Perugia and Assisi in Umbria, Italy


Happy February!! 

February can be such a cold and dreary month, for this reason, it's a great month to take a vacation when flights and hotels are cheaper and you're looking for a break from the cold weather. However, if you can't get away and.... well, sometimes, it's just easier to figure out what we can do at home to make our life more comfortable and satisfying.

A few posts ago, I mentioned that I was trying to 
get into the swing of things. 
I'm one of those "list makers" and often I would create daily lists and weekly lists and so on.....These lists were sometimes satisfying and at other times created an unpleasant gnawing feeling to the point where I ended up feeling extremely disappointed with myself at the end of the day for failing to accomplish "the to do list." Well, I received some amazing feedback from all of you. And I just want to say - thank you. It's amazing what friends you can make in blog land. The fantastic and supportive advice I've gotten from people I've never even met is just remarkable. That's why I continue to blog - because of the connection and the incredible support and l o v e that is out there.

 This photo is perfect to illustrate time and how we're always so short on it in this day and age. It's a photo of a real working clock that I took from the inside of the main museum in the centre of Perugia

One of the many tips I received was to just try and get one thing accomplished every day....and that's what I've been doing. And it's made me feel so much better. I started doing just that. I've signed up for an Italian class once a week, and hopefully that will help me feel better about being in a country where everyone can't understand why I don't speak Italian. Frankly, I find learning languages a chore. I never learned Korean, the language of my ancestors. I took French for many years in school and Spanish in University - I retained nothing. I have been resisting....I need to learn to accept and surrender. It won't be easy. But nothing in life that's worth it really is....

A photo of two monks walking by personify my need to learn patience and surrender into my environment.

Now if you have the time to go away, Perugia and Assisi are beautiful towns to visit. Although, I wouldn't recommend going right now as it's fairly cold here. However, if you have plans in the future. Here are some pretty photos to persuade you that it's definitely worth a visit. 

Here is everything you need to know about Perugia and Assisi, Italy. No. Not everything...just a few basics.

Perugia and Assisi are located in Umbria, which is in the central part of Italy. Perugia is a Medieval city dating as far back as the 9th century B.C. Its abound with arches throughout the city. Assisi, which is not far from Perugia is famous for the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi, who founded the Franciscan religious order in 1208. The Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi is a World Heritage Site and definitely a must see among many other churches in the city. The town of Assisi is unlike any other town in Italy. It was hit by an earthquake in 1997 and the restoration that has taken place has been just remarkable. The buildings are just breathtaking and the streets are the cleanest that I've ever seen in Italy. The town has a rich tradition of art and is home to a number of well known artists. 


some views of the beautiful landscape and countryside in the region of Umbria where Perugia and Assisi are located.

the famous medieval acqueduct (construction began in 1254 and was completed in 1278) is 3km long. it was constructed to bring water to Perugia from the springs of Paciano. it runs through the old part of Perugia.


a working carousel in old Perugia. 
we didn't go on it because it was too cold.

starry christmas lights adorning all of  the centre of Perugia.


 i know Christmas is over but these photos of the tree and wreath are just so pretty and magical that i couldn't resist posting them.

a medieval structure



some photos of the stunning streets and sidewalks in Assisi.

lots of people were around for shopping and sightseeing in
the main square in Assisi on New Year's Eve.

the beautiful bustling town of Assisi at night. i fell in love with this alluring and bewitching town.

a charming entrance to a little hotel in Assisi. if I had more time,  i would've stayed there.



i just couldn't believe my eyes! i found owls everywhere in the shop windows. i wonder if it has any particular significance to this town?


some beautiful ornaments in the shop windows of assisi. the crafts and art shops were truly delightful.




discovered some very talented artists in Assisi and met the artist of the paintings above, Vincenzo Martini, who gave me a catalogue of his work and signed it as well. he was just incredibly warm and kind. he explained to us how he painted his original and prints. i was really quite thrilled about the whole event. if you're ever in Assisi, you must visit his gallery. i can't wait to return there again.


this post was already much longer than i had wanted it to be, so there were many beautiful photos that i didn't include in this post. so i may have to write another post about these towns again sometime 
in the future.


may you have  

s p e c t a c u l a r  

week!


Reese

Comments

  1. Thank you for touring me through this beautiful region in Italy. The photos are beautiful, and I enjoy looking at them. I would love someday to see the region of Umbria. Thank you for sharing.

