After lunch, Katie, Maggie, and I went off on our own. Our goal was to reach St. Patrick's Well. We would get there, but first we needed to look at some awesome vistas and stuff. Remember, Orvieto is a walled city on top of a hill. It is bound to have some beautiful views - belevederi, if you will.
When first we reached the wall, we were greeted with the above view: a house clinging to the edge of the hill. I think it's cool that that green spot is their back yard. It make my back yard look like a pile of puke - and I have an awesome back yard!
Not only does their yard rock, but they have cute widdle puppies.
Another puppy.
The above image is part of the fortifications comprising Orvieto's public park. This would be a fun place to play capture the flag (or Quake 4 in real life). Not all of the paths connect. There are little nooks and crannies that lead to different battlements, overlooking others. To boot, there are stunning views all around.
Katie and Maggie on another battlement.
Another view.
Remember: I am in Italy. This graffiti is in English. My guess is that the target audience is the English speaking crowd. My other guess is that the artists has limited English ability. Result: I get a giggle.
Another stunning view.
This view includes the top of the aforementioned St. Patrick's Well (center-left). St. Patrick's Well, aka il Pozzo san Patrizio, is actually a giant cistern, created to allow Orvieto to withstand a siege. The "Well" is a marvel of engineering. First, it's 175 feet deep - that's, like, 17 storeys - dug out of solid rock... in the middle age. THAT is a feat. On top of that, it was designed with a double helix ramp down to the bottom, allowing constant traffic of empty and full buckets. Observe...
Looking down.
Looking across.
Looking up.
Ruins of an Etruscan temple.
I love how the succulents just survive outside in Italy.
One of the local crafts in Orvieto is woodcarving. There are many cute examples of the craft throughout the town. Here is one featuring a cute widdle kittie.
Again, what's with the creepy Santas? This Santa looks like he has been lynched! He is SUPPOSED to look like he is climbing in an upper storey window. That's pretty creepy, too. To me, there's something about commanding a flying sleigh pulled by flying reindeer, that gives Santa license to enter our houses without out knowledge. This Italian burglar Santa is just creepy. I'm glad that he was hanged.
Picturesque street.
I like this photo. What doesn't come across is the fact that the door (and the corresponding knocker) is very small. (I suppose the PC way to refer to a small knocker is to say that it is petite. I like knockers of all sizes and shapes.) Nonetheless, I think this is a very cute photo of Katie. Don't you agree?
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