Exploring More of Beautiful Assisi

"You can pack for every occasion, but good friends will always be

the best things you could bring!"

Set those alarm clocks early this morning at San Crispino.  My friends Richard Derrenbacher and our former parish pastor, Franciscan friar Mark Reamer, OFM, are in Assisi with a group of pilgrims from Siena College and invited us to join them for 8 am Mass at the Tomb of Saint Francis. Since San Crispino's complimentary breakfast didn't begin until 8 am, we walked around the sleepy town searching for a bar for some coffee & something to eat. Finally found a little shop down near the Basilica and its delightful owner Angelo provided us with delicious pastries and cappuccinos which we devoured at his little outdoor tables. 

The Mass, in such a very special setting, was wonderful. The nun who did the readings and the friar who preached were excellent. Feeling very fortunate that our paths crossed with the Siena College pilgrims!

Chapel at the Tomb of Saint Francis, Assisi

Our goal following the Mass was to hike up to the always impressive

Rocca Maggiore and then back down in time to check out of San Crispino by 11 am.  High above the town of Assisi, the Rocca was built in 1174.  Mary, our extraordinary navigator and map-reader, did an excellent job of leading us up, up, up to the fortress.  We explored the castle and photographed the beautiful 360 degree panoramic views of the town. Since time was running short, we took a cab (a "McTaxi" van that had a bit of trouble navigating the narrow streets) back down to town and happened to pass by the very neighborhood where Mary's parents stayed in Assisi in 1996!  When the cab driver dropped us off at San Crispino, we still had time for a relaxing chat with Jesus & Gladys on our apartment's lovely terrace.

Shiny clean Mojano underground
parking garage, Assisi

Our departure from Assisi was just slightly complicated by the fact that we'd unfortunately lost our ticket for the parking garage, but the problem went away after we spoke into a microphone near the exit gate and it miraculously lifted to let us escape ... without paying any parking fees!

We stopped by Saint Clare's beautiful San Damiano sanctuary with its bronze statues and peaceful setting in the olive groves. The convent itself was closed for riposo, but we had a lovely hike with Glayds & Jesus around the exterior walls. On the way "home," we stopped in the lower town of Assisi for lunch (tasty pizza slices served on wooden cutting boards), bancomat, gelato and a visit to St. Mary of the Angels with Francis' touching  Portiuncula and Transitus Chapel.

Panna cota by Lorenzo & Anna!

Paula had to drive through some heavy rain for a few miles on the way back to Chiarentana, but she made great time and we were climbing up the steps to Sassaia by 6 pm.  We'd planned to head back out to Dopolavoro (the cute little restaurant on the La Foce grounds), but decided instead to relax around the pool with some tasty Italian meats, cheeses, breads & fruits - delightful. After the sun set ... almost 9 pm (!), we joined our other Week 1 friends up in the house for dessert - homemade panna cotta with a delicious fruit topping.  

As wonderful as our days in Assisi were, it's always great to return to Chiarentana!