My trip started at Perugia which, as you will see on the map above, is pretty much in the middle of the country. That was the homebase where I and about 40 other people from all over the U.S. spent each week trying to learn how to communicate in the Italian language and discover the delights of the Italian culture.

Perguia is a city of two parts separated by a multi-level escalator. The upper part, located on the top of a steep hill (as many of the Italian towns and cities are) is a preserved medival city full of narrow streets, several piazzas (plazas) and many sites of old world treasures. If you are interested in European history, please visit Perugia . Pictures are included. The lower city is more modern with large grocery and department stores and it is where most of the younger people go for fun. When I was there, in the month of July, it was the time of the annual Umbrian Jazz Festival so there was actually a lot of night life and of course a lot more people than usual. However, the general night time activities for all inhabitants of Perugia, anytime, consistsof walks up to the main piazzas and stops for gelatos (Italian ice cream -- the BEST in the world!) or expresso, enjoying the lovely night air and lots of people watching.

Each weekend we would take road trips to other parts of the country soaking up the culture and stuffing ourselves with some of the best pasta I have ever eaten in my life -- and I have eaten way more than my share since I grew up in an Italian family!

Follow here for the next leg of the trip! Siena or back to my Homepage .