Monday Murals

Italy

I saw this at the Basilica of St. Maria del Aracœli in Rome. It looks so plain on the outside but will blow you away once you step inside.

There’s many more great murals at Colourful World.

Silent Sunday

Weekend Coffee Share

If we were having coffee, you’d be with me in Italy on a pilgrimage. I came with friends and we’ve met more wonderful people as we visit Orvieto, Assisi and Florence.

Orvieto

We had a mass in the side chapel pictured above and then we were hurried to lunch that our guide forced us into so we could save time. It took over two hours and saved no time.

Assisi & Francis

We saw the little church St. Francis of Assisi rebuilt which is now inside a bigger church dedicated to him.

Afterwards we were rushed to a winery. Unfortunately, everyday were rushed to the next spot by a brusque guide who’s clearly burned out and doesn’t like people.

I would think principle Number 1 is not to lose anyone. She left one lady at the airport so the bus had to turn around after 30 minutes to get her. Later on the first day we lost 12 people because she never stops to see if the people behind her know when to turn.

You’d expect that she’d remedy this but we’ve left people behind almost everyday. She never apologizes or gets better at leading the way. Ugh. She offers little commentary about the sights and what she does explain is odd. So far she’s pointed out a small man made lake along a highway and shared a strange version of the Romulus and Remus legend involving a prostitution.

Florence

An informative city guide took us on a walking tour of Florence including a visit to the Academy of Arts museum.

We had a little free time but had to be at our meeting point at 3:40 sharp or we’d be left behind. For reasons that were never explained we waited there for an hour and a half before the guide took us to the bus. No one was late to the meeting point but she was off doing something. There may have been a serious problem she was dealing with but that wasn’t explained.

Thus my friends and I couldn’t see sights we wanted to see — in Florence of all places. One day there was too short.