Holiday
Trip Start
May 10, 2006
1
24
36
Trip End
Nov 10, 2006
Florence, Italy
Saturday, June 3, 2006
Two evenings ago Greg and I set out on the city in search of a meal lacking pasta, pizza, parmigiano or bruschetta (do not get me wrong, we are thoroughly enjoying "la cucina di Italia", we just craved a "home" cooked meal.) Miles walked and many an outdoor menu gazed upon (the restaurants all supply their menus outdoors, prior to entry) we stumbled upon "The Red Garter," an Italian sort of steakhouse. A veggie wrap, French fries, a cheeseburger and some onion rings later, I proclaimed to Greg, "I never thought a greasy onion ring smothered in ketchup could taste so good....between bites he nodded his head....."Si!"
The city is beginning to feel like an over packed can of sardines as the tourists flock in, this of course not being anything we haven't been expecting. It is however, sort of nice to walk down the street and NOT be the guy "camera around neck, money belt over the Hawaiian print shirt (wear it underneath for goodness sakes!) map in hand questioning the whereabouts of every Florentine tourist highlight." It's odd to say one is learning to feel like a "local" a million miles from home.
I have found the most amazing place to sketch from on the banks of the Arno, the inspiration drawn upon by the Renaissance artists is striking. It is easy to imagine Florence as the epi-center of such a monumental era of art. Inspiring.
We have both been devouring books by the whole. We have developed an efficient "read and exchange" system.......most certainly providing us with material to discuss.
We have taken to nightly visits to that Medici palace across the road from us. There is a certain calm and ambiance about this ancient city in the wee hours of night, when the visitors have returned to their hotel rooms, the street vendors have packed up and the sound of mingling language has ceased. Sitting on stone ledge, before the aged building , one is humbled and reminded of the treasure that Italy.
