Exam days are not quite finished yet... but what's wrong with taking a 'micro-holiday'?
Assisi is supposedly 2 hours away from Rome by Eurostar. But by regional train, it takes me about 4 hours to reach the town! But that's not half-bad, considering the pastoral view of the blooming poppy fields from the train. I used to think that those pastiche paintings of red 'Tuscan' poppy fields that they sell at Navona is a bloody lie. But maybe not.
Also on the final lag of the train, I was lucky to meet Akiko. She was on a day trip by herself too, so we wind up hanging out together for the two days.
Assisi is a charming cream-white colored medieval town that hugged the hill. The Church of St. Francis is the main attraction of the town.
St. Francis is the patron saint of the town. On his deathbed, St. Francis thanked his donkey for carrying him throughout his life, and his donkey cried in tears. Maybe this is the tributary statue? Looks like Eeyore, eh.
Monks and nuns still live in this town too. In full costume.
But I wonder if they're authentic or if they're a part of the stage props for this tourist infested town. English speaking cafés and souvenir shops line up and down the street. The people seem happy and self-contented though!
Why not? They live in a lovely mythical town. The craftsmanship of the doors and windows of the homes are unique and individual, and each lonely alleys of the town leads to a calming view of the valley.
Oh! and we arrived on a festive day too! I did not see the ceremony, but people around town were dressed up medieval style. It makes me think that the town is a full-fledged giant Shakesperean stage.
Complete with cows mooing through the streets.
