Well, we're here in Assisi! It's difficult to know where to begin. The pace has slowed down quite a bit as we have more time to wander, to get to know the place, and to reflect on all that this town is and means to us.
Just spending time in the town square, listening to the variety of languages, seeing tourists and families wander the area, meet friends, and celebrate life...it's a whole different world. Of course, the others in the group have FORCED me to go out for gelato on several occasions (I highly recommend the peach and the lemon).
We've climbed to the top of the Rocca Maggiore and remembered the battle that took place between the middle class and the nobles of Assisi. We've joined the Poor Clares for vespers at the Basilica of St. Clare (my Italian is coming back slowly!). We've visited the church that now stands on the site of the property owned by Francis's father. This IS a small town and it's easy to imagine how word of Francis's actions would have traveled from one end to the other in less than an hour.
This morning we went to San Damiano. From that vantage point we could see Rivo Torto (where Francis gathered with the early brothers) and the Porziuncula (the 'home base') as well as the area where Francis would have ministered to the lepers. All those stories on paper come to life in this small town. The walk DOWN to San Damiano was gorgeous...of course that meant that we would have to walk UP on the way back. Am getting used to the pace, though.
And a photo of the piazza!