Ciao Perugia...we'll be back!

November 21, 2008

Before moving on from Perugia and on to Assisi and Orvieto, some final thoughts and comments regarding our experiences.

On our arrival day and the next full day of touring the town, a festival was held at the beautiful Piazza IV November and the Fontana Maggiore (Grand Fountain). What kind of festival you may ask? Well, I have dubbed it the Italian Military's version of "Be All That You Can Be" Day (in the Army, Navy, & Marines). There was a marching band and the area was cordoned off with tents showing equipment, guns, various types of uniforms, and misc. military stuff.

In the beginning, it was an private affair. Kim and I roamed through the private cordoned off area (we just scooted through an opening in one of the back fences--we honestly thought it was a short cut), not noticing that the rest of the public was kept behind the fences and they were eagerly peering in to see what we (innocently) had just walked up to--like the inside of a Humvee tank or many guns, etc. Later, as we walked away we realized our little error and wondered if we should go back and let them know how easy it was to breach their security (!) We decided to forgo that particular encounter.

The remainder of the day was spent walking, walking, walking. I think I mentioned before how many times Kim would mention that this is her new favorite city. Its antiquity and historical significance reminded us that many have come before us and many will follow. Make the best of now however it may manifest. This ability (I digress) is easier for those of us who have the good fortune of living in the West. I have just finished reading the book "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali and I believe it's a must read for all of us who may be trying to understand Islam and the Muslim world. I highly recommend it; call Fremont Place Book Company (or your local independent book seller) and special order it!

Moving on. We continued our day with a visit to their archeological museum, a 2,300 year old Etruscan-built well that remains functional, and underground Roman city streets that doubled as book advertising space for a publisher and editors convention.

Because old Perugia is up on a mountain bluff, today they have underground escalators (ascensori) that help the busy pedestrian manage the huge incline. We came to know them well and certainly relied on them as we moved around the city and back and forth to the train station. One of the days there, our plans were thwarted by a bus and train strike. Fortunately, while still in Lucca, Kim and Louise had heard the announcement on television. Had we not already known about the strike, we'd be blogging about a whole other story. So, instead of taking the train out we enjoyed a day of leisurely walking and I discovered the BEST pizza that I've had yet! It was in the University area and was a default lunch experience because the restaurant we were seeking was closed. My pizza was called "Fried Potato Pizza." It had potatoes, a small amount of sausage, rosemary infused olive oil and fresh parmigiano. I added a few drops of chili infused olive oil and as I write this, my mouth is watering! How lovely to have one of "The Bests" sneak up on us that way!