Umbria: Spello

We departed Orvieto for Spello. On the road we came across a hilltown we decided to visit, Todi. Ascending a winding road in the Volvo took some time and it was quite fun for me to drive the zigzags. We found ourselves in the middle of a bustling town atop this steep hill. We couldn't help but wonder if the residents stay up there all the time or if they come down very often. After a leisurely lunch we took our caffé in a bar on Piazza Garibaldi. Dad was checking out a real estate magazine and the (tall and handsome) barista asked if we were looking for a house. We said something like "not really". He preceded to describe the house he happens to have for sale, with a hectare and a giardino and many rooms. If we wanted to see it, we could. Smooth operator, this guy was! He also mentioned the house where he rents rooms to tourists. After we left the bar we discussed his actual profession. We think the bar is his 'office' and he 'gets things'. There's a film titled "Operation Petticoat" starring Cary Grant and Tony Curtis where they're trying to operate a lemon of a submarine during the war. The Cary Grant character asks the Tony Curtis character "What do you do?". He replies, "I get things." If I ever need anything in Umbria, I know which bar to take a caffé in. Troppo bello!

We also made a gelato stop in Deruta, a town famed for its ceramiche (ceramics). It's quite overwhelming to see so many shops, and so many works in each of the shops. If you're looking to find a full set of dinnerware, or a unique platter or vase, I'd highly recommend a trip to Deruta. Mom found an exquisite plate, a geometric design reproduced from the 14th century. The price was surprisingly reasonable given the quality of the craftsmanship.

Allora... Spello. Una bella citta. We drove up into it's narrow streets and found our hotel quite easily thanks to the signs that lead the way. Palazzo Bocci is a beautiful hotel where we were presented with another lovely suite with two rooms and a view of the Umbrian valley. We checked in and received our parking pass for the parcheggio (parking lot) behind the church. I was greeted there by two Umbrian cats napping in the early evening sun. The buildings of Spello are built with a pink-tinted stone, which in the light of the evening casts a pinkish-golden tone over the entire city. Assisi has the same appearance and this aesthetic is one of my favorite things about Umbria.









Related links:
> Spello
> Hotel Palazzo Bocci
> Ristorante Il Molino