Assisi

We were so happy when we learned that our time here would overlap with Father Luke's visit to Italy. We were thrilled when we were able to make plans to spend the afternoon with him in Assisi. Below is a picture of the landscape that surrounds Assisi.

Like Siena, Assisi is built into a hill. This means many, many steep streets. Below is a very long staircase that we climbed with the kids.

Father Luke took us on the insiders tour of the Basilica of San Francesco. We saw the immense dining room where the priests have their meals.

Outside of the dining room is a 12-person ancient hand washing trough that is used before each meal.

The view from the upper floors of the monastery is amazing. Here we are on the outside walkway of the monastery. It was a foggy, misty day, but the view was still amazing.

Anna and Father Luke inside the Basilica.

The weather cleared up at the end of our tour and we were able to enjoy some time outside meeting some of Father Luke's Franciscan friends and having gelato.

After some dancing and twirling on the Piazza we joined Father Luke and the group he was leading for dinner. It was odd, but refreshing, to dine with such a huge group of Americans. We haven't heard so much English spoken in weeks.

Without Father Luke's visit, Assisi probably would not have been on our agenda. It was a picturesque and quaint little town. We were so glad to have a reason to visit.