Friday 9th October - exploring Umbria

Day3 was further exploration of surrounding parts of Umbria as we tried to find the villas on the shortlist Jolene had made up.  It was a pretty drive from Perugia through forests and fields but too many drivers calling directions led to some tense moments!!  Eventually we drove to Passo Gosparini which had a restaurant with delightful view of the Lago Trasimeno.  Bruschetta and veal steaks done 3 ways were perfect choices.  They were delivered to the table by a robotic dumb waiter.  Unfortunately the local cat decided we should feed it also and became a pest at our table.  It was not to be shooed away.  We gladly moved on to have a gelati by the lake in Passignano.

Jolene had decided to rent a car so we dropped her off at the Perugia airport to collect that whilst we headed home for a rest.  By 4:30 Patrizia took me out again to finally explore the old town.  It dates back to the 11-12th century and is built on a steep hill with walls and 3 gates.  We headed up and down stairs and escalators to see old ruins beneath the fabulous views from the top.  

After an Aperol spritz at the bar in the piazza that George used to like, we met Patrizia’s cousins Rita, Patrizia and Valentina with a friend Chantelle.  We sat on the steps at a bar watching the light change over the old town at sunset.  More drinks and food were consumed as we laughed and they chatted in Italian with smatterings of French and English to help Chantelle and myself keep up.  Finally home to bed where I feel like I am over my jet lag and finally able to look forward to dinner tomorrow night with the same group.