But take a look at this portion of Orvieto’s stone wall.

Or, if you’re bent (a bit) sinister, as I am, look closer.

Those expecting landscapes (instead of faces) may prefer this:

Unless there is another Rorschach test lurking within this close up:

Like the poor cat, details of our visit to Orvieto have been short changed.

Day 1, Meal 1: after heading for the wrong table, basking in the right spot.

As with many a Duomo, the one in Orvieto is a symbol of the city.  Its celebrated facade, with all the splendor of the mosaics on a gold background, illustrates the word “photo-op” in the dictionary of Umbrian travel.  (See for yourself.)

As this outcropping of scaffold illustrates, the idea of “plans” has never appeared in any travel dictionary that we are aware of.  There will be time to return to the Duomo and its facade from many angles.  (For now, a glimpse from afar.)

Passing before our eyes (before the iPhone

could be drawn from its holster on my hip):

a man with a pig slung over his shoulders.

But if you look closely, that’s the two of them passing through the beads.

Meanwhile, I’m there hoping he’ll shoulder another to replay the photo-op.

But the best iPhone could manage was a kind glimpse into his truck.

In Orvieto, hill town famed for the majestic views:

• the man who delivers the pig
• the facade behind the scaffold
• the day-tripper dinner in a cave

Between one day and the next,

a fervent sign of life.

Cerco personale in cucina.

I am looking for staff in the kitchen.

To one of the officials of the Art Festival, our thanks.  Without me dallying over photos of a shuddered wall, he would never have caught our mistake (thinking the palazzo was chuiso).

Of course, it isn’t exactly as if the exhibitions have a set starting time.  While we make our way from room to room, taking in the art, found objects explain what is also going on around us.

One animated exchange clearly indicates a difference of opinion over where to place the name tag.  Two others, it seems, are pretty much agreed about the proper height and location for hanging the next piece.

Spontaneity lends a festive feel to their “Art in the City.”  Several more places to visit (after the threat of rain).  Plus return to the ones we’ve heard calling out to be revisited.  Ought to be a fun two days taking it all in.

Some fruit, with a little bit of cheese, for lunch.

Some pasta, with a basic veggie sauce, for dinner.

Out on the terrazzo, with the clouds and a breeze.

Many a day, it doesn’t get much simpler than these.

Down to the Stazione for the tickets to Orvieto.

Next well over and then up to the supermercato.

In between, a glimpse of the old city on the hill.

With clouds rolling in, bringing with them a chill.