Perugia: a city older Christ

Perugia is an ancient city, with walls dating back to around 200 BC. It is nestled in the mountains of central Italy and is accessible by a highly contested (by the locals)   "mini metro" which climbs the mountain like a hybrid subway car/ski lift, and is operated on a track without a driver. The cars fit about 20 people at a time and make stops to other levels on the ride up to the Historic City Center. The mini metros were actually quite smart looking in contrast to the backdrop of the ancient city. The cars were sleek metal with a clean and shiny cherry red interiors and felt a bit like kiddie roller coaster. 

We had the pleasure to witness a lovely secular wedding taking place at the  Palazzo dei Priori, the Town Hall

Local artisan

The restaurant view

Professor Del Duca- it was his 85th Birthday

The view from the City Center

 

  

Mini Metro

The old versus new sensibility of Perugia was further illustrated by a "live art" show taking place at the entrance of the city walls where the "mini metro" deposits passengers. The locals exuded a very unique style and vibe contrary to the feeling in Florence. 

Turntables were pumping out  trip-hop(ish) reggae as artists set up both individually and collaboratively to display their artwork and create spaces to do their form of artistry live, like painting, graffiti, and drawing. But not like cheesy caricatures or tourist type souvenirs ... these were original art pieces being created by the artists at that moment. I'm assuming they were hoping to sell pieces, however, because it did not appear to be like a busker-type venture with a hat to collect donations. There was also a Vans Shoe display, which I wasn't sure the purpose for, but nevertheless, it was totally my scene and I love love loved it!

 

 

I am finally realizing why such huge art movements and developments came from Italy. My right brain is truly stimulated, a refreshing gear switch from the seriousness of my legal studies. My feelings for Italy were aggressively developing after just 1 week here, but I think on Saturday, I fell in love.... the food, the sunsets, the tall and skinny boys with curly dark hair, just the right amount of scruff Italian people, the language, I cannot absorb enough! And the beautiful language is like a musical piece, I am mesmerized by the ups and downs, the annunciation, the inflections and the very dramatic expressions of emotion that are conveyed when they speak.