Assisi

Ciao!
So this was my second weekend to travel and Kate, Andrea, Maddy and I decided to take a day trip to Assisi and Perugia. On our three hour train ride to Assisi, we passed through Perugia and to our surprise saw that there wasn't really much to it. Although once we arrived to Assisi everyone immediatley agreed to stay in Assisi for the day instead of going to Perugia. Assisi was beautiful. The train ride in was so peaceful and relaxing. Andrea and I couldn't stop looking out the windows to see beautiful country sides with vineyards, sunflower fields (which sadly enough are not in season) and Tuscan villas everywhere! We even saw this old medieval fortress on a hill.

About three hours later we finally arive in Assisi. Once we got there we looked around to see where we could by out bus fare for the ride into the center of town where St. Francis's church is located. I went up to the bar and all in Italian asked if this was the place I could by my bus ticket and how many I needed. I was pretty excited that I didn't have to use any english!

On the bus we were riding along more country side which its beauty will never cease to amaze me. It was a winding road and once we took the last curve we came upon the town of Assisi. It was breath taking. The whole town is situated on top of a hill. All the house are clumped together, it looks like a medieval city. Then on the tip of the hill was St. Francis' church. That alone was breathtaking. The church is constructed with this white stone. It is as white as snow and is almost blinding against the days sun. The church is architecturally beautiful. It is open with atrium's and courtyards. Even though there were a lot of tourist, there was just something that was so peaceful and serene about the place. Maybe it was the spirit of St. Francis. The inside of the church is even more brilliant. Every inch of the walls and ceilings are covered with brightly painted frescoes. Each part of the wall had its own design and story from the Bible. The groin vaulting was covered with turquoise and stars. It was mesmerizing to see.

After spending some time in the Church, we decided to explore the city for a bit.
We took winding side streets up and up and up and came out onto a place that over looked the city and the Tuscan country side. Then we headed back down into the heart of the city to find an indoor market. The market had locals that brought their own products to sell. There was all different kind of honey, the sweetest I have ever tasted. There was olive oil, the smoothest I have ever tried. Then there was also jams, chestnut spreads, and soups. I wanted to buy everything, it was just so good!

When we were done walking through the market, we decided it was time to head back home. Instead of taking the bus back to the train station, we walked. It was a thirty minute walk down a brick road that was a straight shot from the train station to Assisi. As we walked we passed old abandoned villas, vineyards and meadows. It was a pleasant walk on a perfect day.

Assisi was truly a wonderful city. I would like to go back there again sometime soon : )