Gubbio: The Medieval Town

 

Buon giorno,

It's been a long day, and I'm hungry and tired, but I did enjoy my trip to Gubbio. First I had to find the bus station which is a fair step away from here, and the route I chose was not the best. For one thing it involved an endless flight of stairs down. And then google maps directed me to turn left when I should have turned right.

I knew I was way out of my way when I ended up near the minimetro stop. I asked some folks for directions, and fortunately they spoke a little English. I cannot say enough about the kindness of the people of Perugia. They seem genuinely happy to help! An older woman knew just where I needed to go. I arrived and bought my tickets and asked where to get the bus. I couldn't find the quay, so I went back and asked. The lady acted like I was an idiot because--you know what?--I was an idiot. The quay was right there behind me.

The bus soon came and we were off. One thing I learned today. While Tuscany is beautiful, Umbria is Even More Beautiful. The hills are heavily wooded with a variety of trees in their various hues of green only interrupted by vineyards and olive groves.

It's rather a long ride to Gubbio, but we arrived and I made my way to the historic center. It's a beautifully preserved Medieval town, but first my most pressing need was a toilet. I found one, and it was free, but the problem with free toilets in Italy is that they are ill maintained. There was no toilet paper. Never expect any. This is why I ALWAYS carry one of those little packs of tissue with me.

I had a lovely time just wandering around. I took an elevator up near the top of the town and walked down. It's very touristy, but not tacky and not at all crowded.

I made my way back to the bus stop, and took a photo of the unimpressive Roman Theatre on the way.

It turned out we were waiting at that wrong place, and fortunately a local corrected us. The bus shows up when it shows up, so I had to wait quite a long time, and the bus took a different route home--a a very scenic way up and down and around those Umbrian Hills. Just gorgeous.

Once in town the traffic was clogged, but we finally pulled into the station,  and I found an easier, more direct way home. Now I need to cook some linguine. I've already had my herby amaro and some almonds. My pasta will be dressed with some cacio e pepe sauce got from the store. It will be yummy!

Ciao for now