Magnetic sunshine erupted over the horizon as we began our last morning in Assisi. As the sun rose over the cypress ridden hills, a group of us reminisced about our time in Italia so far.
We boarded the bus for a short ride to Perugia, a town famous for countless layers of history and ruins. Marco, our guide, riveted us with countless tales of Papal takeover and rebellion, comparing the valiant Etruscans to our very own American Patriots. After exploring the ruins, we took on the town of Perugia. Coincidentally, the largest Jazz festival in Europe, Umbria Jazz, was also taking place in our few hours there. As we trekked the streets of the old city, lounging notes and free-flowing rhythms accompanied us.
After lunch and some chocolate shopping, we boarded the bus again for a quick ride to the staple of our Italian journey, Castiglion Fiorentino. It was surreal to finally reach the place that we have heard so much about. Unbloomed sunflowers surrounded us as we entered, eyes glued to the windows, observing the sleepy Italian town. As we reached the hotel, we were given some much needed free time, taking naps and lounging by the rooftop pool. After a quick orientation, we had a delicious dinner composed of spinach and ricotta ravioli as well as a variety of other Italian dishes. Dinner ended with joyful singing, trying our best to belt out “Happy Birthday” in Italian to our dear Catherine.
Scarfing down cake, we exited the hotel and began a brisk walk to the “old town.” We walked the familiar cobblestone streets, streets where hundreds of Conway-Fitzhugh aggies have walked. Gabriella, our veteran Italy Fish, retold stories of her own as we walked to the beloved Santa Chiara Study Center. Walking into the doors, one could feel the weight of all the happy memories that inhabit this place, passing through the old theater and dormitories. We even took up some of the same paddles that students have taken up for almost 30 years. Maddie, a (hopeful) future Aggie, took us on a short tour of old town CF. Finally, we made it to the legendary Coco Palm Gelateria, a place that has been a tradition on our trip for many years. Ten minutes and sticky fingers later, we finally ended our day with a breezy walk back to the hotel.
As we fall asleep with jazz music in our ears and gelato on our minds, we can rest easy that today we rediscovered a bit of Aggie History.
Alex and Faris
