Italy 2007- Day 7 Morning in Assisi on to Orvieto

We spent the evening in Assisi and the early morning.

One of the students here takes time to sketch and write before we have to load up and continue our adventure. Assisi is one of those cities that is like a dream. You really feel like you are back in time. Most of our travelers got up early on their own and went out walking, or viewing the frescos again or did some drawing. Once we get on the bus, most of the students fall into a deep sleep instead of doing what their parents always tell them on road trips. "Look out the window!" Look at this, look at that, while they listen to ipods and sleep. Oh well.

Italy 2007- Day 6 On to Assisi II

Our bus unloaded at the parking lot just out side of Assisi and in a medieval city they just didn't have streets for buses to pull up to drop off pilgrims. So we had to pull our luggage to the hotel. It was good exercise. I guess they forgot to include porterage. It was a zig zag walk up hill to the hotel and quite a work out. Once settled in the hotel, we were able to see the incredible church of St. Francis. There isn't much else to do in this town because it is more of a religious pilgrimage site. In our part of town there was nothing open at night. For us, it is a night to catch up in the journal, though it seems many of the students find things to do.

Italy 2007- Day 6 On to Assisi

After the hustle and bustle of Florence, it is nice to come to Assisi. This is about the half way point, and a good time for a calm night in a medieval town. Assisi is a stone city with a 13th century feel to it. Near supper time alot of the tourist buses go back to hotels in other cities. We stay in the hotel where I took this picture. In the church you have what Kenneth Clark in Civilization calls, "the most evocative church in Italy" decorated by all the principle Italian artists of the 14th century. We usually have time with the frescos but they are very strict about tour guides and usually stop me from any commentary. Ironically there is a great gift shop between the upper church and the lower church, just when you think things can't get medieval enough, American Express is accepted here.

Italy 2007- Day 6 Alert....ladro

One of the things all travelers have to be aware of are the people working the street.  Some appear to be begging, some act distressed, some may set up a diversion while an accomplice slips away with things that used to be in your purse, or wallet. 

 The good thing  is that you don't get hit on the head or faced with a gun.  The bad thing is they are professionals that make a living off of tourists and are very good at what they do.  

We have never lost a wallet to a street person but there have been a few close calls.

Italy 2007- Day 6 Last Event of Firenze

You have to leave the city sometime, and it is always with a little regret.  Our last event when we go to Florence is the Brancacci Chapel by Masaccio.  The Brancacci Chapel is one of the keys to the Early Renaissance.  It is a collaboration of artists, but Masaccio is the most famous.  In the presence of great art and in a place where so many great artists have come to study, you can't help but to feel blessed to be there. 

 Now, because you've seen this great art, now what?  You should react to it in some way-create something of value, be inspired,  live differently.  Otherwise what's the point?