Assisi

We left about 11 am for the train station. On our way out the door we met our host, Allessandro; we had previously met his spouse, Asadeh.   He was just as gracious as she was, and promised to consider carefully our comments, especially since we had stayed for six nights, while most of their guests only stay for two nights.   He explained that they have five apartments that they rent out, but they do not own them, they rent them from others.   He said that they have learned a lot about what is appealing to their visitors, and are perhaps now ready to buy a property.

The train station was busy and a bit chaotic.  Sandi waited in line at the pharmacy, and gave up, due to a long line.  We took a number to buy a train ticket from a human, but realized that the wait would be measured in hours, not minutes.  We tried again to use the ticket machine, with an attendant to help us if needed, and this time the machine worked, we were able to buy a ticket from Assisi to Rome.  I made a mistake and bought first class tickets instead of second class, but that was only a few dollars difference, and now we will get to ride the first class cars of a local (regional) train to Rome.

We waited to find out our track number, and it came up on the board about 10 minutes before departure.  As we were getting to the train, someone took our bags and hauled them on board.  Not too surprisingly, they wanted a tip.  A learning experience.

The train ride was pleasant, through the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside.  The train stopped every few minutes.   We chatted with some Australians in the adjacent seats, and exchanged travel tips.  We took a cab to the convent of St. Brigida.  The sisters have a ministry of hospitality, including similar houses in Rome and other cities.   After we dropped off our luggage, we walked up to town, taking elevators and escalators to do so.    

Our first stop was at the church of St. Chiara (St. Clare), who was the first female follower of St. Francis, and founded the order of the Poor Clares.   We happened to be there when a Spanish language mass was starting, for a group of pilgrims from Lima Peru.  We stayed for mass  The Spanish mass really made me feel at home.  Afterwords I chatted with a couple of the pilgrims, impressing Sandi with my Spanish.  This church, like most of the churches here, is in alternating pink and white marble.

We continued walking, and saw a sign for St. Damiano.  I remembered that San Damiano was where the cross spoke to Francis, telling him to "rebuild my church, which is falling into ruins."   San Damiano was a very tranquil and spiritual place, with only a handful of pilgrims.   We both liked San  Damiano very much.   However, the walk back up to town was long and steep.

The sisters served us and the other guests dinner.  The sisters have a unique habit, including white bands with red dots on their heads.   Our room is simple, like a convent room.  The wifi is only available in the sitting room downstairs.  The patio is divine, with a view of the surrounding countryside.  

On Wednesday we headed back up to town to follow the Rick Steves audio walking tour of the town, which was quite interesting, including the Roman  colliseum, and finishing in fromt of the Basilica.  After lunch, we used his audio guide to the Basilica, paying special attention to the Giotto frescoes.

The photo is of Richard with Sr. Marcelina, the Mother Superior and manager of the guest house.