Wednesday 19 September: The day started off cold and rainy but soon cleared. Stopped at Bar Centrale for a cappucino and cornetto crema and then headed down the hill of via Ulisse Rocchi to corso Garibaldi and then up and up to Monastero Clarisse Sant'Agnese. So proud of myself I conducted the conversation in Italian, although I faltered at times. I had to ring a bell and ask to be let in to see the frescoes. Then a beautiful young nun answered the door. I hope I wasn't rude but I asked what I should call her: Suor Sarà, and I introduced myself and said where I came from. The convent is beautiful, vast and quiet. The fresco is amazing.
Antonio di Padua on the right Antonio Abate on the left and two Clare nuns at the foot of the Madonna painted by Perugino. I totally forget when...Very special and I will be forever grateful that Daniela told me about it.
Daniela texted me to say I could go to Assisi with her tomorrow. I said yes as I want to return but really also want to see Spello. Orvieto is off the schedule as it is too complicated and the first decent train isn't until 11:49. We'll see!
Then I headed to the chocolatier Augustus Perusia but it didn't open for another 15 minutes so I crossed the road and visited the Università per Stranière and went in to ask for a brochure. Huge cavern of a place, it would need some time so as not to get lost when finding your class. Finally back to the chocolate shop and up, up steep via Ulisse Rocchi. After a brief rest at home to collect the sunnies and drop off my goodies, I went to Rastrelli's where I bought a diary with the title "Lo studio ha rifiutato la mia richiesta di amicizia!" - study has refused my request of friendship - perfect. Then I went to the Baci shop and bought two packets. I just wanted one but she misunderstood me and thought I wanted both but only one gift wrapped, oh well I guess they won't go astray. Next to Feltrinelli's, the famous bookshop, for a birthday card and finally a break: lunch at Stuzzicheria del Grifo for a melanzane, pomodori and mozzarella panino and a glass of white wine. I brought half the sandwich back and that can be dinner. It means something like the griffin's appetisers! The griffin is a symbol of Perugia.
I finally discovered the tiny stationery shop. Many of these places only open on certain days and at certain times so if you go past when they aren't open you don't even know they are there. The shop is minuscule and filled with lovely stationery items but quite expensive. I bought a couple of small items.
And so to home and Mt Everest for the second time today. Today I am tired and need a break. I don't want to run out of steam as I have nearly two weeks left of my holiday.
View from Piazza Fortebraccio near the uni for foreigners.
Addendum: I got a little bored and went out. I went looking for Punto di Vista, a bar/osteria with a view to die for but it wasn't open. So I had a wander around, would love to check out the Brufani, where the rich and famous stay, but not really dressed for it.
Then I decided to take the bus to Fontivegge station as I had seen a big shop there and thought I could get the cofee pods there. No, but I bought il mio; unfortunately, they don't fit so I am still without coffee in the apartment. Then I finally found the MiniMetro - space-age set up. It is like a ski-lift car, fully automated, no driver and a bit scary, I couldn't look down. Easy-peasy once you know how though.
Difficult to get a good picture. I guess there is some location you can get a view of the cars but don't know where. Unfortunately, I chose to get off at Cupa, which is closer to me but up the steep via dei Priori and I had to pass Profumerie Rossi. Naturally, I popped in. I bought some more L'Occitane moisturiser and a very classy banana comb with "diamonds". She gave me some free samples, very nice. Next I went to Sandri's, another reward - I had a nice glass of prosecco with nibbles, then it started to rain. Now it is pouring and there has been thunder. Hope it settles down to a drizzle, although like Perth they really desperately need the rain.
The station at Cupa, also space-age. There are two long escalators up and then a very steep flight of stairs. I don't know how long it takes before your calf muscles accept you are constantly climbing but mine haven't yet although I now only take two short recovery stops to my sixth floor eyrie.
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