Assisi
With a stop in San Gimignano
Assisi Agenda:
Off to Assisi with a stop in San Gimignano! Traveling on the bus was absolutely the best! We each had our own seat! The bus made stops at the Autogrill. You can stand at the counter and have a cappuccino, order something from the grill, or purchase your wine to go! Travel was fun and relaxing! |
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San Gimignano
Our first village was San Gimignano, a Tuscan hill town. It has 14 medieval towers with a cobbled lane that leads to the Piazza della Cisterna. We took the RS Advice: Welcome to San Gimignano Self-guided Walk. This walk takes you through town to the back streets and gardens. Fresh Advice: Find a bench and look over the Tuscan countryside! What an amazing sight! Later we had a delicious piece of pizza in a tiny trattoria.
Everyone in our group found their favorite wine to buy! We had to have a photo op!
"A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles"
-Tim Cahill
We arrived in Assisi after visiting the Basilica di Santa Maria deli Angeli. The grandiose church is built around a humble chapel where St. Francis of Assisi lived, worked and died. We enjoyed RS Advice: Welcome to Assisi Walk. We walked the back lanes and felt like we were the only two people in town. A lovely Italian lady saw us reading our RS guidebook. We communicated with our hand signals, and then she pointed us to the correct route. RS Advice: Tear out the section of the guidebook you need, carry that with you instead of a large book! Fresh Advice: Pick up a map at the hotel!
Our visit to the Basilica di San Francesco was very spiritual. Over the doorway leading to the lower basilica there is a Latin inscription that RS says, "slow down and be joyful, pilgrim. You've reached the hill of paradise. And, if you are observant and thoughtful, this church will knock your spiritual socks off!" We used RS Audio Guide: Assisi's Basilica of St. Francis to tour the basilica. The lower basilica was peaceful and spiritual beyond belief. St. Francis' message of love and simplicity have wedged in my heart.
Our visit to the Basilica di San Francesco was very spiritual. Over the doorway leading to the lower basilica there is a Latin inscription that RS says, "slow down and be joyful, pilgrim. You've reached the hill of paradise. And, if you are observant and thoughtful, this church will knock your spiritual socks off!" We used RS Audio Guide: Assisi's Basilica of St. Francis to tour the basilica. The lower basilica was peaceful and spiritual beyond belief. St. Francis' message of love and simplicity have wedged in my heart.
"A tavola non si invecchia"
-Italian proverb
Translation: At the table with good friends and family you do not become old.
-Italian proverb
Translation: At the table with good friends and family you do not become old.
After a long day, our tour group always met in our hotel lobby for happy hours and lively conversations. Both nights in Assisi our groups went to dinner. I ordered the best Lemon Chicken I think I have ever had. Such simple ingredients with flavor beyond belief! We asked our chef to come out so we could thank her for a delicious dinner. And, I finally had my piece of birthday cake! YUM!
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Best RS Advice:
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Best Fresh Advice:
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Wow Moment: Walking the back lanes in Assisi we observed an elderly man putting up his wooden ladder against his vine covered wall. Before climbing his ladder to prune the vines, he went back inside and turned on his Italian opera! With beautiful music filling the air, we enjoyed our moment! Connecting with the locals💝. |