One major item on my bucket list was to visit Assisi, and today we did. Having made contact again with an old friend, with the help of Facebook, we met up with the wonderful Patrizia Rollino, first met in Taize in 1992, and last time in Alnmouth in about 1995. Being native, and a many time visitor to the city, Patrizia made a wonderful tour guide of Assisi.
Having prepared the family last night by watching Franco Zepherelli's Brother Sun and Sister Moon, we were ready! We picked Patrizia up at the station, after she had overnighted it from Turin, and shuttled up to nearer the town centre.
In our debrief over a late dinner with the boys, having waved Patrizia off back at the station, we decided that the highlight was the old church of San Damiano, initially restored by Francis, then inhabited by the Poor Clares. Simple - harsh, even - but austerely beautiful, and with an atmosphere that glowed.
The basilica was also lovely, as were the narrow winding streets, and the church of San Ruffino, where a Catholic Scouting group had gathered to sing and fill the place with life.
Phrase of the day came from Patrizia, who always refers to ancient ruins as 'Roman Leftovers'!!
We were also introduced to a kind of sandwich, the name of which I sadly, and stupidly forget, but consists of a warm tortilla wrap, folded up with the hot filling of ones choosing, and puddings called 'Francis Bread' and another one that was like a fruit Stollen.
Il Poverello is heavily commercialized, but Assisi shines through.
Excellent!
Pax et bonum.
Nick
Buono viaggio a Como!
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