Episode 05: Assisi - The Spiritual Heart of Italy
Welcome to Episode #5 and the next chapter of my book share and the grand adventure that has become a little collection of travel narratives…. In the Shadow of a Cypress: An Italian Adventure.
Camucia Station with the view of Cortona up on the hill behind. A favourite view / Michelle Johnston
Next stop Assisi, Umbria. I say the heart of Italy since Umbria is often called the green heart of Italy and Assisi has a special place in many peoples hearts including my own.
Catching the train from Cortona to Assisi was a wonderful way to piece together the merging of Tuscany and Umbria. I personally love train trips. It is the perfect opportunity to take a breathe, organise your day and ponder. Fortunately there were no troubles with strikes or anything this time around and I had a delightful time navigating my way around Italy on Trenitalia. On this particular day it was a journey from Cortona/Camucia line to Assisi in Umbria.
The beauty of Assisi / Michelle Johnston
Shownotes:
A Cooks Life by Stephanie Alexander
Foders: Florence and Tuscany: With Assisi and the best of Umbria, 2014 Edition
Assisi: Illustrated Guide of Assisi from the Basilica - as a reference for reading materials
Coastline: The Food of Mediterranean Italy, France & Spain by Lucio Galletto and David Dale
The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim, the film: Enchanted April (1991)
Clare of Assisi / Michelle Johnston
Something More….
When I returned to Australia a few weeks later I walked into Josephine's French Restaurant in Bungendore, Le Tres Bon and she off the top of her head asks, “how was Saint Chiara?” I looked at her absolutely mystified at why she would ask me that. She said, “I have a connection with Saint Chiara”, and tears came to my eyes. A knowing smile, a knowing. (This story is in the Episode)
The spiritual teacher Wayne Dyer spoke of his connection and reverence for Saint Francis. He has shared the teachings and the healings that took place when he was in Assisi. You can do a search yourself, he documented it all in a DVD on Pilgrimage ‘Experiencing the Miraculous’......
Not only are there spiritual wonders to experience if that is your thing, the artistic treasures of this city are like no other. So much heritage and beauty to be explored. And if you get off the tourist trail the food and wine is wonderful. Stay open, be present and enjoy the many layers and magic of Assisi.
Walking up to the Basilica of Saint Chiara on the outskirts of the town overlooking the hillside I noticed this little nook in the rock, I love these details…/ Michelle Johnston
