ASSISI

Had lunch in this restaurant where the servers were dressed in costume and we the menu had food from that time. They even traded our money for mead evil coins to pay for our meal.

Just about the whole town participates in the shows.

With the Millets.

St. Frances is buried under this alter.

Statue of St. Frances coming back from war.

Saint Fransis of Assisi real name is Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, but he was nicknamed Francesco by his father.  He became an friar and preacher and founded the men's Order of Friars Minor, 

His father was a prosperous silk merchant. Wile going off to war in 1204, Francis had a vision that direct him back to Assisi whee he lost his taste for his worldly life. On a pilgrimage to Rome, he joined the poor in begging at St. Peter's Basilica and that experience moved him to live in poverty. He died in 1226.

He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Gregory 1X. He is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. 

Had a great overnight stay in Assisi with the Millets, Stevens and Shinneys. We were there for the Calendimaggio Festival.

JEWELRY

Bocca della Verita

I found this booth at the market by Conca d'Oro station that sells Murano glass jewelry. I've gone quite a few times and have taken many people to them. He gives me discounts now. This is one of the pieces I've recently purchased.  I'm taking some back home as presents. It's hard not to keep it all.

ELDER BEDNAR CONFERENCE

Elder Bednar

Anziani Bethkie and Line

Anziano Hatch

Sorelle Hansen and Di Franchi

April 28 Elder Bednar came to visit the mission. A lot of work went into organizing getting 197 missionaries there. I worked a lot of hours with the assistants and Elder Millet. It rained really hard the day most of the missionaries came in. Elder Bethkie and Line walked back and forth in the rain getting missionaries from the office to the hotel where they were staying.
Elder Bednar gave fantastic advice and counsel to the missionaries.

Elder Bednar instructs

Getting comfortable and asks all the Elders to get comfortable too.

It was still raining while during the morning conference. However, during our lunch break we had a window of sun and were able to eat outside, because there was no where to eat in the hotel the conference was held. It was good to see missionaries who are no longer serving in Rome, like my good friend Anziano Hatch.

All 197 Italy Rome missionaries under one roof!

MONTALTO DI CASTRO

On April 25

 The Stevens and I went to this outdoor market along the beach about about an hour from Rome. There was a horse show that was fun to watch. We mostly went to support Francesca, a member in the ward who had a booth. It was a beautiful, hot Saturday and I was glad I went.

OPERA

Went to see Aida with the Stevens. I enjoyed it, but I think that is enough opera for me for a while. It's really hard for me to understand what they are saying. They put the words up, but then I'm concentrating on that and not the people. Beautiful opera theater.  

Anziano Romano being silly and stealing my camera to leave me this selfie of himself. 

CASTELLO DI SANTA SEVERA

On April 19 I went with the Shinneys to Castello di Santa Severa. This medieval castle on the beach. It was a beautiful warm day. There were some surfers in the water with wet suites and people lying on the beach tanning. I bought this pretty hand made necklace that looks like its been crocheted. I'm loving the warmer weather. Though I can't complain., winter has been mild and no snow!!

GELATO TIME AGAIN IN APRIL

The gelato place by the mission home is open again starting April

My running partner and neighbour, Sorella Di Franchi was transferred to Catania. Sorella Di Franchi is from France and so she made eclairs for the the office before she left.  Yum!

Departing missionaries always get gelato for dessert.