On Saturday, the 5th of January, we drove by bus into Northern Italy, specifically the region of 'Friuli'
We had been invited by the Cultural Society of "Dante Alighieri" of which Christin has been a member for many years.
The weather was absolutely beautiful. Blue sky and sunshine framed the surrounding snow covered mountains.
At about 9.30 AM we arrived at our first stop: San Daniele, where we visited a most beautifully restored library, the 'Biblioteca Guarneriana'.
In this, the oldest 'Biblioteca' of Friuli, we were shown original, hand written works from the 15th and 16th Century. No wonder, that the chief librarian touched those treasures only with white gloved hands.
Our next stop was the famous "Villa Manin" in Passariano. A most marvvellous exhibition of paintings by the Italian painter Giambattista Tiepolo.... Inside the Villa Manin: No Fotos...No Fotos...
The following day, Sunday, brought us, via Udine, to Civitale. In the Cathedral of Civitale we witnessed the 'Messa dello Spadone', the Mass of the Sword.....
A most colourful, nay, 'pompous' celebration of a Catholic Mass, in which a Broadsword is prominently featured, I understand that the powerful Patriarchs of the region wanted to indicate their influence not only in religious, but also in secular issues.
A great time was truly had by all....
even by 'Bertstravels', who actually hates bus trips.
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