ON the other hand it is a big hot mess over here- front page new. ITALY TAKES IN 4400 NORTH AFRICAN REFUGEES TODAY! Truly a nightmare for this country. Why don't they shut down the borders? I guess it's easier to ask the UN to foot the bill.
Back to touring...
Early ride down the mountain, to the taxi, to the ferry to the bus....a bus never looked so good. We drive across the countryside north to Umbria. First stop Assisi to see the town, the Cathedral and tomb of St. Francais of Assisi- one of Pleeps favorite Saints.
DETERMINATION
What were Bubba and Boca thinking to sign up for a "land trip" for a couple of weeks in July in Italy? We are determined to finish it, thats for sure, that is if we don't get heat stroke, can heal the jacked up knee Boca is now gimping around with, the tiny tiny tiny European style showers-hoping Bubba doesn't slip and put an end to it, bags out at 11 pm and out the door by 7 a.m., at least a million steps a day to climb, fighting over who will use the cane for the day, desperately in need of a pedicure and civilized spa day, Bubs hair looking like a throw back to the 50's and of course not a peep out of Pleep- he's loving every minute of it. Per Pleep- "KEEP ON TRUCKIN MOM AND POPS!" The struggle continues.
Breakfast of champions. Seriously, their avocados are ever so delicious with a nice constancy, way better than the mushy ones Bubs buys at Costco. Take the high road Bubs and please try Whole Foods for the ava's. Big difference in taste and texture. Love, Betty Crocker.
Our fearless leader, aka tour guide Lynn, is doing a hell of a job. Her knowledge of history and culture of the Italian people adds so much to the trip. You know Boca loves going to school.
We stop off at a "truck stop" Italian style, pretty good chow and some food shopping available. Bubs couldn't make up his mind on which pasta to buy- more for the suitcases Bubs!
AND THERE WE ARE...
It was the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208, and St. Clare , the founder of the Poor Sisters. The 19th-century Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows was also born in Assisi. This area of the world has a long long history dating back to thousands of years ago and my son made me promise not to torture you with the details. Basta! This place was quite the hot bed of holies. Pope Gregory IX canonized Francis on July 16, 1228. Along with Saint Catherine of Siena, he was designated Patron saint of Italy. He later became associated with patronage of animals and the natural environment, and it became customary for Catholic and Anglican churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4 October. On June 18, 1939, Pope Pius XII named Francis a joint Patron Saint of Italy along with Saint Catherine of Siena. 
Now the site of many a pilgrimage, Assisi is linked in legend with its native son. He is remembered by many, even non-Christians, as a lover of nature (his preaching to an audience of birds is one of the legends of his life). Besides also being a lover of animals, Bubs liked the camo vehicle at the entrance.
Assisi was hit by two devastating earthquakes, that shook Umbria in September 1997. But the recovery and restoration have been remarkable (in Italian time), although much remains to be done. Massive damage was caused to many historical sites, but the major attraction, the Basilica di San Francesco, reopened less than 2 years later. Per Bubs, you better check that elderly lady in front of me....she may be packing- as in some salami.
Funny, the Italians can be vigilant about entrances to their religious sites but not their borders?
The Franciscan monastery of St Francis was begun immediately after his canonization in 1228, and completed in 1253. The lower church has frescoes by the late-medieval artists Cimabue and Giotto; the upper church houses frescoes of scenes in the life of St. Francis. What's the difference between a fresco and and icon/iconography on the wall?
As mentioned. the Basilica was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1997, during which part of the vault collapsed, killing four people inside the church and carrying with it a fresco. Steps, lots of steps. Coupled with the heat made it a memorable time. Not many tourists here today?
Time to go inside the basilica Boca. Boca loves St. Francais of Assis- he has a special holy day for our pets. And yes all dogs go to heaven! Hey what is the difference between a Cathedral and a Basilica and a Church?
The Basilica is a pious place and a serene place to say your prayers. Do you pray? How often? How long? What do you pray about?
