The lovely and kind Daniela, tour guide extraordinaire and me.
The person who took the photo was with someone from Rome and he recommended a restaurant, so will have to try it. After coffee I went wandering down little streets, looking for new places to visit. I found the sweetest, small but unnamed church near Casa Sorbello. It was completely packed for mass. It is very tiny but still has masses of paintings and a rather impressive crucifix. I popped in briefly but he was at the sermon and I thought I would have a long wait until mass was over. I then went to San Lorenzo to donate my small change and light a candle. After this I saw the end of the alzheimer's fun run, heaps of people around and much applause. I had a spremuta arancia with ice as it is now very hot. From here I went home again to recuperate for a little while. I had an email from someone in Rome and I am hoping to get a tour organised with someone who is very knowledgeable but is just staring out as a guide, which is fine by me. Waiting to hear back.
I read you could walk through the street, via Volte della Pace, the covered street, so I gave it a go - bit smelly and lonely. I don't know I would like to do it at nighttime.
Following my meandering, I decided to brave Hotel Brufani. When I got there I had a peek inside. They were set up for outside with big umbrellas, extremely comfy seating, peaceful and with a slight breeze, I didn't want to leave. I had a prosecco with nibbles (chips, small bruschette and mixed nuts served with a tiny spoon; this is usual when getting nuts as nibblies. As I seemed to be glued to the seat, not wanting to move yet and so I had another prosecco. I spoke to the waiter who then became my second best friend. Don't know where he learnt English but he kept calling me "my dear", oh dear! We discussed the region, unemployment and the economy. He studied economics but is working as a waiter. He is at least 40-45 and is learning German so as to work there. He speaks some French, Spanish, then English and Italian of course, puts me in my place with only English and a teeny bit of Italian. He said in Umbria not a lot of people speak English. Mmmm, I know. I had to move on or else just lie down on their sofa chair.
The very peaceful 5-star Brufani, behind the shrubbery are wonderfully comfortable chairs and a very obliging waiter.
Heading off again I thought I would try Sant'Ercolano church, down the steps; unfortunately, only open Friday and Saturday, so missed that one. Then up the very steep via Sant'Ercolano stairs. Next I went to Del Sole restaurant to book dinner for tonight. Daniela thought this was a good restaurant and a safe area, she said some of the areas close to me are quite dangerous at night. I was attended to by a grumpy waiter, perhaps they don't like single diners; well, tough! It is my last night in Perugia and I'm going and I'm going to enjoy a good meal.
Home James, up the exhausting six flights and resting. Might have a late lunch. It is 2:30 but usually you can get lunch til 3:30. Dinner is at 8:30, but I seem to be starving the last couple of day. No idea why.
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