Perugia, Italy

I was fortunate to visit Perugia, because I won Lavazza’s The Italian Experience contest. The prize was three days in Perugia, a stay at Sangallo Palace Hotel, and lots of Umbria Jazz Fest tickets. I flew there on Alitalia, and arrived in Rome at eight in the morning then took three trains to Perugia. The hotel is a palace and the jazz fest tickets came via DHL that evening. I felt so pampered and delighted! I really needed sleep, so I slept four hours then was starving. In my room’s mini-fridge, there was Medici fountain water! I ate some risotto then headed to the first jazz show, then could not sleep all night! The next day, I missed the free breakfast and did not wake up until ten thirty (jet-lagged) but needed the sleep. I took a bath then had some strong espresso and a mixed fruit brioche. I started walking up the hill to the center which is a magical, medieval city! It felt so good to be there and breathe new life! The air is pure and one can see the views of the countryside, the roofs, the medieval streets and arches! I was so happy my molecules actually made it there! I then bought the Perugia Card and visited some museums and churches where I saw extraordinary works of art, history, and smelled the frankincense of the crystalline churches. Later, I went to a Jazz show and met a very nice Italian man who was exactly what I hoped for… to meet a true Perugian who was a little older than me, and sophisticated. 

 The show I went to (where we met) was inside this cool theater and I had box seats like an opera house. He sat next to me and we talked for an hour (yes, with my Italian language skills), then I asked him where is the true food of Perugia. He walked me around the city and showed me where he was born, as well as the Etruscan history that precedes the Romans.  He offered to pick me up either in his car or motorcycle and take me around the countryside where he has a home, and to the chocolate factory. He was smart and tall and okay looking with a glow, but I need to be more specific when I ask the universe to send me someone with a motorcycle… they have to be hot too!!!! I liked walking around by myself more and talking to various people. After I bid him adieu, I went back to my hotel room and ate my food like a pig without worrying about my manners!

The next days in Perugia, I took full use of the Perugia Card and visited the Archaeological museum, the Merchant museum, the churches, the Estruscan well, and met another cutie who was the manager of an Irish bar. As soon as I walked in, he complimented me on my “capello bianco” (white hat), which I just bought so the sun does not cook my face “bene cotto” (well done). There, I ate lasagna with truffle sauce. Yummm. With him, black hair & blue eyes from Sicily, I felt comfortable. I also perused an outside flea-market where they sold hand-made goods such as natural soaps and oils. I bought myself a lavender soap, and a sandalwood for mia mama. I also got a great deal on truffle sauce and bought chocolate pasta! Below is a short video re-cap of Perugia, dedicated to thanking Lavazza for this truly magical, extraordinary experience. Enjoy!