One of my favorite things to do when traveling is mingle with the locals, ask questions about the town or city I’m visiting, inquire about interesting buildings, history, and anything unusual or out of the ordinary locals would like to share with me. Once in a while I strike gold when I hear about legends and mysteries passed down from generation to generation, often lost on today’s youth. I feel very blessed to be privy to such gems that normally are not found in travel guide books or Wikipedia.

In this episode, I was told by someone I briefly met about an interesting legend of religious nature that allegedly took place over a millennia ago right where the convent I unknowingly booked to stay at in Assisi now stands. I’m thrilled to share this captivating legend with you in the show, but I also discovered some fascinating clues inside a 13th century fresco on the façade of the convent that were not only related to the aforementioned legend, but rich in religious and non-religious symbols that when researched, revealed surprising information.

Later in the show, I talk about why I like to stay at convents instead of hotels when I’m traveling, and what it’s like hanging out with the nuns and monks in Italy.

Staying at convents should not be thought of as a place only for pilgrims and the religious minded. While some only serve those on a religious retreat and pilgrimage, many convents also serve to accommodate travelers, tourists and visitors alike. I find staying at convents no only extremely economical, but safe, comforting, and spiritually uplifting no matter what my religious or non-religions background I may have. In many cases that I’ve encountered, hospitality is the only income many of these religious houses receive. Be sure to first check with convents regarding potential curfews or other requirements and restrictions, as convents differ in their policies. I discuss some of these in the show.

When traveling to Europe on a budget, I highly recommend giving convents a try. The nuns or monks at the convents I stayed at have always been friendly, kind and generous. I still stay in touch via e-mail with many nuns I befriended in Assisi.

Ep.#7 unCONVENTional

Simone di Santi is the Road Retraveled Editor for Wandering Educators.

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