I woke up ahead of my alarm. I guess that is a good thing. I had breakfast. Not so crazy about most Italian breakfasts because they tend to eat a sweet roll, sometimes a packaged sweet roll, as was the case in this hotel. I need some protein, so I end up hungry and tired at 10:00. Such a minor problem, hardly worth mentioning.
The gate Nuevo was my exit point from Assisi.
So exciting! This is the first waysign that I have seen which says Roma.
Morning clouds far below my route today. I love being above the clouds, and there is something so special about being that high up.
Look at these pretty gates. You don't see anything beyond them because the view is totally obscured by fog.
Looking back at Assisi.
You have to look close to see the olive pickers, who were shaking the olives from the trees onto this green mesh. This family even brought the baby in a stroller.
This was the sign for a significant scenic view of the area below. There was even a bench here to sit and contemplate the beautiful scenery. Except for it was totally fogged, and it was 11:00 a. m., a time when the fog has usually burned off.
As usual, I picnicked for lunch. I couldn't find a supermercado to get supplies while I was in Assisi. I did find a mom-and-pop market, and this was the only type of cheese they had. Leave it to me to find Velveta in the land of incredible cheeses. It even came in individual, cellophane-wrapped slices. But it was nice to sit on a bench, look out at the fog, and imagine what the scenery really looked like.
My morning hike mainly was along country roads with the silver leaves of olive trees on either side.
My first view of Spello, nestled on the southern flank of Mount Subasio Spello is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. It was clearly a popular tourist destination, judging by the number of people wandering the streets. I stopped at a small corner bar and had a Coca-Cola Zero, sitting outside with the sun in my face and a gentle wind blowing. It just doesn't get much better.
I loved these windows that looked like crosses. Through the peephole, I could look back on today's journey.
Never judge a book by its cover. How many times have we all heard this old saying? Once again, the trite phrase proved to have merit. This plain front of the Chiesa San Lorenzo Matire concealed a wealth of treasures. Unless I am confused (totally possible), The church is located in the John F. Kennedy Piazza where Kennedy visited during his presidency. I wanted to find the name, but it wasn't listed in any square that I passed through.
The aisle leading up to the main altar.
A close-up of the beautiful work around the altar.
An even closer up of the stained glass window. Magnifico!
One of several side chapels. I could have taken a hundred photos, and you still would not have grasped the beauty of this church.
A small tribute to Saint Francis and his confession.
A bronze tribute to Saint Francisco upon returning after the war. His posture says it all.
Today was a very reasonable 14.8 miles. Some up and some down but nothing too crazy. It was nice to have a routine day. My hotel in Foligno is relatively modern even though it is set in the historic part of town. In fact, it is the recently restored period home of a local noble family. I showered, and then I sat out on the plaza, had a glass of wine, and just relaxed. Life is good in Italy!
My included dinner was at a restaurant next door to the Hotel Italia where I was staying.
The primi course was Stringozzi di Sugo de Funghi. It was fat spaghetti with mushrooms and parmesan. Such a simple dish but so saporous. This is the first time I have had mushroom pasta with a tomato sauce base. I didn't lick the plate only because I didn't want to embarrass America with my lack of manners. Had I been at home...
My secondi course was Petti di Pollo alla Norcia, a chicken filet with ham and patate al forno or roasted potatoes. I took one tiny bite of the chicken breast, and into a baggie, it went for tomorrow. I seem to be constantly looking for tomorrow's lunch.
Ahhhhh and the best -- for dessert, I had chocolate caramel gelato. It was so creamy, so rich, so so so everything. I will dream about this gelato tonight, and they will be sweet dreams indeed.
Hope the same for all of you.
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