Although we made it to Orlando, Florida, I wanted to add a little more about one of our favorite places, Oriveto. We spent a day hiking through and around the outside of the town. Here is the view from our room at the Magnolia B&B, sunny, bright and hot.
The Via Duomo (the alley that our B&B was on) is lined with artisan shops. Ceramics is one of the specialties here. Our hike began with a quick(?) look at one of Kini's favorite shops.
We met the artists, husband and wife. Interesting designs and colors.
Another example of the work from another artist. I enjoyed seeing the variety of work.
After hiking down the Via Duomo to the piazzo we went for a visit into the Duomo.
For such a small hill top town, I did not expect such a magnificent church. History tells the story about how the Pope would sometimes flee Rome and hideout in this walled city. No doubt that contributed to the making of this church.
Turns out that the paintings in this church inspired Michelangelo for his work in the Sistine Chapel. Here is the resurrection mural.
Christian culture is over powering in Italy (as well as other countries). Seeing the suffering of Mary as she held the body of Jesus; Kini cried. We had many talks about the stories depicted. At times it felt like we were on pilgrimage.
Switching gears, we began to explore the network of Via's. The day was hot and we needed to fill our water bottle. Drinking fountains were fountains.
Be sure to note that this is the water bottle that Jake gave Kini. I like the way that the light reflects from the fountain in this photo.
Another pottery studio! We met Anna the potter. Kini was telling Anna that she also was potter.
Anna's studio.
Leaving Anna's we worked our way to the trail around the city wall. We came across a clay tennis court. I never played on clay; it looks like you would get covered by dust.
Wending the labyrinth of via's and allies, we finally found the wall hike. The hike follows the base of the cliffs around the city. Great views!
The road up to the town.
The trail was supposed to be only 3 kilometers, but in the heat...we didn't get back until the evening. A beautiful moonrise.