Day 34: Assisi

No shower this morning! At the B&B, I didn't realize that you have to turn the hot water cylinder on in the bathroom!

Most of today was spent traveling.
10 minute walk
30 minute wait for bus
30 minute bus
change buses
30 minute bus
2 hour wait at train station.
1 hour train,
change trains,
2 hour train,
change trains,
10 minute train,
10 minute bus,
10 minute walk
and I made it!

So glad I pre purchased all my tickets before leaving AU as it saved a lot of time and potential stress with some tight changes.

Assisi is beautiful. Perched on the side of a Tuscan hill, this ancient town if picturesque and full of life!

This being the home of St Francis, and yesterday (Oct 4) was his feast day, meant the town was full of pilgrims and tourists. There was a special event on with TV, media, security and police everywhere. I head the Italian President was in town for the occasion.

After settling into my hotel and at last having a hot shower, I went for a wander through the old town. There was a market on which meant there were people everywhere. I couldn't resist Gelati and a roast pork roll - which is the best roast pork (inc crackle) I've tasted!

The Basilica is St Clare houses her remains in the crypt, along with many relics and articles of clothing from St Clare & St Francis.

I then wandered down to the Basilica of St Francis. This is comprised of two Basilicas on built on top of each other. The lower Basilica was built between 1232-1230 and house the tomb of St Francis. This was unfortunately closed (due to the special event), so I'll pay a visit tomorrow morning before leaving. The upper Basilica built in 1232-1239 was open and featured beautiful frescos of the key events in the life of St Francis.

Then back to the hotel to enjoy my 'room with a view'!

Day 33: "Me No Speak Italiano"

That's what I found myself saying most of the day!

Today I left early to get the train to the bus station to catch to bus to Lanciano. Lanciano is situated on the East coast of Italy, about 3 hours by bus. It is most notable for being the site of the first Eucharistic miracle.

I was amazed at the countryside on route to Lancaino, the amazing mountains and scenery. I was also pleasantly surprised by the city. I was expecting a small country town, but it was quite a busy town. I walked from the bus station with map in hand to my accommodation - a B&B in the old town. I was met by one of the owners who spoke limited English, which was entertaining - but we got there.

An afternoon stroll found most of the town closed for siesta - a concept I love and think we should adopt in Australia!
Most shops opened around 3-4pm, but a lot didn't! It was actually very hard to find somewhere to get something to eat. I eventually found a pizza place and sat in the town square to watch the locals. I am amazed at a number of things in local Italian culture:
* so many of them smoke - anywhere, anytime!
* they park anywhere - including footpaths and pedestrian crossings
* they are so animated (and often loud) when the speak
* I love the siesta concept
* old men gather in the square to discuss the issues of the world, women gather to gossip (I suspect)
* they clapped when the aero plane landed!
* cheap coffee - only €1!
* breakfast consists of custard croissants or chocolate pastries. I could get used to that!

I love this - so true!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHWBL9_alKs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Day 32: Roma

Today I awoke early to get myself to the Vatican for the Wednesday General audience with the Pope. I caught the metro there by 8.30am and waited in a huge line, which moved quite quickly. Once through the security check I had to go to the Bronze Door to collect my pre-arranged free ticket. Luckily I was also able to collect my tickets for the Papal Mass on Sunday. This will save having to make an additional trip there on Saturday.

With ticket in hand I made my way to the front section, which is one of the advantages of being early. As the morning progressed people were being turned away from the front sections despite have what appeared to be VIP tickets.

The dilemma was where to sit. I decided to sit at the back of the front section against the barrier, even though everyone was scrambling for the front rows. This proved to be a wise choice as the barrier provided a bit of shade, but I was also on the route for His Holiness to pass by in the Popemonile. Not only did he go past me once, but twice! At 10.30am out he came! I was quite amazed at how old he looks in person. TV and pictures don't seem to make him look old, but he had a number of wrinkles! He also loved very slowly and cautiously. I suppose it isn't easy to be in you mid 80s and having to stand in a moving vehicle.

There was a reading in various languages, along with a homily in Italian. Then there were words of welcome in various languages for the pilgrims and groups who spoke that language. Different groups responded in different ways with standing, waving, chanting or singing. It got to 12.00 and was getting very hot, so I left a bit early and headed back to the hotel to check on my luggage situation.

Didn't notice this though!
http://cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=33443

After many attempts and phone calls - no progress. Luggage Status: unknown.

I then grabbed a bite to eat and caught a bus into the city centre. I went to the vestment shop to see if the stole Richard wanted was in, but no luck. I then walked around to the Pathenon to have a look. An amazing building. I then wandered over to Piazza Navona to have a coffee and look at the fountain of four rivers.

