In Italy, the moving finger writes

Fancy a change? Look no further.

Friend Alison Fleming commutes between [your own word here] London and the measured pace of cittaslow in Umbria, Italy. As well as the local slow movers there are post-Etruscan, neo-arcadian, novecento surroundings with some tangentopoli thrown in, for good measure.

Fontana Buona, a renovated two storey cottage and art studio which nestles in a corner of Baschi, a small village close to Orvieto. The house overlooks the valley and backs onto a path which leads to the hills behind.

Alison assures me neither Prada frocks nor Montblanc pens are required. Wellington boots? No, idea. You'll have to ask her. For more details: write on course