I can't really say what I was expecting because but the feel around here is honestly different than what I once anticipated. The vegitation was not nearly as lush in Rome as it was in Germany or England, perhaps a symptom of the Mediteranean setting. Regardless of the reason, somewhere between my jet-lagged delerium and three hours on a hot, cramp "electronic air conditioned" bus, I grew to appreciate the Italian surroundings in a way that was unattainable heretofore. It really looks like an island sort of climate in Rome. The trees reminded me somewhat of my time in the Carribean and, though I did not get enough of a view of the country side to pass judgment, it was nothing like what I saw coming. Along the drive something occured to me and my company, Samantha Redman, on the ride. There was such sparse advertisement! I don't know if Dr. Blevins was right in stating that Europe in general has succumbed less to the beast of Capitalism but it was admittedly different than America. We traveled what looked and sounded like a busy, well worn highway on the treck to Perugia and through out the country side, prime real estate for advertisement was totally ignored, almost as if there was a greater appreciation for natural beauty of the land than the interest in gaining a quick buck through advertising prowess! Regardless of the justification, it was a refreshing reminder to an abesnt mind that I was indeed hundreds of miles away in a foriegn locale.
On top of all that, there was the unexpected realization of the main-city settlments around here are mostly on hill tops, or at least the older-looking areas. I assume this is associated with the Medieval trend to post civilizations on hill-top to ensure the best kind of protection. It was admittedly quite a rollercoaster of emotion, seeing a hilltop city and thinking, "Oh finally! Perugia, now perhaps we weary travelers may take solace from our arduous sojourn" But alas, time and again it was but another city we were fated to pass by. Once we finally stumbled off our vessel and into our hotel, the excitement did its best to burrow through the layers of exhaustion but had little avail. After a quick drop off of travel-gear in our rooms, off we went to appease our appetites, as we stumbled through a local grocery store to purchase strawberries and banana (one of my favorites) to follow our gelato kicks! While many went back to their rooms to sleep or venture round, I refused to sleep until I could no longer walk. I dragged Cedric along and was able to explore all the city I could find, which looking at a map now seems paltry in view of the grandiose expanse of the rest of Perugia. The four churches I was able to find were only noticeable from their steeples peeking across the sky line. Of the four, it seemed only one was still in operation and though my Latin is rusty (and my Italian is worse than that) I gathered that this small but holy site was consecrated to one of my favorite saints, Francis of Assissi. What beauty this chapel had! I was most amused to witness the use of battery operated candles in lieu of the traditional flame operated ones. The ancient structure matched its surroundings very well and I could sense my mother's invigoration coursing through my veins as I rushed through the winding narrow corridors of buildings, plasted against the already plastered walls to avoid the noisy automatrons that whirred by. What an experience! The angles, the colors, the smells! I've been here before, I've photographed before, I've remembered this before, but few items serve me as well as the present! It was quite the site to behold. It strikes me as sppllendid to think that people have lived and navigated those streets in the same fashion for centuries before me.
On the account of churches, I was expecting something of the sort, with the decline of Christianity in Europe on the whole, but I am hoping to locate some devout Catholicism for intra-faith dialogue and to appreciate Catholic practice. I was most impressed with my navigational skills in the delirious state, but I did successfully make it back to the appartment with time to spare! After a quick nap (in which time did not seem to elapse at all!) and a room mate tripped the fuse to fry his adapter, it was off to a late dinner. The courses were huge and lavished but I can only hope to experience more Italian cuisine like it! Pasta and Bread started us off, then salad, lime-chicken (a HUUUUUUGE serving) lemon potatoes and we summed it all up with some of the richest and most delicious mouse to ever grace these lips! What an experience! Then after a short walk again in the city I hopped innto bed and into the next day of Italian experience! May the Almighty and Everliving Father bless you and us as the journey continues. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. Ciao Bella!
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