Travel Update 2b

8Hi there
Now in a wet and cold Venice on the night before we head off on our cruise. The first time on the trip that we've had to dig out our merino jerseys!  Not all bad, as we're sitting in our hotel room drinking a nice Montefalco Sagrantino sweet wine waiting for rain to ease.  Finishing off our cheese and olives from Florence. Will venture again once rain clears.
Last time I wrote we were picking up the car from Rome. As Rick mentioned, it wasn't the fastest - an unlikely candidate to appear on Top Gear!
Headed to Umbria and GPS eventually got us to Foligno (some human error involved).  Driving through the old town wasn't exactly enjoyable and became a daily task/joke of avoiding the pleasure!   
Foligno was a much bigger town than we had expected. Absolutely gorgeous hotel set in a recently renovated Renaissance building. I'm picking it'll be our most spacious room and the best on this trip.
Spent the morning wondering around the town. Visited the Palazzo Trinci - a peculiar shaped Gothic building owned by the Trinci family. A fantastic selection of frescoes full of vibrate colours and design. I even bought the book to learn more.
We took a drive to Assisi and visited St Francesco church to view its Giotto frescoes. Starting to get strained necks looking up admiring them all.
Saw a crossbow tournament where they had to be carried over the men's shoulders as they were really solid.
Back to Foligno and enjoyed a buffet antipasto meal. We were tryng to work out why people were wearing square scarfs folded around their middles or necks.  Walking back to the car were caught up with people waiting along each side of the main street for what turned out to be a major parade. Representing each region in their medieval dress including squire's on horse back. Must have been at least 1000 people in the procession.
Called into Cortona a town along the way to San Gimignano. Really cool place and yes sold leather hand bags.
San G was amazing and can see why people rave about it. Caught the bus to Siena for the day.
Good trip to Florence and dropped off car.
Turning into a novel so will stop.
Deb