If I were to say that the Hill towns trip was the most challenging trip for me at the time, I would have to also say it had the best, most breathtaking unexpected sites to see. This one was my favorite of all, somehow the time we arrived, the weather, the location and the ruin all made the experience of this rather isolated site quite uplifting. Unlike a lot of the churches and museums we had visited, this was the the carcass of a beautiful building, completely open and un-policed. We could walk through it, around and comfortably study the architecture without feeling like if you leaned too close to the wall or touched it even..you'd be immediately tossed out. 
It was early morning when we arrived, I didn't know what expect and I was in charge of the 24 or so students along with a bus driver who spoke no English ( I spoke no Italian) . Looking back on it now, I was way too young to handle the pressure but I'd never trade the experience. We got off the bus, groggy and a bit chilly, the sun was coming up over the valley and we wondered over, there really was no agenda here but to wonder around and sketch. It was a bit of a relief from the tension that had been going on amongst the group. I took advantage of it..I may have even smiled..
This place was breathtaking, it was completely serene, quiet, and inspiring. If I had my way, I'd have had my wedding here. It seems like such a perfect location to unite and begin a new journey.
