Yesterday was the trip to Assisi. I had been there once before in 2002, but Kim was there several times in 2002 (when she took guests), and she and Nicole made a return visit in 2005 while we were staying in Florence.

Our chartered bus left just after 7 a.m. It's only about a 70 mile trip, but it takes almost 2 hours because you have to drive through the mountains to get there. I hope this link will show you. You may have to click the terrain button on the page - I'm not sure how it will load. I felt perfectly safe but it's no trip for someone who gets motion sick easily.

After a brief coffee break when we arrived (I included the picture of Filiberto's cappuccino for everyone to see, but mostly Nicole - those are chocolate flakes used to make the cup outline around the cream) , it was on to the Basilica of St. Francis. Even most non-Catholics know the story of Francis and how he gave up his wealth to live a simple life and follow God. In preparation for their visit, the students watched the movie Brother Sun, Sister Moon, which provides a lot of historical background (a Zeffirelli film). The Basilica is massive consisting of Francis's tomb (and his four first followers) on the lowest level, a lower church and an upper church. The structure attached to the left was the rectory. When Napoleon took over all church property in the early 19th century he turned that area into stables and destroyed some priceless works of art. Some of the interior of the church is also damaged due to an earthquake back in 1997. You'll have to be satisfied with these exterior pictures I took of the Basilica. No pictures are allowed inside. Of course, that doesn't mean people didn't take pictures, it just means I didn't take any. There were all kinds of people snapping pictures. I guess I'm just a deontologist: even I think the rule is a little silly, but I still follow it because it's the rule. I can understand that people need to be respectful of people in prayer (like not using their flash or stepping in front of someone kneeling before an altar) but it seems some compromise would be possible. Nonetheless you should see the inside, which has spectacular frescoes. If you're really interested, here's the church's history, dating back to the 13th century.
Equally impressive in Assisi is the surrounding natural beauty. There is rolling terrain with mountans in the distance. Note all the green. Recognize that I took this picture on Feb. 9, and the air temperature on this day was about 40 degrees F. The artwork is certainly impressive to see, but one could easily spend a day just strolling around the countryside. Here's an olive grove on the walk from town down to San Damiano (St. Damian), the church Francis rebuilt.
No, this isn't how people in Assisi normally dress. We just happened upon an event with people dress in medieval costumes. Jason from Rider U (far right) and John from BSU (far left) couldn't resist getting in the picture.