Spello and Cappuccino

Tuesday 30^th August.

SPELLO

Spent afternoon in Spello.  A really beautiful town – just made for artists!  Every corner  reveals another possible canvas.  A definite place to consider when I start my ‘Painting Holidays’!

As usual on top of a hill.  In fact it is situated on the slopes of Monte Subasio.  It was the ancient Hispellum of the Romans and a town which grew to be tremendously important.   As usual a great climb up into town.  There is parking at the top but  would you really want to execute the uphill climb at the end of your visit?  In 30C?  After a glass of vino?  With sore feet?  No, I thought not!

One of many beautiful little streets

There is a fort and a couple of pretty churches.  Its interesting to see that there is a Via Cappuccini, a Cappuccini church and a Piazza Cappuccini. 

Cappuccini gate

There also used to be a Cappuccini monastery set near to the Cappuccini gate.   Why interesting?  Well, the drink cappuccino gets its name from the colour of the habits worn by the Cappuccini monks. So, there you are!  

Bar Bondi garden terrace

Found beautiful bar for a gelato.  Not a great choice of ice-cream for Italy but excellent quality and friendly service.  2 euro for a small coppa or cone.  The best thing about this bar is the beautiful garden at the rear where one can sit and relax overlooking an amazing view.   Drinks and food are a bit more pricey compared with the smaller bars so  stick to the ice-creams! 

Bar Bondi

Every where very quiet but met this awful American who was carrying a huge antique mirror on his back and he was like, ‘Oh, I must stop shopping – I have two extra suitcases full already!  On my last trip to Italy  I came with five cases and took back eight!  Oh, the company are missing me !  They have given me a brand new lap-top to keep in touch!’  Oh, I travel business class so it doesn’t matter how much extra I take’!  Oh, my girlfriend will kill me!   Hope she does!  YUK!  We didn’t invite him to have ice-cream with us!

Yet another lovely house!

In the evening we had a lovely meal with friends in family run restaurant in Valiano.  I had – wait for it – TRIPE!  It was delicious – stewed with onions and tomatoes.  Very different from the Lancashire tripe and onions!  Mind you I always preferred the boiled cold tripe with lots of salt and pepper and vinegar!