Pottery and Assisi

Today was our free day. In themorning some of us went on a trip in the morning to go see a potter and his shop near Perugia. Jason met him four years ago. It was a great experience and we stayed there a long time. They had really nice work but I didn't buy anything. We were able to walk all around their workshop and watch them make there work. There was a woman who I think is the wife of the potter. She let us watch her do the glazes and drawing. She dips it and then uses a bag of black charcoal to hit a thin sheet of paper with the design on it and it comes off on the pot. Then she continues to paint more detail by hand. After being there an hour or so the artist comes and throws about 5 items on the wheel in no time flat. It was amazing and has made me want to do pottery again.

After the ceramics tour some people were taken to Perugia to get some McDonald's. I wanted to go but was worn out so I gave Amy a couple of euro to get me some fries. Instead we went to back to our flat and just hung out and talked and did computer stuff. Out of nowhere there was a knock at the door and it was Brandon with a french fry delivery. Man, was that perfect timing because I was starving. I don't think McDonald fries have tasted so good.

Later in the afternoon we went to Assisi. I've been there before but figured it was more about seeing it again with different people. We went to the Basilica di San Francesco which was even more beautiful the second time. The group split up and went separate ways which was good for me because I just wanted to chill. I did some window shopping and found a sun hat to use while painting and I also had a yummy gelato .

I took a lot of pictures while walking up the streets and later I went with Jason and some other people to see Chiesa Nuova which is the church that was built over the location of Saint Francis's childhood home where he was locked under the stairwell by his father and eventually released by his mother and then took a vow of poverty. This church was also beautiful and quaint.

Finally we had a very expensive dinner of ravioli with truffles and some wine. Then we ended the night with some beer at a hip little bar.

Oh and the cool porta potty that you have to crank to flush like a conveyor belt.

After getting back from Assisi we went to the local bar and hung out with and talked to some of the locals for a bit. I also ran into Isis and her husband and brother. We had a good conversation AND her husband complemented me on my Italian....what?!!! :)