When I arrived at the art museum in the next morning, a crowd had gathered at the entrance, and everyone seemed to be looking at something. I wanted to check out what it was, but I had to prepare for my second presentation. More audience came to my second demo. I showed how to draw some traditional Japanese patterns and explained how to do. I answered all the questions people wanted to know. Since I use Japanese colors, materials, medium and brushes, many people were very curious about my supplies. When I finished my demo, the audience clapped and said, "complimenti!!! Yumi!" Even though, I didn't understand conversational Italian, I could guess I received compliment from them.

After the demo, my friends and I had lunch at an Arabic restaurant.

I've had Middle Eastern food many times in the States because my best American painting friend's husband is from that reagion. However, the Italian Middle Eastern food was very different from what I've had in the States. I had no idea what I ordered, but the above picture was my dish. It tasted like mix of nuts, yogurt and some veggies.

Every time I went to restaurants, cafes or gelato shops, my friends paid for me even though I said I'd love to treat them, and they never let me do. I'm thinking sending Japanese brushes to them as a Christmas gift might be a good idea.

The exhibition was getting close to its grand finale, the Gala Dinner. Since I brought so many art pieces, I didn't have any space to pack a kimono. Looking at people's elegant dresses, I regretted I should bring it. Even so, I still enjoyed the dinner.

I really liked this stuffed pasta dish, which I think was local special pasta from Brescia.

Later during a conversation with my teacher, Patrizia, she told me the venue of the Gala Dinner was Paolo VI’s birthplace, who was a pope from Brescia. Since I hadn't known that at that time, I didn't take any photos of the place, but it's very cool to think we had dinner at a former pope's birthplace.

During the dinner, there was an announcement about the awards. However, since it was entirely in Italian, I didn't realize they were announcing the winners. I thought people were applauding for those who attending the dinner.

I heard my name was announced at the very end, and my friends said, "Brava! Bravissima! Complimenti!" or whatever, but I was confused about what was happening until Rosie explained to me. I won "Gold". My friends burst out laughing at my delayed reaction. Susie shared a story with everyone while showing the photos as a proof; Six years ago, when we were talking classes together, I was always practicing Japanese patterns after class. She said my dedication showed "practice makes perfect", which made me feel flattered and a little bit embarrassed.

The next day, there was the award ceremony, and I finally understood why there had been a crowd at the entrance yesterday. People were checking the award announcement.

I also understood why so many people were coming to my second demo. They'd already known I won Gold and wanted to know my techniques.

At the ceremony, my name was called the very last, and the audience applauded for me. Many people congratulated me with "Brava, Yumi!", and hearing that made me truly happy.

Although the convention had a lot of bright moments, not everybody was satisfied with their results. To protest, some people left before the Gala Dinner. They even didn't show up the award ceremony. I know competition results never make everybody agree and happy because I've fallen so many times. When we fall, we tend to feel we are rejected.

Here are award pieces among 6000 art pieces. Some of my friends won awards as well, and we shared the happiness together.

I don't remember how many times I stood in front of the helmet to pose with people I don't know. They loved reading the explanation cards which my Italian friend Simo helped me write. I received so many questions relate to art, techniques, culture and more.

I received a trophy and certification. One of the judges, Peter Faust from Switzerland gave me critiques on my work. He mentioned that all ten judges from Italy, France and Switzerland were admired by mine.

On the final evening, I finally had a chance to talk to my teacher while having dinner with her. We had pizza.

She wanted to buy a tea bowl and one of sake cups. That was a huge compliment to me. It felt like she finally admitted me as an artist, not her student. She told me that if the museum hadn't had a non-sell rule, definitely there were some people who wanted to buy mine, especially, the helmet and the Hinamatsuri dolls. Both pieces won Gold, especially the helmet received a perfect score. When I heard it, I wanted to call my British friend, Martyn because he already bought the helmet before the show started. To be honest, my work isn't cheap. The helmet, tea bowl and sake cup covered my round-trip thicket including from England to Italy, the art show's entry fee, the Gala Dinner and more.

She also asked me if I was interested in teaching at her painting studio. I prefer selling rather than teaching because Japanese techniques require lots of patience and time to master. I'm still practicing and I've never thought I'm perfect. I'm not sure if I can teach such difficult techniques to Western painters, but it might be a good opportunity to improve my teaching skills. It would certainly be challenging , but I love challenging.

Patrizia mentioned about the trophy we received. It was modeled after the Vittoria alata di Brescia, a bronze statue from the Roman era in the city of Brescia, Italy, representing the goddess of victory, "Vittoria" (Victoria) https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vittoria_alata_di_Brescia

The museum with the original one was closed then, but she took me to see the replica. It looked exact same I received.

Next day I left Brescia to say see you again to my friends and teacher. I still don't know when I'll be able to see them again, but I feel I definitely will come back there to see them again.

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