Today we went to Tasimeno Lake and the ceramic shops located next to the lake. This little town is fantastic. Our bus ride was like 50 minutes maybe and as soon as we got off the bus, I let out a sigh, not because I was relieved but because I was immediately calmed. This place is spectacular! The lake is a volcanic lake and has a strange green tint to it, but it is not green like it is dirty. I could have spent all day at this place just sitting by the lake and people watching. We trudged willingly over to the ceramic shops located across the street and what a treat. Such beautiful pieces of work that were handmade and well priced. We were there for about an hour and I took the full hour to decide what to make my purchase. I finally decided on a nice oblong shaped bowl and a spoon holder for the stove with handpainted tomato and olive designs on it. The lady that wrapped my purchases was such a sweet Italian lady. She did not speak a lick of English and had no idea how to work the credit card machine but she slowly found someone else to do that part and delicatey wrapped my bowl and holder.
We piled back on the bus and took on the winding hills through the country side and headed to Assisi. This town sits on a huge hill overlooking the countryside and some homes. It is very hilly but great exercise although my legs are quite mad at me for this trek with only one day of rest in between these walking extravaganzas. Assisi is quaint with narrow streets and little shops all along the way. We went to St. Clare of Montefalco and took pictures of the outside as well as the view. From there I went with a smaller group to a little cafe and had a slice of pizza as well as a diet coke. It was so nice to sit down and relax while eating and it only cost about E1.5 more to sit down. After lunch we bounced from little shops all along the way as we decided to make our trip up to the fort on top of the hill. OEY! What a hike and in the hot and humid weather I probably lost any weight I may have gained from the larger meals I have eaten while here. However, because we take more time to eat I find that I am not snacking at all except for the occassional tea cookie in the morning. The fort was pretty amazing although I should have paid the E3 or whatever it cost to go inside. However, we did not have much time there so almost as soon as I was at the top and took a few pictures it was time to start the trek back down. The homes along the streets were cute with the little gardens. I took some photos of those as well. On the way down I stopped a quaint little linen and dress shop. Rhiannon was there and had made friends with the lady and I tried on a few dresses that I fell in love with. I finally decided on a cute summer dress made out of scrap pieces of different sari's. It is patchwork and maybe smocked (?)on the top. I know - not so much Italian - but handmade with love none the less. And, for E22, I got a patchwork sari bag to go with my dress purchase. Not so bad if I say so myself. We picked up a few more friends along our walk down to the Basilica(sp) and chose a path less traveled to get there. We managed to pick a street with tons of construction and no cars allowed. So instead of worrying about an Italian driver hitting us we just had to cope with Italian men gawking at us. In a little nook off the street we found an Olive Wood Shop and I purchased an angel christmas ornament made of the famed Olive Wood. The Basilica was a neat experience. St. Francis of Assisi is entombed there and the whole building and grounds are ornately decorated with beautiful paintings in tribute to St. Francis and his fellow clergy. Monks and Nuns were everywhere and I was lucky enough to be in a group of people that a Priet said a prayer for and blessed with Holy Water. My Grandpa will be proud=) I walked all around the grounds and spent time looking at all of the painting as well as the tributes and prayer requests travelers have put up for their loved ones. It was moving to see how faith in a higher power provides stability and a sense of security in many individuals lives. Their hope in healing with prayer was also touching. No pictures were allowed in the Basilica and I am having a hard time putting into words the overall feeling and sense that I felt from being there. I think it is really an experience, much like seeing the David, that an individual needs to experience in order to truly understand it. After that it was time to find Gelato and head off back to the bus. I was over the bus ride not long after it started and rush hour traffic was not my friend either. Upon arrival back to Casa Cares it was time for dinner and then I attempted to upload pictures which took quite a few hours and off to bed. Ciao!
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