6/3/2024 Farewell to Tuscany. Stops Along the way to Umbria, Perugia Chocolate Making and Transfer to Spoleto
In 217 BC, this abandoned castle and beautiful neighborhood
was the site where Hannibal used his military genius in just two major battles at the River Trebia and Lake Trasimene,
killing as many as 50,000 Romans.
pedestrian thoroughfare in Perugia, the hilltop town of medieval walls, cobbled alleys, elegant piazzas, and some Etruscan remains lined with prominent buildings, museums, and a cathedral.
Corso Vannucci at a glance.
(No pun intended.)
discusses cocoa and chocolate making at Cafe Turan,
a former goldsmith workshop turned eatery and chocolaterie,
now owned by two sisters who opened the shop with their mother's help.
(Perugia is also known for its unusual and delicious gelato flavors.)
The next stop before our arrival in Spoleto was Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis.
Above and below.
The crowd disperses from Assisi.
We finally arrived at our Hotel Dei Duchi Spoleto in time for dinner. Two long tables featuring typical Umbrian cuisine (often called cucina povera, or peasant cooking, due to its rustic nature and use of fresh, simple ingredients) were reserved for our group of 18.
Umbria is also renowned for its gold-green olive oil, rich red wines, diverse grains, and salumi (cured meats). It was only a short time after the wine, olive oil, meats, and bread were placed on our table that a crack sounded like someone pounding the table as our small round table broke from the larger rectangular one it was attached to. Dennis came to the rescue, flinging himself onto the floor and trying to investigate the cause. (BTW, who expects a circular to stay attached to a rectangular one anyhow?)
Dennis to the rescue!
(Photo courtesy of Jonell)
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