another highlights package today for our current visitor
last week we had one day in perugia and another in assisi
today we are visiting both and bookended with a big drive
it's a 2 hour drive up the autostrade and across first to assisi
coming from a different direction today and missing the view
last week on approach this impressive town loomed up in front
today we kind of sneak in the back way which is underwhelming
still - being there is the point as we walk down into this olde town
seeing it a second time within a week and it still looks so special
the common use of a cream-coloured brick/block dominates
today we are more precise on our choice of points-of-interest
part of our team head off to the basilica di san francesco
the numero uno destination for tourists and italian pilgrims
a beautiful building on the outside - inside - overwhelming
there are a lot of people around today and watching is easy
sitting in a shady spot in the main square simply observing
a few hours later we rendezvous at the famous bibenda wine bar
highly rated on trip adviser and a world away from the basilica
our host recommends the best local wine and antipasto dishes
sitting in a shady spot indulging more senses is intoxicating
but - we have to move it - into the car and we then drive up
and up and up,,,4 kms to the hermitage of eremo della carceri
a retreat used by saint francis and other friars in the 13th century
their love of nature shown with various paths heading into the bush
various caves, grottos and small dwellings seen at secluded spots
the main large building a wonder of design and construction
many small modest rooms connected by low, narrow passages
the views - unbelievable and so easy to honour the signs
this area is a place of prayer and serenity - please respect
another case of trying to work out the construction process
and the sheer effort in transporting materials to this mountaintop
time to move - again - we descend and park below assisi proper
the late afternoon sun on the large white town is astonishing
cameras go crazy and then we are heading back to perugia
also last visited less than a week ago so familiar with the roads
we score a park close to the old city and walk the streets again
the jazz festival is over so it is calmer - good for shopping
or sitting in a bar downing a cold local beer and watching
and listening - a solo accordianist plays grace jones - nice
we have some train tickets left over and hit the mini-metro
run to the end of the line affording a view over larger perugia
and repeat play with a cream coffee before the return trip
find the car, hit the autostrade and 2 hours later we are home
the over-flowing fridge is plundered for a late night meal
it's been another big day of largely repeat plays - but so good
