After three house-bound days with the flu and tethered to my bathroom, the sun came out and so did I. Clean hair and lipstick do a girl wonders.
We headed to Tuscher for lunch. While the others had delicious gnocchi with red cabbage,
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I was happy with plain eggs and toast. It was so good to be eating again.
After lunch, we took a drive to Passignano sul Trasimeno in Umbria, one of about eight towns that surround the lake, and about 13 miles from Cortona.
We avoid highways whenever possible and are always rewarded with incredible scenery. At this time of year, wild poppies, or papaveri, are abundant .
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Being a lake town, there are many restaurants, cafes, and shops
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and today also a market.
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The lake has three main islands, Polvese, Maggiore, and Minore, and Passignano is one of the towns with ferry service.
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The second largest island, Maggiore, is the only inhabited one. A small fishing village, which reached its height in the 14th century, today has only around thirty residents. Most of the buildings, including the ruins of a Franciscan monastery, date from the 14th century. It is on this island where St. Francis is said to have spent time. We didn’t visit the islands today, but there is a beautiful statue of St. Francis along the lakefront.
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While Passignano has a hilly historic center, we opted for the flat walk along the lake today, and it was perfect.
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And then we bumped into this cute couple…oh wait, we came with them.
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After two relaxing hours, we started for home, but stopped for a glimpse of Castiglione del Lago, the only peninsula town along the lake.
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As we neared Cortona, we were once again rewarded with nature at its best as the sun set over the Tuscan olive groves.
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A perfectly lovely day. Just what the patient needed!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Wow! Stunning pictures Judy. Sorry you were sick. Larry and I were down for a week with a virus. I can relate. Glad you are on the mend.
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Thanks, Sandy. And sorry to hear about you both. Awful stuff, but all good now!
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So nice to see this beautiful area again! How long are you over for? Keep well, Un beso, Hilary
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Thanks, Hillary, not much longer. Any plans for you to return?
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Glad you got to participate on the excursion even if you didn’t get to eat the very interesting looking gnocchi.
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Agreed, and now I have the gnocchi to look forward to!
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Glad you are feeling better. Gorgeous photos as usual, Judy. Was that a passenger ferry or a car ferry?
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Thanks Jean. It’s a passenger ferry. The islands are small and walkable. You can also catch the ferry from Castiglione del Lago, which is even closer to Cortona.
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Glad you are feeling better…nothing worse than being sick while traveling.
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Thanks, you are so right. Funny how all you can think of is being in your own bed, although fortunately, mine here is new and very comfortable.
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What a glorious day at Lago Trasimeno. I spent a day on the island where St Francis spent 40 days – his Lenten fast. So glad you experienced another place that is part of our Franciscan story. Thanks for all the photos and explanations of where and who and… Much appreciated. Mille Grazie!
P. Carlo Faso OFM in Countryside IL
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Grazie, Carlo! Speriamo di vederti presto e mangiare un po ‘di pane con del buon vino rosso!
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Love the photo of you and Len! And such a great post as always- happy you’re better! Love and miss you❤️😌
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Thanks and miss all of you too! A presto e un abbraccio grande!
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Thanks so much. Love and miss you all too!
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Che specttacolo!!! I’m so sorry to hear you were so sick, but this day seems well worth the wait! Gracie mille for the wonderful recap!
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Thanks, Loren. It was such a nice day! xox
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The trip was enjoyable all the way from Colville
As usual the photographs were excellent
I think my favorite was the one of you and Len
Leonard appears to have rediscovered his youth and never looked better
Your recovery appeared complete and reinforces the adage from F. Nietzsche “What does not kill me makes me stronger”
It works for you!
Thank you for the diversion.
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So glad you enjoyed the trip. Len will be happy to hear your comments, especially pertaining to him! As for Nietzsche, I’m glad I made it to the bright side.
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Not sure if my post made it- great photo of you and Len!!! Happy you’re better co
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Yes it did and I replied, but I think I didn’t hit post. So, thanks x2. Can’t wait to all you! xoxo
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Beautiful scenery and beautiful food! You must be in Italy!
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Certo!
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It looks like you and Len are doing your usual thing, enjoying life to the fullest and being gracious enough to share it with everyone! Great job on the blog and the lovely photos!!
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Thanks, Yvonne, I missed this one before. Always a pleasure to share, as you know well!
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