Running Diaries: Perugia to Assisi

Let me just start off by saying did you notice the blogies new makeover?? I think she's looking pretty good.

SO. This morning I dragged myself out of bed, put 20 euro in the pocket of my running shorts and me and two of my friends ran from Perugia to Assisi. 14 miles and a little over two hours later we finally arrived in Assisi with sweaty hair and legs that felt like jello. It was honestly one of the most beautiful runs I've ever been on. We ran on both trails and roads, through sunflower fields and over bridges. We got to see what a legit Italian suburb looks like and small towns that tourism hasn't touched yet.

What it looked like as we were approaching Assisi

Half way through the run I had a moment of anxiety over the fact that we had no map, no phone, and 20 euro each. But it's kind of freeing just walking out the door with nothing but a little bit of money and a destination in mind. We followed road signs and asked directions only once (in italian!!) And we made it there! After glugging back a liter of water we walked (uphill. classic) to find a restaurant and ended up on a tree covered patio of this cute little place where the waiter gave us a pasta sampler for our meal since I couldn't decide what I wanted (oops).Then we walked to the top of the mountain because the view is amazing and we took the train home.

While we were walking back down the mountain the the train station we passed this old woman hiking up. She was probably 80 years old and was just cruising along with a big smile on her face.  I have thought on more than one occasion that people in Italy age more gracefully than those in the States. But after seeing this lady I don't think that's really the case. They are just happier. Old people in Italy are happy. In the US getting old is something that we fear and try to avoid at all costs. Here, they take it in stride, they radiate a sense of love for the life they lived. I don't know if it's because Italy is a more family orientated country and because of that elders and the head of the family are more respected? Maybe old people in Italy aren't viewed as useless like they can be in the States? I don't know. But they make me less afraid of getting old.

Anyways, now I am laying in my bed, listening to Tom Petty, waiting for Grey's to load on my computer. Can't wait to watch it. Actually too excited. BUT something I am more excited about is the place we are going for dinner tonight. According to my food teacher they have the best eggplant parm he's ever had. Ever. And I love eggplant parm. 

ciao ciao for now.