After this I went back I the hotel and continued on the luggage situation. Eventually I tried the El Al office in Rome directly and a man gave me a direct live to their counter at the airport. After seeking assistance from the Hotel Manager, he found out that the luggage would be on a flight on Thu. This didn't help me as I am leaving Rome for a couple of days Thu morning. We arranged that the case would be delivered at that hotel and they'll hold for me until I return on Sat afternoon.

This meant I had no clean clothes for the next few days, so I walked down the street and found a menswear store to get some new socks, t-shirts, pants and you guessed it - undies! €100 I wasn't planning on spending, but will be putting in a claim with El Al - so why not!

I then found a little place to get a bite to eat for tea. A plate of spaghetti and beer for only €7.50 = bargain! Only disappointment was that my lovely wife wasn't here to enjoy it with me!

Day 31: Packing and departure

Today I woke early to get packed and organized before our shuttle bus arrived at 11am. Upon commencing this tiresome process, I quickly realized that I had WAY more than I came with and didn't have a hope of getting it all in the case. So I ducked out to pick up a cheap bag for my fragile goods to take as carry-on. This is a common occurrence with our overseas trips that we bring back an extra carry on bag full of souvenirs. You can imagine the cupboard full of such bags at home! And I can't even blame Nook this time!

I finished packing with bulging case and extra bag, and realized this ain't going to work around Italy for a week. So I made a quick dash to the post office to post a box of books and my lecture notes home. This is going to take 6-8 weeks, so hoping I won't need them in a hurry! This made the case much lighter and not is bulky - which will make traveling life much easier.

A few final farewells and we got on out shuttle for the 1 hour drive to the airport. Luckily I'd checked in online which saved waiting in long queues. As I was traveling onto Rome while most of the others were heading home, I had to go to a separate section. I was asked a number of questions by security (which is normal), then she went off and another security person came and asked us the same questions and more. Whilst this can be a little unsettling, they are doing their job of keeping us and all other travelers safe.

Approx 1.5 hours later, the rest of our group traveling home to Aus made it through and we had a bite to eat. We then said our farewells and went our separate ways.

A pretty non-eventful flight to Rome, until I got to the baggage claim and found I was the only one left with no more bags coming out. I went to the counter to learn that my bag hadn't left Tel Aviv. She mentioned something about security. How can this be after all you go through at the airport? By this time is was 9pm and no more flights until the next day.
Thinking twice about flying El Al airlines again!

I then caught the airport train into the city to then find the Metro was closed due to a strike. A taxi ride later and I arrived at the hotel which is very nice. After a shower, it was fantastic to get into a clean and comfortable bed.

Day 30: Final Day

Today was the last day of the course at Ecce Homo.

After breakfast we gathered for 'Prayer and Sending'. This was a time for the final group gathering for reflection on the past 28 days together.

We then celebrated a final Eucharist together, after which we enjoyed a final lunch in the garden.

After this, five of us went to the Israeli museum for a look. This huge complex houses the original dead sea scrolls, a huge outdoor model is 1st century Jerusalem, and numerous galleries my favourite section was a fantastic exhibition on Jewish art and life. This focused on the life and times of the Hassidic Jews with many exhibits and videos of celebrations and rituals. In nearly 3 hours, I only got to three out of five sections.

After returning to Ecce Homo we went to the Holy Sepulcher one more time hoping to get some quiet reflection time without the crowds. Wishful thinking! Even though it wasn't as packed as other times it was still busy and noisy which makes quiet time difficult.

After this we went out of the Old City into West Jerusalem for dinner.

Day 29: Abu Ghosh (Emmaus)

Today we travelled to a town outside of Jerusalem called Abu Ghosh. This is believed to be the ancient town of Emmaus (although a number of other towns claim this also!)

We visited the Benedictine Abbey and church which was beautiful. This Romanesque church was like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Very much like those churches you see in the medieval movies. Very simple and beautiful, unlike out churches today which seemed to be filled with clutter.

The Mass was in French, and was mostly sung. The singing by the nuns and monks was beautiful and very moving.

We returned to Ecce Homo for lunch and then went for a walk into the new city to Mamilla plaza to get have a look in a very good bookshop there for a pictorial book as a souvenir. A wander back through the souq to get a few final bits and pieces for Nook and the kids.

After dinner we had a great storm hit. Very close lightening accompanied by very loud thunder - and the first rain since March!!! The locals were very excited by this.

Day 28: Jericho

Today was an excursion to the oldest and lowest city on earth - Jericho.

On route we stopped at the Greek Orthodox monestrary perched on the side of a hill at Wadi Qelt.

In Jericho we took a cable car ride up the mountain to a Russian Orthodox monastery which gave amazing views of the region.

We then visited the supposed sycamore tree which Zacchaeus climbed. Lk 19:1-17.

Today was a sad day as we learnt that our beloved border collie Jack was killed on the southern outlet after escaping from our yard during a storm. Tough being so far from loved ones today.