What a day we had! We have experience so much today. First we got up at 6:00 AM so that we would be able to eat before we hit Spello for the big Corpus Dimini festival. This festival takes place annually and draws thousands of people to a small hillside town. We had to park way out of the center of the town and walk back to see the sights. From what we found out about the festival all the people who are creating the flower artwork start around 7:00 PM the night before. Then at 7:00 in the morning the judges walk around all of the streets and determine the different place awards. At 10:00 is the mass and then at 11:00 the procession begins. Now, after you look at the pictures that were created and you see how detailed they are...then imagine the church and all of the people walking all over these beautiful creations. It is hard to imagine that it takes about 12 hours to create the artwork and only a matter of minutes to destroy it. I have a TON of pictures, but I did not put them all on the blog. Once I get home I will get them in a digital album and share them with those who would like to see them. It is really hard to appreciate just how huge and detailed the artwork is, but it is awe inspiring. Some of the creators have big ladders you can wait in line for and then climb up and take a picture from higher up. People who live above some of the areas could get shots from their balconies. It was amazing. There were thousands upon thousands of people there. The narrow, winding streets were packed and in many areas we were only allowed to walk in one direction. It was amazing and I hope you enjoy the photos.
Once we got out of the crowd we started the long hike to our car. Luckily, it was right where we left it. The we were off to Assisi. I love this little hillside town. It is so quaint. On the way up to the top parking lot we noticed a lot of hay bales and sand bags lining the curves in the road. As we continued up we saw a group of motorcycles coming down. There was a little race going on. It went by so quickly that I couldn't get a photo. We parked and then hit the shops. I bought two beautiful scarves. I just love them and they are made right here in Italy.
We decided that we would have a nice meal at a ristorante that faced the St. Francis of Assis Basilica and a great view of Umbria. We both enjoyed our delicious meal. (I wanted to have a nice relaxing meal before we head to Rome and have to fight with all of the crowds.) As were walking back through the center we then saw a bicycle race coming through. Mark was able to get a photo as the racers were taking a short break. It was really neat to see.
Back to the hotel we were heading so we could take a “dry run” back to the rental car office so we wouldn't get lost tomorrow. We arrived at our hotel and the parking area was packed. It was full of old, classic cars. I have included a couple of the photos. It was such a sight to see. Some of the cars were so little they looked like toys.
Our “dry run” turned out to be a success. We found the place we need to take our car tomorrow. We only got turned around a few times. I wrote down land marks and signs so we could remember tomorrow. Then we were heading back to the hotel when we passed a few caffes.So, we thought while we are in Italia we will do as they do. We pulled off the road and went and had a cappucino. Mmmmmmmm......delicious. I also got these really scrumptious espresso candies and tiny little containers of Tic-Tacs. They are called “summer size”. Too cute. They probably only have 5 tic-tacs in each one. What fun. So small you could carry them in a swim bag.
We are back at our hotel now and I am trying to get my blog ready and then begin to pack some things up so in the morning I will have less to do.
Rome tomorrow.....since it is a travel day I can't guarantee I will be able to update tomorrow. But, if luck stays with us I am sure our hotel will have wi-fi access. If so, you will hear from me.
Enjoy the photos. They are beautiful!
No comments:
Post a Comment