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  2. That was a fun little trip this morning - thanks. I've been to Italy twice but only Rome and Pompeii. Would love to wander the country visiting all these fabulous places. Good luck in your new class!

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  3. those photos quite literally took my breath away. the place is just soooo beautiful! thanks for sharing these pictures, it felt like i was there too. :)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

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  4. I like those pictures!!!!

    Zaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

    :))))

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  5. Perugia and Assisi were 2 of my favorite visits during a trip with my family in 2002 (wow, too long ago!). Thanks for the beautiful pictures and good luck with your Italian class!

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  6. I really love Italy and your post is stunning. The photos are brilliant. I felt like I took a beautiful trip this morning. I wish Balazs and I can go back to Italy soon. So glad that you started your Italian classes. I know exactly what you mean about the language thing...Good luck, darling and have a lovely day
    Kisses

    Ps: I am hosting Paloma’s Nest GIVEAWAY today:).Just in time for Valentine’s Day!

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  7. Oh wow...that's quite a lot in one post. I so love your photos...It's like I've been there just now.

    Well, I love making lists when I was younger, I make lists of almost every things I love, things to do, things to buy, even lists of Billboard 100 (that was before the internet) yes, I would listen before New Year's Eve of the countdown of hit songs for that year and make a list...crazy right?
    Lists are good but just don't be disappointed when you didn't do some of it, always look on the bright side and the things you've accomplished.

    And language is best learned when you practice speaking it with the locals, immersing yourself with the way they use the language and even the correct accent and pronunciation. Sometimes it really is different, learning from books and teachers and learning it from the streets.

    Have a nice day!

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  8. these pictures are AWESOME girl! i love this!!! I want to travel sooooo bad

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  9. love these towns! and also montefalco -- very pretty town and very good wine producers nearby. i'm sure the cold has its own beauty... xo bb

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  10. I would LOVE to go to Italy! Hopefully someday!
    That is great advice to accomplish one thing every day. I like that! That is wonderful you are learning a new language too. I find it difficult. I've been thinking of refreshing my memory of French again.
    I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  11. So many pretty pictures! Glad you have embraced learning Italian...you won't be sorry! :*

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  12. we went to Italy for our honeymoon but didn't get a chance to visit these towns...now all the more reason to go back again. thank you for the wonderful images, inspiration and tour! i loved your pics!!

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  13. You always speak such truth. It's always refreshing to read what you have to say. I am a list writer as well and sometimes it is overwhelming, but it sure is nice to cross things off. I think I am going to start the :one thing a day" idea. I like that.

    Rachael

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  14. Reese what a beautiful post, and congratulations on deciding to learn Italian! I too am determined to learn. I once spoke (chatted.. not conversed.. :) quite happily in this happy sexy language but it has now faded into the odd phrase..

    I have driven through Umbria and seen the amazing little villages that cling onto the hill tops. Also love Le Marche.. but then again, I have a thing for the whole country and am determined to go back there soon.

    xx Charlotta

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  15. Wow I love all these photos! The only place I've been to is Venice Italy and it was one of my favorites! My husband and I plan to go to Spain in the summer and hopefully stop by Italy because he has never been there, where exactly are you located? You are living my dream living in Italy!
    Have a great day lucky girl!

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  16. Hello beautiful! I'll take tickets to both locations, please :) lol

    I wish I could get away for a mini vacation but I just started a new job in October so I won't be able to get away for a while. Until then these gorgeous images will keep me occupied dreaming...

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  17. So many beautiful pictures! My favorites are the carousel pics! Beautiful.

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  18. Your blog is so lovely!!!! As are the pictures. I look forward to reading more :)

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  19. Hello I was looking for you in my blog I just could not remember where you had left me a comment, I wanted to come back here, I am going to Italy soon I was hoping for ideias. Are you following me? It is easier to find you if you are...

    No I did not make the cake,I eat them...LOL!! I made the party.
    Ciao

    Fer

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  20. Hello I was looking for you in my blog I just could not remember where you had left me a comment, I wanted to come back here, I am going to Italy soon I was hoping for ideias. Are you following me? It is easier to find you if you are...

    No I did not make the cake,I eat them...LOL!! I made the party.
    Ciao

    Fer

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  21. I absolutely loved Assisi!!!! You made me want to go back :)

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  22. Thank you, Reese! :) Great article...

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  23. Hello! This is my first time here, and I am enjoying it a lot. I've never been to a medieval town. The feelings to be there might be something. I hope one day I visit Europe.
    Have a very nice Sunday.

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