Unpacking Italy & Sicily - Part Ten

Where Pilgrims Pray and Tourists Whisper

Buongiorno,

On Day 10 of our tour, we traveled to the mystical medieval hilltop town of Assisi, best known as the birthplace of St. Francis. We visited the Basilica of St. Francis, one of Italy’s most important sites of Christian pilgrimage. Considered one of the holiest places in the Catholic Church, the basilica is where St. Francis is buried—and it’s also believed that Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the first Pope, may be buried there as well.

While I was intrigued by the story of St. Francis and the basilica’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, what stood out most to me was the respect—and the rules. Our local specialist had to follow strict guidelines while guiding us through, and staff were stationed throughout the space to gently remind visitors that photography was not allowed. As you’ll see, we did manage to sneak a few forbidden highlights. Meanwhile, pilgrims sat quietly in the pews, praying, as a calm but persistent voice came over the intercom about every ten minutes or so, or when needed, to remind everyone to be quiet by saying: “Shhhhhh.”

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Once outside, we had the chance to stroll through the streets, capture a few memories, browse the shops, and indulge in one of my favorite pastimes—people-watching.

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Are you a shopper, a sightseer, or a people-watcher?

Are you more of a shopper, a sightseer, or a people-watcher when you travel?

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Hope you'll join us at The Kitchen Table on Friday, June 27th. This month at the Kitchen Table, we gather with suitcases full of stories, hearts cracked open by beauty, and maybe even a little sand still in our shoes.

Inspired by the theme “The Art of Returning,” we’ll explore what it means to come home—not just physically, but emotionally and soulfully—after stepping away from our everyday lives. Whether you’ve recently travelled far or simply taken a pause from routine, time away has a way of shifting something inside us. We’ll reflect on how holidays—of any kind—leave us changed, awakened, softened, and somehow a little more ourselves again.

As always, we’ll share gentle conversation, meaningful reflection, and a creative project to anchor our experience.

This month’s creative invitation:

You’ll be guided in creating a simple handmade card inspired by a travel memory—real or imagined. Your card will serve as a soulful keepsake of a time you felt truly alive and present.

Bring your tea, your stories, and watch for a list of supplies you'll require for the creative project. Let’s gather and gently honor the magic of stepping away—and the beauty of what we find when we return.

Hope you can join us!

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Arrivederci!