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Published: February 22nd 2006
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Me and Assisi
Behind me is this gian fountian (and gross, moldy water right behind my bum!) eww, gross! It was exactly my month "anniversary" yesterday. (sigh) abt 3 more months to go. Even with the slowness of time here, the weeks are going by so fast.
So, I've realized I'm not very prompt in writing in my Travelblog. And it isn't so much that I'm ridicously busy or traveling everywhere. I remain in Rome for about an month. With only a few trips here and there to the Historical Center or walks in the Park, I feel I'm only just beginning. I'm quite overwhelmed alone with what's found here in Rome. The moment I start to take for granted the beauty of Italy, someone shoot me.
I'm not sure how I'll be able to squeeze all of what I've done in a month, though not graciously miraculous, are plenty. But let's begin with what I remember and most recent, my trip to Assisi!
Before I left, I called my grandmother in the Phillippines to talk to my mom (who will be there till the end of Feb). But of course, my mom was out and so I had to talk to my grandma. If anyone has to talk to a deafening 90-year old grandmother who barely
The Old Man with a BIG Heart
"When you come back, you better speak Italian better?" I'll come back, but I'm not sure about the Italian-speaking part of the deal! remembers English over the phone through long distance, would understand my pain. My goodness, I tried to explain to her that I was going to Assisi, where the patron saint of Italy, St. Francis Assisi, originated. But she just kept on mentioning that my mom was in Manila. Well, with that, the next morning I left (and the rest of the ISA program) to Assisi on a 2 hour or so bus ride. I tried to stay awake and see the beauty of Tuscany, but naps always feel so good. Especially when it's 50 degrees outside, and you are inside a warm, insulated bus. Mmmm, heat!
When we got there, we went straight to the Basilica. The Basilica is split into 3 floors or levels. The first level is where most of the frescos are located. The beneath level is where the tomb of St. Francis Assisi is located. I couldn't believe that his body was within the walls of this concrete-made tomb. Afterwards, went to the superior level where there is a higher celing and more frescos. (Frescos = paintings done when the walls of the building were still wet. Hence, they were more perservered than if were
painted straight on the wall when its dry.)
Afterwards, my "new" roommate Denise and I went to get a cup of cappucino and a panino. We had a great chat at the cafe, made good ties with the waitress, and left. But of course, what did we forget? TO PAY! Oi, we were so ashamed. It's easy to forget though, because you are not given a receipt and such. This was my first time to do it (indiliberately - but that's another story), and so we promsied one another if were to walk back, we'll pay. But we'll weigh it out since our pride was more important than a couple of euros. -_-
We, then, walked around and found a Church/Museum. This old italian man approached us and began to speak to us in Italian. Luckily, Denise has taken some Spanish classes where the form is very similar to Italian (since Italian and Spanish are two of the three romantic languages, which orignated from Latin). My Latin skills seem to be irrelevant though here in Italy, except for the fact I know a little history of Rome and the roots of some words. Anyway, apparently the man was
the owner of this museum underneath the Church. He brought us in (for free) and gave us a personal tour.
I loved this man, though I think he loved us quite too much. He gave us a million kisses, hugs - and when we were leaving he yelled "TI AMO BELLA!" Sweet man, on the very line of pervertedness, but when you are pass 70 years old, the intentions aren't as creepy. Well, it was wonderful. He mentioned everything in Italian, which my roommate and I could only pick a few words. He shows us old garments of Popes, tombs of martyrs, and a well where two other martyrs had died.
He also gave us a coin to throw down the well for wish-making. I think it just gave him time to get ridicously close to us. But whatever. Oh! Then, he also showed us this minature set-up of Assisi. Almost like a little fantasy world, but all these little characters moved, there was actual running water for the river, and minature homes and vegetation. Okay, the more I describe it, it appears weird and skeptic, but he was real sweet. And he did give us a free ticket to this museum.
After it all, we went shopping for the necessities (ie. postcards, souviners, and vinegar!) Apparently, Assisi is most famous for olive oil and vinegar. I bought one bottle, for about 20 euros. Dude, this better be the best vinegar ever. I did take a taste though, it is pretty special. The man, very Americanized, but is from there but his two daughters live now in the States. He has about 4000 costumers he tends to overseas at the States, I told him now its 4001! 😊
Wow, if this is only about my trip to Assisi, I'm not sure if I can mention/remember all that's been done the past 4 weeks. Umm, so went home, slept more, and went out to a bar. I think that's about it for now. (I apologize for probably the most mundane ending, but I'm hungry!!) Ciao for Now!
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Andrea
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I love the pic with the old man! I am so happy we are both abroad!