Italy, Day 4: The War Cemetery and Assisi

Day 4:  War Cemetery & Assisi

The War Cemetery and fountain.

There are few things more sobering than visiting war cemeteries.  They are a reminder of casualties of war.  Most of the graves were those of people who were no more than 30.  Many never saw it past 18-19.  Our tour director bought roses, in red and white, for each of us to place on the grave of a headstone of our choosing.  

Those who know me know I am NOT a crier.  There are rare exceptions.  This was one of them.  Its’ not like I was balling my eyes out, but I did tear up.  It just seems so senseless.  If only we would take a step back and really see what we, as humans, are doing to each other (and the planet, but that’s a rant for another time). 

"Their name liveth for evermore."

After the war cemetery we went to Assisi.  Saint Francis, who believed in living simply and loving & respecting each other and all that the world contains, resided in Assisi.  There is a beautiful cathedral.  The local specialist, Giuseppe (hopefully I spelled his name correctly), was one of my favorites.  He had so much information on the cathedral, St. Francis, Assisi, and the surrounding area.  I wish I had taken notes.  Anyway, the cathedral there was something else.  It was one of the most ornate holy structures we had entered.  It took ages to complete, and the intricacy shows that.  They did not allow photos, which is why you won’t see any of the interior, unless I am able to find some.  The paintings on the walls date back centuries.  They contain precious metals and minerals were mixed in to get the various colors of the paint, such as lapis lazuli and real gold flake.  Because of the rarity and value of paint ingredients, people scratched the walls just to get enough dust to mix it with a medium.  They would use it for their own financial gain.  Thus, some of the murals are difficult to decipher.  I am not religious by any means, but there was something about that structure, as if it were alive.  You could feel the religiosity and centuries of faith.  Everyone on our tour had mentioned that.  

Driving up to the basilica.

The courtyard of the basilica.

Once the site of executions.
It is now a beautiful, green hill.

The house of the largest
meringue is also a deli
w/cured, hanging meat.

My birthday scarf and necklace
from our tour director.

My little monk cup.

The meringue was bigger than my face!
I am holding it a little bit down,
but right in front of my face.

During our free time we were able to wander the shops, even though there was not much time.  I went into a pastry shop with the largest meringue cookie I had ever seen!  Of course I had to buy it.  I split it with three people and there was still some leftover.  I will post a photo of that.  we saw a man who was haggard and barefoot, carrying a backpack, and speaking to a priest.  We assumed he was on a pilgrimage, but still don’t know for sure.  My friend and I grabbed some gelato, and we were back to the bus.  At the hotel dinner was served, and included a starter, main course, and dessert.  I had the vegetable soup, which was okay.  The other starter was penne pasta in some sort of cream sauce with beef (I think).  It was far better.  Then we were given a stuffed pork loin with potatoes, and dessert was ice cream; that ice cream was amazing.  After dinner we packed up, as it was time to go to Venice.  

The table setting.

Whitest.  Butter.  Ever.

            

Ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Vegetable soup appetizer.

Pork and potatoes.