A few of us decided to take a day trip and head up a little north to Assisi. We got up bright and early this morning and headed out to catch the 40 bus to take us to Termini, the train station in Rome. We got to the train station, and got our tickets for the 7:45 am train to Assisi however, we did not realize that it was 7:37 am when we bought our tickets. So the 5 of us frantically searched for the screens to lead us to the correct track. Of course, our train was leaving from track 2 east and we were at 30 west. Why not run with our backpacks through the train station... Just as we got up to the correct platform, we watched the back of the green train slowly pull away. We all had a rush of sadness run through us as we watched our day trip slowly move further and further away from us.
My Gram always says, "it's called makin' memories" when something goes wrong. So as we silently walked back down the mile long platform, we had a decision to make; what do we do now? The next train wasn't leaving until 12:30. So we asked the very kind lady at the information desk if she had any suggestions on cities to visit that we could use our ticket for. Her recommendation was Orvieto. The five of us looked at each other a little puzzled but we all had the same feeling, why not go to Orvieto? None of us had ever even heard of it. So we exchanged our tickets, and caught the 8:43 am train to Orvieto.
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason because I would have to say that this was one of the best days I have had so far since I've been in Italy. If we hadn't missed our train, who knows if we would have ever gone to this town. Orvieto is a hilltop town about an hour and a half north of Rome. We stepped of the train and luckily, there were students and their professor from a school out in California and he had been to Orvieto before so he showed us the direction to head to in order to get up the mountain. You have to take what is called a fumiculare (a tram that takes you up the side of the mountain). Once we got into the small town of Orvieto, the views were breath-taking. You looked out on the snow-covered mountains and vast green pastures below. It didn't even feel like real life. It was like nothing I have ever seen before. After we picked up our jaws from the ground, we headed into the town to explore. They are know for the variety of Gothic/Medieval churches, hand made pottery, and white wines. I think we were able to make it from one side of the town to the other in about 20 minutes. That gives you an idea of the size. 
Now it is back to class tomorrow, project one jury on wednesday, and our trip to Northern Italy on Friday!
Nelle mani di Dio
Love that you took the time to chronicle your adventure and were able to make something of the day. Look forward to hearing about your next spelunking activities.
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