only one reason to go to Deruta: To shop for ceramics [yawn]. It was a thrilling day. In reality it was very interesting. Ann wished to buy two Deruta plates for a two tier rack that holds two plates on the kitchen counter. Nothing comes easy for poor Ann though. Dinner plates were too large and even shallow soup bowls had too much depth - but the correct diameter. We are talking numbers like diameter 28 cm as compared to 24 cm. Is there really a difference? I only know mm from doing root canals for too many years but I guarantee that 2 mm makes a huge difference in dentistry. Here with dishes I am not really sure if a cm has that same impact. Well, it apparently does to Ann. I think we went into seven shops but it could be more since I don’t think I remembered half of them. In a huge shop on the main street we (she) found what she wanted.

This is the store that exports 90% of its stock. We talked to the man there and he told us they supply American stores like Williams Sonoma, Bon Marche, and soon Sur la Table. Very impressive. Ann found in open stock the pattern she liked best, in the apparently rare lunch plate size. Perfect. Sold.

After lunch Ann drove us home but stopped at a curiosity known as the Valdichiana Outlet Stores. It is true; I have pictures! It is huge. There was a Nike Factory Outlet Store and about 50 others. Hardly a sole was in sight anywhere. It is brand spanking new just waiting for the tour buses. After about 40 minutes Ann had enough, had not bought anything and we drove home. We stopped at the grocery store for dinner supplies then detoured to Tourist Information Office to buy tickets for the train tomorrow. We are going to Florence.

Lesson for Day 23: When you spend the day with your wife at the Deruta ceramic stores you build up mega-points with her.