UPDATE. We did indeed get to Italy. Alas, after 5 days from hell, we decided to pull the plug, and head back to the UK. The facilities there were to put it mildly - non existent. Still, we learnt lots along the way. After a brief stop in Devon, and then London, we headed northwards to our current abode - Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland.
I'm effectively the caretaker of five 17th Century cottages, giving me heaps of time to draw, and hopefully ultimately accept some commissions.