Buon Giorno!

Well, here I am in Italy!

So far I’ve been to every major museum and church in Florence. Got lost a few times, but found great places to eat because of it.  Florence is a busy, fast-paced place.  The crazy scooters, taxis, police, bikes, horse drawn carriages, and wacky drivers in general make New York City seem like a day at the beach.

 

I also met some wonderful ladies on the train from Zurich to Milano. An accident on the tracks rerouted us to about four different trains and one bus. Not at any time, did the conductors advise what was going on, and some of them even lied when asked. We were all feeling pretty helpless. I was left running from one train platform to the next trying to make sense of it. That's when these nice ladies took me under their wings, and got me safe and sound to Florence.

I spent the first four days sightseeing Florence with them. We had a great time palling around this great city.

Italians have no concerns about wasting water. When you flush a toilet in Italy, it's like Niagara Falls. They can spare the water, I guess, because they don’t drink it.  They drink coffee and wine like water (which might account for some personalities here). And they take forever to dine. Two-hour lunches and three-hour dinners are the norm.

I love that no matter where you stop to grab an espresso or “cafe Americano,” it's the best darn coffee you've ever had. And they eat aperitifs for breakfast! Of course, with a cup of espresso. When the wine flows and conversations explode into laughter, I have no clue what they're saying, but they still include me.  Now I have a few favorite restaurants and cafes. The owners recognize me and treat me like family with Italian hugs and kisses. It's a great feeling to be so warmly welcomed so far from home.


I'm saddened to leave Florence, but the Tuscan countryside awaits.

 

Now, if you'll excuse me, off to soak my feet and wash my socks.