Left the Big Cities for the Country Side

We were getting a bit weary of the big cities, so we opted for some time in the countryside, where it was blissfully quiet.

Driveway into a plantation of small cottages on a working farm.

View from the garden.

And to make our stay on this ancient farm, we found this a most welcome bonus!

Next, we drove to a hilltop village and stayed in a newly refurbished apartment in a 1,000-year-old castle.

Entrance into our wing of the castle.

View from the patio. Here's a link to more photos of the Airbnb we booked;). It was spectacular!

Next, we visited Assisi. It's changed a lot since Saint Francesco's time; it's all built up now. His original church no longer exists and has been completely swallowed by the new church and the village that grew up around his reputation. It's kind of odd, not what I suspect Fransices would appreciate.

View from the top. I waited nearly 10 minutes to get a shot of the gorgeous cloud formations with no people on the plaza.