They have installed two video cameras in the crypt of the basilica so Catholics worldwide can make a "virtual pilgrimage" to the saint's tomb. The camera can be accessed at www.saintfranesco.org
Devotees of St. Fracais can also send their prayer requests to latuapreghiera@saintfrancesco.org
And if you are inclined, you can have your picture taken with a pretend friar? There must be a reason for the Michael Jackson hat.
It's a beautiful place to honor St. Francis- in his hometown.
Maybe the heat kept the tourists away??
The town, right down the hill from the basilica, had some interesting characters...I guess this man wanted to pattern his life after St. Francais?
In addition, to the gelato and tourist shops-, there are tons of St. Francais stuff you can buy....most of it made in China. Note to Catholic friends: I bought mine at the church so doesn't that correct the lineage?
Pleep found a bag he had to have as he has the matching shoes.
Worth the trip to visit, whether you are catholic or not. It was enlightening to learn about this very holy and special man.
And it's always a good idea to...
Know that Bubba and Boca pray for you daily. Do you feel the love?
On to Perugia via a gorgeous country side drive. Lynne tells us, Perugia is lifted by a hill above a valley patterned with fields, where the River Tiber runs swift and clear, Perugia is Umbria's petite and immediately likeable capital. Its centro storico (historic centre) rises in a helter-skelter of cobbled alleys, arched stairways and piazzas framed by magnificent palazzi (mansions). History seeps through every shadowy corner of these streets and an aimless wander through them can feel like time travel.
Back in the 21st century, Perugia is a party-loving, pleasure-seeking university city, with students pepping up the nightlife and filling cafe terraces. The hopping summer event line-up tonight includes one of Europe's best jazz festivals. Driving through the Italian county side is a real treat- but it is so dry? It is official as of today, they are in a drought.
Bubs makes sure there are 5 pillows, 10 jumbo towels, and a BIG shower, don't forget the ice and whatever my wife calls about, for the love of God just do it. It will be better for all of us.
A gorgeous view from the hotel.
And there it was, right out our front door. The Umbria Jazz Festival is one of the most important jazz festivals in the world and has been held annually since 1973, usually in the month of July, in Perugia, and surrounding cities of the region of Umbria Italy. Brian Wilson is scheduled to perform "pet sounds". Didn't our Beach Boy retire?
Ooo, they have some food and booze tents set up Bubs. You know Boca and Pleep love street food.
Young people, lots and lots of young people. This is a university town so the young folks come in all kinds of packages...tats, pink hair, out there clothing and Boca and Bubs enjoyed some unique looking and listening opportunities.
Had to try the Pig Pizza. Absolutely delish, geeeeze, I keep looking for something I don't like.
The Ricola tent...is that the Italian version of Melania?
Bubs is staying up past his bed time...this should get cray-cray or should I say crab crab?
Another picturesque old town, filled with concert goers.
Lots of pizza eating going on- for this family, everyone gets their own pizza. Excellent idea! Takes the back and forth of what do YOU want on the pizza and who had how many slices. Salute!
Oh no said Bubba- time to head back to the hotel.
Right after a taste of sweet offerings.
Have you heard about the Umbria Jazz Festival? Me neither, but boy do they know how to put on an event. Loads of fun listening and people watching and of course the pig pizza! Pleep enjoyed showing off his Patron medals.
And Pleep wanted to make sure you are reminded about the Amanda Knox trial.
Meredith Susanna Cara Kercher (28 December 1985 – 1 November 2007) was a British student on exchange from the University of Leeds who was murdered at the age of 21 in Perugia, Italy, on 1 November 2007. Kercher was found dead on the floor of her bedroom. By the time the bloodstained fingerprints at the scene were identified as belonging to Rudy Guede, police had charged Kercher's American flatmate, Amanda Knox, and Knox's Italian boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito. The subsequent prosecutions of Knox and Sollecito received international publicity, with forensic experts and jurists taking a critical view of the evidence supporting the initial guilty verdicts. Knox and Sollecito were released after almost four years following their acquittal at a second-level trial, and in 2015 they were exonerated by the Supreme Court of Italy. Guede was tried separately in a fast-track procedure and in October 2008 was found guilty of the sexual assault and murder of Kercher. He subsequently exhausted the appeals process and is currently serving a 16-year sentence. Per Wiki.