Cortona Adventure by Accident - 7.2.2010

Sunday morning after a glorious mass in the Duomo a small group of us had decided we would try to meet up with some of the students from the other Italian studies program at a Carnevale festival in Foiano de Chiana. We hopped on a train to Cortona where we hoped to catch a bus to the festival. We enjoyed the rush of just jumping in head first ready to find out what was in store for us. We soon found out that buses don’t run on holidays. Stuck in Cortona… or we could spend a fortune for a taxi. Not fretting about the obstacle the four of us decided to take it as a sign and just explore Cortona for the day. We hiked about 6km up the mountainous hill from the station before we actually reached the city. The walk was long, dangerous and absolutely breathtaking. The feeling of achievement over whelmed us when we reached the top. As a reward we got to see the town come alive as the evening came. Couples, families and friends were strolling down the streets chatting and window shopping while the teenagers in groups joked around similar to Orvieto. There was a feeling of comfort and security. We stumbled into a church on the edge of town that appeared from the exterior to be falling apart almost disintegrating before our eyes. We enter as the sun is setting and it’s light flows in through circular windows to illuminate the angels hanging above the alter and crucifix. Needing to replenish our strength from the energy burning hike up we found a little restaurant and bar for dinner. To our surprise they lead us down some stairs into an old wine cellar to our table. Stone floor, walls, and ceiling lit well with a mixture of accent lighting to emphasize the rough texture. Soft music and flickering candles set up a nice relaxing mood as we ordered. Delicious enough that we missed the last bus down the hill to the train station. It was well worth it especially when our luck continued and a taxi already headed down to the station came across our path. We made it on the last train and the last funiculare back to Orvieto with enjoyable conversation getting to know each other better; unique and memorable day.