A Lesson Learned Poem by Deanna Samuels

A day trip to Gubbio from Perugia,
an old historical town in Umbria, Italy,
perched on a hill overlooking Roman ruins,
with nearby hills and plains crammed with
olive trees and farming homesteads

It was hot - El Nino had arrived.
Guide distributed earphones, tour commenced.
In Gubbio, where time seemed to have stood still,
Francis of Assisi Church was first,
a history of his life while he was there.

Walking slowly up on narrow uneven streets,
guide stopped at very old row of houses -
they are houses of the dead; a person dies,
taken away for burial, doorway plastered up
ensuring that the evil spirit cannot return

Guide continued with history of large square,
and finally commenced to walk downhill
(the uphill climb was exhausting in the heat) .
Came to very small piazza with tourist store.
While guide commentated on further history,
espied a well-stocked pottery shop

An opportunity to find a locale thimble
to add to my collection of places visited.
Found and purchased interesting painted item,
paid eight euros, shopkeeper insisted to wrap.
On exiting the store - the group had gone!

Looked along the several medieval streets,
exited piazza, not a sign or clue of my group,
even asked a huddle of young tourists - nothing.
My Italian so poor, could not explain my woe.
I stood there, wondering what to do

It was too hot even to try to retrace steps.
Think of a plan - pulled out agenda for that day.
I see the group is to lunch at Taverna del Lupo
Via Gio Varini Ansidei 6.
iPhone whipped out of bag, typed in the address

Quite clearly shown on map, not too far away
will make my way to the restaurant,
meet up with the group there - yes, a good plan.
Decided best route that was easy to follow
and in 10 minutes or so arrived at the Taverna

Naturally, much relieved - and out of sun,
knowing soon, the group would arrive all eager
to enjoy a genuine lunch menu of the region.
I, meanwhile, kept cool, sipping fizzy mint water.
Before too long, group appeared. All was resolved

Lesson learned - do not deviate from group,
even for a moment in an unknown locale
especially with a language difference and if so,
advise someone in the group are going into shop.
Thank goodness for Apple Maps on iPhone!


Written on the bus returning to Perugia from day trip to Gubbio, Italy - 25th June 2026