I am sitting in my bathroom with my poor feet in icy cold water in the bidet - bliss! Today I took the bus to Assisi, a pleasant trip. The bus lets you off in Piazza Matteotti but it is not clear where to go from there - it is not a Piazza but a parking lot-cum-bus station. Finally found my bearings after a misdirection together with an American woman who spoke very good Italian, not like my poor efforts. First though a cappucino then a walk to the Rocca Maggiore, though not all the way. It was so hot in Assisi, could not believe it. Felt like I wanted to explode most of the time walking around.
Next I headed into the centre. Wandered around a little went to the duomo, San Rufino - beautiful. I don't think any of my interiors are very good, unfortunately. Then down into the piazza where I stopped for a cold prosecco and a rest. I went into Tempio di Minerva without realising I had done so - in fact, went into a few churches but don't know which ones they were. After my pausa I did some tourist shopping - little souvenirs for the children. I spent too much time doing this and thought I would have time for a look at the basilica of St Francis. I went to the upper level only - glorious. Then a much-needed loo stop - spotlessly clean 'cos They were serviced, cost 60c. I wasn't sure where the lower bus stop was so thought, "I've got plenty of time, 30 minutes til the bus" mmmm, no. I raced up the hill and I do mean hill and then didn't know where Piazza Matteotti was. Then I saw I was too late for the bus anyway and was seriously overheated so stopped for about one litre of water - it looked like a two-litre bottle. Eventually, I was okay and asked about taxis. They said, you've guessed it, go to Piazza Matteotti. Well, I did find it but no taxis. i asked the cash desk at the parking and she wrote down a number for me - no chance I was going to manage that but miracles of miracles there was a bus parked nearby going to Santa Maria degli Angeli station. Paid the driver and hopped on board but...I missed the station and did the round trip. I did see the facade of the chuch - magnificent. Finally, got to the train station but where did the bus leave from? Got that answer and the bus did arrive but about 5 mins late. Nevertheless, obviously Alzheimer's hasn't set in yet, 'cos I made alternative plans when I missed the bus and they worked out fine.
San Rufino, sorry about the van - they were delivering stupendous flowers for a wedding.
A rather blurry interior of San Rufino.
Interior of Minerva's temple - not quite what I expected.
Minerva's temple exterior
Hungry? It seems meringues are the go in Assisi.
Exterior of the basilica - a bit at bit stunning, no?
Down and down I went only to have to climb a small hill to get to the bus station.
So, finally back in Perugia. Tried to help a couple looking for their hotel but they wouldn't take my good advice, keep saying they would get lost again so I left them to it.
Reached Caffè di Perugia and had a lovely cold beer before heading home - the 6 floors were a killer after Assisi but I got here.
I will be back near Assisi when I do my cooking class, so will go back and see the basilica properly.
Wow, a day to remember, thought not all in the nicest way. It's nearly 6pm so must get my feet out of the bidet and think about freshening up and going out to eat. I think I will try the pizza place downstairs as they have taglietelli with porcini on the menu and that sounds just about right.
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