Fairytale Village #2: (Day 11, Thursday, October 31, 2013)

Our large group enjoyed an early breakfast on the rooftop garden dining room, brought down our stuffed suitcases to the bus, and boarded for a most leisurely journey through the scenic Italian countryside.  First destination today: the village of Assisi!

Along the way, Elianora gave us some geographical information about Italy.  The country is 850 miles long and 150 miles wide, in the shape of a boot.  We were to pass through five of the regions of Italy; of these, only Umbria is land-locked.  We leave from Rome, in the region Lazio.  The next province is Umbria.  Tonight we will stay in the city of Florence, in the famed region of Tuscany.  On our way to Venice, in the region of Veneto, we will pass through the region of Emilia romagna and have Elianora's favorite dinner in a restaurant near the city of Bologna.  Our farthest north destination this week is Venice.

The Italian countryside north of Rome is an agricultural land of rolling hills dotted with small towns.

BTW, Rome's highways are just as fine as are our Interstates in America, four to six lanes wide, divided.  There is less construction.  Traffic usually moves along at a good pace.  Gasoline was 1.60 euros per liter, approximately $8.50 per gallon.  There are large rest areas at comfortable distances.

Most of the houses in rural areas have red or brown tiled roofs, are constructed of stucco and painted in soft cream or yellow.  Only several times did we see brightly colored homes.  There are extensive vineyards, then there are the numerous small family vineyards close to homes, all perfectly kept.

On our pleasant journey north, we notice many herds of tan sheep grazing, quite a lot of silver-green olive tree groves, several cornfields, castle ruins on the tops of hills, railroad tracks, and narrow, meandering, shining rivers.

Assisi is due north of Rome, midway between Rome and Florence. It is the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, a saint beloved in several Christian religions.  The main church, the Papal Basilica of St. Francis is on a large hill, and is most impressive to approach from the road below.

St. Francis Basilica Church in Assisi, Italy

We are treated to a wide view of the valley below Assisi.

Main gate to the village of Assisi.  We have ample time to explore the narrow, steep, and winding streets.  

Theresa and I find a small restaurant and have slices of pizza.  The Italian pizza only faintly resembles the American style.  Ours is drowning in fat and cheese.  Theirs always has a very thin crust, lots of veggies of your choice with a small amount of cheese.  No wonder there are few fat Italians!  We shop and shop.  The stores are all unique and family-owned.  One store has many Christmas items.  The sole shopkeeper is busy with his one-month-old baby and his dog.  He tells us he is 'watching my wife's shop for a few minutes.'  I buy an angel for my Christmas tree. 

We separate because I want to find St. Clare's church. With my 'get lost' genes, of course, I get lost, end up buying a map of the town at a parking garage vending machine for a 25-euro coin, and end up at St. Clare's church where there are other members from our group.

Entrance to St. Clare's church.  St. Francis helped Clare found an order (group) of Sisters following his rule.

St. Clare's Church.

Assisi's hospital!

The pastries are certainly tempting!

We meet at the Basilica's entrance to begin our tour, guided by Elianora.

Crucifix of St. Francis.  The upper church walls and ceilings are covered with wonderful frescoes.

Our daily Mass today is held in a side chapel of the main St. Francis church.  This is very special.  Several local people and tourists join us.  Then we find our bus (a blessed haven when you're tired from walking and climbing hills all afternoon!) and push onward to our new hotel in Florence.  We have yet another memorable dinner at a large family restaurant.  The very small, very old grandmother who has hand-made the pasta comes out to meet us!

The farther north we travel, the more the hills turn into mountains.  There are very long tunnels on our way.  When I was in Assisi, I found myself absent-mindedly thinking of ways that I might live there permanently. . .I've heard of ex-pats having their Social Security checks sent abroad. . .maybe I could learn a few words in Italian. . .I really wouldn't need a big place. . .oh, but, I'd miss my family too much. . .guess I'll have to leave today. . .but I want to come back to this delightful fairytale village!