Perugia, and Umbria in total, is very special place for me. Almost spiritual. Place from where somehow my love to Italy sprouted couple of decades ago thanks to my dear friends Enrico and Chiara, and later Stefano. Place where I’ve returned ten years later to learn Italian at Universita per Stranieri – one of the most remarkable back in times experiences of my life, totally out of comfort zone just to find myself within new (and oh so old) comfort zone I was always seeking for.
…The terrace of Francesco’s apartment I was renting which felt like a deck of the ship navigating through November Umbrian fogs filling the valley – the most romantic view possible. More romantic than the sea (which is virtually impossible). Imagine, in this very building Dante Alighieri was writing his Divine Comedy (at least plate on the wall says that)! No wonder my apartment was haunted… But after couple of vulnerable nights I came to good terms with ghosts, and we were neighbouring peacefully.
…Etruscan ruins visible through glass bottom of Brufani Palace swimming pool where I was exercising after lessons.
…Raffaello’s frescos in chapel next to my temporary home.
…Two young men (friends of Francesco) discussing poetry of Charles Baudelaire over spaghetti with freshest truffles ever.
…There is something truly special about this place. I guess it is all about people who grew up having Etruscan heritage, one of the most important Italian universities and Raffaello’s frescos as their backyard and taking it as granted. These people go back and force through time portal so naturally few times a day… I guess I can write a poem about Umbria. One day.
For travellers planning Italy trip… Please consider Umbria which is so similar and so different from well-known Tuscany. And… so much budget-friendly between me and you. I’m here to discuss, julia@renshawtravel,com
