We call them NPPs, Non-Participating Partners, spouses or friends who come with the guests on our creative courses, but do not participate in the painting, writing, knitting or Italian language sessions during the week.
We have plenty of optional alternatives for them, including trips and tennis, walks and vineyard visits, marble quarries and enigmatic statues, about which you can find out more by clicking here.
But many of our NPP’s prefer to soak up some sun in the Watermill’s walled garden, enjoying a good book, before joining their partners for lunch at the Watermill or in a charming local restaurant.
The most energetic of our NPP’s, so far at least, is Eric Friedlander (pictured at the top of this story.) While his wife Lindsay was painting with Grahame Booth, Eric hired a whizzo bicycle, on which he explored the beautiful (and hilly) local countryside. It was challenging, but exhilarating, Eric told us. One day he pedalled the dozen or so miles from Posara up all the way to the Passo di Cerreto, the pass through the mighty Apennine mountains, the backbone of Italy. When asked what speed he did Eric replied: “I went up very slowly indeed. It took me three hours or so: I stopped a lot! But o the way back, it seemed like 20 minutes!â€
We worked out that as well as those dozen miles along he pedalled up 1,000 metres, well over 3000 feet. Good going, Eric.
Eric also cycled through the beautiful seaside of Tuscany near us. Here he is is taking a well deserved break, with the marble mountains of Carrara in the background.
But whatever kind of activity, or lack of it, to which you are inclined, you’ll have plenty of fun as an NPP on a Watermill creative course. Why not join your partner and double the pleasure? And to whet your appetite, please see our online Activities for Partners booklet by clicking here.
And you can learn all about our inspiring 2022 creative courses – painting, writing, knitting and Italian language – by clicking here.