Great day in Orvieto

Today was another great day. We went to Orvieto via train. It was a nice ride up and took about an hour. Once we got off the train we had to take a funicular (tram) to the top and then a mini-shuttle bus to the Duomo. What a quaint, quite, charming small city. This is how I think of Italy. Little shops, tiny streets, beautiful buildings, lots of spots to sit and take in the beautiful view while sipping wine/beer. And the Duomo (church)...oh my goodness, so grand, so beautiful, truly breathtaking. We met some friends from Pullman outside the Duomo at 3 pm. (Craig and Kay Morris and their daughters Elizabeth and Anna - they are vacationing in Europe for a month). Sarah is best friends with Elizabeth so it was quite fun for all of us. Kay and I went inside the Duomo, saw some beautiful fresco's by Signorelli. It was interesting to note that Michaelangelo admired the athletic build of males in the fresco's and he did some sketching and used the similar style in Signorelli's fresco's at the Sistene chapel. It was just a wonderful relaxing day. Jake got some wonderful new leather shoes (young man Italian style...very chic) and a new leather wallet. Mike purchased a leather messenger bag. They purchased the wallet and the messenger bag at a small leather shop and met the 'maker' of the leather goods and saw him in action. How exciting to purchase such a neat item of excellent quality and meet the maker. I purchased several wonderful pieces of ceramics that the town is known for. They have been shipped back home so I don't have to worry about lugging them through the airport. (Several are gifts so I won't divulge the details). Sarah purchased a beautiful scarf and some clothes, Kristin purchased a very attractive dress and a handmade silk purse. Before heading back to Rome we walked around the perimeter of Orvieto and talk about stunning views....the city is built high on a hill with castle type walls to keep out intruders, you can see for miles and miles. It was hot again, but such a wonderful day we couldn't complain. Once we got back to Rome we went to dinner around the corner from our apartment. Had good seafood, proseco, yummy chocolate dessert...now we are ready to hit the sack. It's been a long day and we are heading to the cruise ship at 10:30 am tomorrow.
Ciao!