Wednesday night found us in Heaven - just another night in Assisi....

A flyer was circulating around Assisi, advertising a free concert at the Basilica of San Francesco.  The Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine all the way from Salt Lake City, Utah, would be performing works of Palestrina, Bach and Poulenc in addition to others at six o'clock on Wednesday.

So, Jack, Marie and I set out into the early evening, the sky above us a shade of sapphire blue that only happens up here in the hills.  With tour busses long gone,  Assisi lent herself willingly to all who would appreciate her.  We strolled our  way down to the Piazza San Francesco and entered the magnificent, Gothic-styled thirteenth century Upper Basilica where we took our seats in anticipation of the start of the concert. And then, the organ started, the choir walked in softly and took their places.  Men, and children of all ages, donned in choir robes, fanned out across the front altar of what is considered to be the most beautiful and famous in the world. Powerful voices of young people handled difficult lyrics and hauntingly beautiful music skillfully. What an honor and privilege to be sitting in that seat in one of the world's most beautiful places. Eyes closed. To say it was dream-like would be accurate.  Yikes.

The concert was one of three that this group is giving in Italy as part of the International Pilgrimage/Performance Tour.  Their school is a private, K-8 combination of education and music, and is located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.  The choir was established in 1966 with music education fashioned after the European Choir School model.  Acceptance to the school, therefore, includes a process of determining from an early age, a child's vocal abilities as well as academic.  I only hope that the young people in this group realize how very fortunate they are and that they will keep the memory of their visit to Italy in their minds and hearts forever.

A huge thank you to the Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine and to the parents and teachers who made this possible.  Travel safe!

Views

Yesterday, Jenny and I put our big girl pants on and left Assisi for the day.  Our friend, Pietro, dropped us off at the mobile phone store where I was able to get a SIM card put into my phone.  I know ABsolutely nothing about the technology and hope that it can be reversed when I return to the states but for now, another bit of getting settled has been accomplished.  The darling young man who fitted the card into my phone pointed us to the bus stop off we went to the train station. With a few more angels pointing the way, we eventually arrived in Perugia where we hopped on to the MiniMetro and......like magic,  we arrived in the center of this lively city.  The last time I visited Perugia, I was with my Italian friend, Josie, who was  born a Perugina.  Somehow, being with her was a whole lot easier.  For starters, we traveled by car rather than trains and busses and all I had to do that day was fall in love with her city.n

All of Italy is in preparation for the holidays.  Only here,  there are more of them.  Sure, Christmas is on its way, but first, the olive oils and new wines have to be celebrated and now-is-the-time.  Outdoor markets, huge in Perugia, are alive with aromas that simply won't quit.

After a very local and nice little lunch, Jenny and I parted for the afternoon.  For the next few hours, I wandered, finally finding myself at the edge of the city.  The views were breathtaking as the Umbrian valley stretched out underneath a rim of pure white cloud.  In the same area, I found a lovely park, complete with flower and fountains (naturally). A set of festivals for the eyes. In an instant,  I was reminded of the Robert Frost poem that I have loved since my youth,"The Road Not Taken".  Looking out at the valley gave me one perspective - the beauty of this country, the Umbrian valley so peaceful, serene and verdant.   Looking at the statue centered in one of the fountains, a naked woman, arms gracefully stretched behind her head, a totally different perspective came to mind. My lady in the fountain reminded me of Anita Ekberg's portrayal of Sylvia, the temptress in "La Dolce Vita", as she indulged in the waters of the Trevi Fountain.  Sylvia, her carefree approach to living, so symbolic of the way life is perceived by most Italians, dressed in a low-cut black gown, casting her fate in the waters.

At the end of the day, it's all about perspectives.  Mountain view or fountain view, the spirit of Italy spirits me and I am reminded over and over again that life is beautiful and sweet. La Dolce Vita.
And now, for another perspective....it's time to try another gelato.

Sono Qui.....Again

After two days dedicated to travel and one complete night and day without a minute of sleep, I'm back in Italy.  My beloved Assisi welcomed me with tears and then, when the drizzle stopped, with the sunsets that are capable of breaking one's heart.

I am here for good reasons, most of which can only be understood by those who have faith in God and willingness to assign great things to a simple word. Grace.

It is grace that prompted my idea to come here and it was grace that spirited me on when I almost had to ditch my plans.  My plans?  No.....this whole thing is and never was, "my" plan.  It was masterminded by God, trust me.

Six years ago, following my mother's death, I came to Assisi, alone, for a month.  I needed to get away, to be able to mourn without troubling anyone.  I needed a safe and peaceful existence and was heeding the words of the hospice social worker who told me that I did not have to live in my father's world following the death of my mother.  It was here, in Assisi, that I spent the most magical of times with my recently deceased mother, joined by her mother.  Together, we worked it out and forever will I remember the strength that grew with each of the hours during those days. And, for the past six years, I have lived in my father's world and have done my noble best to make it a happier one for him.

I'm not going to fill this page with woes so suffice it to say that my father is now six years older, just turned 97 in fact, and his days of independence have come to an end.  I prayed. I prayed a lot.  And my prayers were answered and a plan of action, so beyond my ability to fashion it, became a reality.  Had I not taken myself away, had I not received the gift of grace, my father's future would have been very different and while he may have thought otherwise, his life would not have been as safe and as happy as I am sure it will be very soon.

So, here I am.  This time, I am not alone.  I traveled here with a remarkably young 81 year old friend, one who has had health problems but still has vitality and a desire to live her life to the fullest.  My pal Jenny will be with me for two weeks and next week, will be attending the highly regarded Italian language school here in town.  It has been a dream and she will fulfill it.  I've given her a grand tour and tomorrow, she will venture out alone and I will pursue some of the things I have come here seeking.  My hiking clothes and shoes are at the ready and my heart is ready for whatever comes.
I'm on the cusp of another Camino.  I have my own hopes and dreams and I know that I am ready for the next five weeks and that when I return to my home, I will be refreshed and more resilient.

But now, for some physical and mental rest.