Well folks, I did it. Even with a little snafu, the train was an express to Ponte S. Giovanni, so I needed to change trains. I thought that was what the ticket man said on the train. Thankfully when I saw him again I asked and sure enough, I needed to change. When I got to PSG, I asked very quickly and someone pointed to the track. Success.
Thankfully Andrew emailed step by step directions for me when I got off the train. There was about 7 or 8 things and it was smooth sailing.
It is a lovely town. It reminded me of Assisi due the many tourists, but it was bigger and wider I thought.
My tour of the National Gallery of Umbria (subtitle "The Museum of Madonna and Child") went well. It was very warm and humid in there, I am not sure why. I would think you would want it to be cooler and dry. I was taken back by a statue of 3 women with interlocking arms and a vase in the center. I think it was part of the Maggiore Fountain? I couldn't find a picture of it in the book/gift shop.
About 3/4 through I started feeling a bit "closed in". I longed for fresh air. I noticed a woman in front of me with her husband feeling the same way as she told him she was going ahead to get some air.
I passed the paintings of the gory Jesus' as it is not my thing.
I loved some of the 'Madonna col Bambino' art. Some of them were playful and sweet. There was one that was painted in the mid 15th century that was very modern looking, they looked like people you would see today.
I loved the very small display of jewelry, especially a pair of ornate gold earrings. I am afraid they would cause droopy earlobes but they were quite stunning nevertheless. :)
It was a bit after noon when I was done, so I was thinking about lunch. I remembered the name of place that was mentioned online as good and not expensive (I think it was a website for college students) called "Istanbul Kebab" and I'll be damned, I walked right by it. I ordered the kebab with 'no pane' and made sure by adding 'no farina'. (I have celiac disease) He made a plate with rice, meat, lettuce, tomato, cabbage, tiny pickles, onions and yogurt sauce. I took it to go and walked over to the steps across from the Maggiore fountain. I sat in the shade with several others and enjoyed every bite of that delicious meal. Oh my was it good and filling.
Then I was off to the old S. Frances church up on the hill. It was a long walk and uphill but oh so worth it. It is a round church and has a small grass courtyard with some trees in it. There was this incredible peace there. I found myself sitting on an old piece of stone and I went right into a meditation position. It was that powerful. I did that for about 10 minutes. Soon there were other people there, 3 people on the grass and 2 others sitting on similar stone small 'benches'.
It was an oasis. I toured the little church. I lit 4 candles under a beautiful Madonna and child painting. I lit the candles for my sisters Kathy and Liz, my father John and my brother Johnny. It was a touching moment for me, knowing they were with me. It has been my experience that those we love never die, as the love we share with them is eternal and we carry it within us.
I went for a walk trying to find out how to get into the tower near by but alas, no luck. I did end up right back in the oasis of the round church though. Ha! So I hung out for a while, taking off my sandals and laying on the grass. It was so peaceful there, I cannot explain it. Best not to try.
I walked back down looking for the ancient aqueduct, I missed it the first time because it is currently under repair and there is a large scaffold there covering up the bottom half.
I walked a new path and found my way back to the Maggiore fountain.
It was 3:30 and I thought the 4:30 train would be good. I was tired and my feet were swollen a bit.
I found a lovely area with a big hotel and a park that overlooked the surrounding area. They also had a big gelato place that looked interesting. I ordered a small cup of hazelnut and chocolate. I went outside and ate it very slowly. Life is good people!
I had trouble finding the S. Anna train station. I had to go down 3 escalators and stairs. I didn't have to do that much that morning, so I knew I was coming at it from a totally new way.
I asked and I asked and slowly but surely I got to the train station at 4:15. Bravo!
At one point a woman with her granddaughter actually walked a half a block with me to point out where to go. "Past the cinema" I think she was saying.
I met a UK couple who had a tour book, but they couldn't find the name of the street for the station. The husband made a joke and said "It's an American tour book" We had a jolly giggle over that one.
On the train I found myself hot, sticky and tired. It is similar to how I feel after I take a train into Manhattan for the day. In the morning I am so full of energy and plans, then on the way home all I want is a shower and dinner.
I still have a tough time on the train as they do not announce the name of the stops and they only stop for such a short time at each station. Luckily I keep track of the time and when it gets near the time for Umbertide I walk up to the doors and ask at each stop "Umbertide?" It is usually the next stop.
I was so relieved to back in Umbertide, home sweet home.
Oh I forgot, after my gelato I saw a man selling some silver. There was a very simple ring there, just a single thin piece wrapped four times. I have large fingers and 95% of the time rings do not fit. Yup, you guessed it, it fit!! I love it. It was 20 euro which isn't cheap, but it was a lovely gift to myself from me. I put it on while I was on the train. It fits perfectly, I don't even feel it. Oh it is so pretty! :)
I took notes while walking through the museum, I am glad I did. When I wrote the date I realized it was 9/11 and thought about NY. It was 11 years ago. I am glad that there hasn't been any further problems in the city. My mother and brother still live on Long Island. My brother knew some men who died that day as he is a volunteer firefighter in Suffolk county. I thought of them and prayed for peace.
So another day in Italy. Boy is this getting more and more fun. Sure I still have my moments of stress, but they don't pale to the joy. As I walking down from the oasis today I realized that there are a lot of women I know who would not attempt these things. I do have strength and courage. I do not worry about men bothering me, I am confident. Ha, that was a nice aha moment too.
Now, I need to rest (and look at my right hand with that beautiful ring).
Ciao, ciao
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