Civitella Ranieri is an extraordinary place in which extraordinary people are brought to see, here, taste, learn and do extraordinary things. My six weeks was filled with rich experiences, fascinating excursions and stimulating conversations with gifted Fellows and Director’s Guests. I polished off one manuscript for publication, made headway on another, took thousands of photos, and wrote several essays and poems that took inspiration directly from my time in and around the castle, and the remarkable things I encountered there.