City of San Marino, San Marino, Thursday, September 13, 2012

Rain Dancer

We woke up to total fog and rain. Now we are really glad we did the castles and towers yesterday. We eat a late for us, breakfast at around 0845. It is nice, a little light on variety from what we have been used to, but what is there is good. There is a pastry cake that is filled with chocolate that is very good.
We go back to the room and just relax as it is raining pretty good. There is no sign that it will clear up and we decide to walk around a bit, see a church or two, and check things out.
Rain pants are a must as the wind is blowing the mist like rain around. We have a game plan and head on out. Our street is fairly sheltered and not too bad but the main drags are more exposed to the elements. Our gear keeps us dry as we walk to the Basilica del Santo.

St. Marino and St. Anthony

It is medium sized with 6 side chapels and plain compared to what we have seen. The alter contains an urn with St. Marino’s bones which were discovered in 1586. His skull is in a silver casket behind a marble monument on the right side of the alter. St. Marino built a refuge and chapel, and formed his own community here in 301 to avoid religious persecution from the Emporer Diocletian.
We are walking towards another church when we pass the state museum which says free entry. How can you avoid free refuge from the rain? It is a nice museum with English descriptions. It has archeological as well as historical displays of items dating as far back as 900 B.C. There is also a nice art gallery and the museum was a pleasant unexpected stop.
The church of Capuccini is closed but I did get to sing and dance in the rain in an empty piazza in San Marino.

Gotta Have Our Pizza

We walk some more around town, stop by to say hi to Mike at the liquor store, who gives us a shot of Amoretto, and then stop by a small restaurant for a pizza lunch. One Margherita Pizza, no tequila, and one artichoke pizza. It is really good. Than back to the room to relax the rest of the day and enjoy the bottle of red we bought yesterday. We are in the land of Amore or at least surrounded by it.
Dinner tonight is again at the Cantina Di Bacco and the owner, Luigi, smiles when he sees we have returned.

Ricotta and Pear Dessert

Both nights, we have only seen locals in here, and the restaurant itself is kind of romantic. It is in an old building with rock walls chiseled out of the mountain and stone arches. Dinner is amazing once again and we head back to our room feeling very relaxed.
CNC
“Il Dolce Far Niente” – Charlie. Translation – The sweetness of doing nothing!

Expenses
0E- singing in the rain
10.80E- Pizza Lunch
42E- Dinner and bottle of wine
71E-Hotel Rosa

Miles Walked- 2 Miles