Ciaowdy!
We began this morning with a few rambling walks and a final Italian lesson, after which we got to say “thank you” to our wonderful Italian teachers. We’re not quite fluent, but we can get by when ordering things.
Many of us practiced our newly acquired Italian in Assisi by ordering lunch in small groups, and with an open afternoon, we settled in for long lunches and small group excursions. One group chose to make the hour-long trek downhill for three miles to the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli, which marks the spot where St. Francis of Assisi had his conversion. The Basilica encloses the original smaller chapel of St. Francis, the Portiuncula. It was really fascinating to see the different styles and artwork in a slightly more modern architectural and artistic style. An important lesson learned on the way back, ascending over 700 feet in over a mile: going down is easier than going up. Other groups chose to visit the Basilica di Santa Chiara or simply to rest and play games.
The group came together again mid-afternoon to listen to a wonderful session on Undergraduate Research by Annabelle Aymond, one of our faculty leaders, and two of the student leaders. This was followed by an interesting activity in which we were asked to make decisions about a hypothetical winter survival situation. We learned both the value of different points of view as well as what items are the most important to survive sub-freezing temperatures. It was really interesting to see the variety of results from different teams, proving that we all have very different perspectives that shape our views on life.
During a brief period of free time before dinner, some students walked to a small castle, Rocca Minore, and saw breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding valley. Another small group attended Italian mass before dinner, which, while quite different from our normal experience of the liturgy in English, was very beautiful.
We enjoyed a final meal at La Rocca and thanked our hosts for feeding us throughout this week. The night ended with an all-group recap, gelato, and an early bedtime as we pack and prepare to travel to Perugia and Castiglion Fiorentino tomorrow.
Arrivederci!
Sarah and Catherine
