I got email from my supervisor this morning saying that the sequence database group, for which I will be working, has an annual retreat and I will be able to attend. This year, it takes place in Italy between 15th September and 18th September. We will be staying at Il Ciocco/Castelvecchio Pascoli, situated in Garfagnana, the northern part of Tuscany approximately 40 km from Lucca.
From the website: Il Ciocco’s idyllic location remains within easy travelling distance for pursuing the delights of Lucca, Pisa and Florence, all accessible for day trips. The sandy beaches of the Tirrenian Sea can be reached in less than an hours drive and Barga, with its 12th century Duomo and summer music festival, is just 5 km’s away.
Oh, and did I mention that it's FREE?!?
In a word, WOOT!