I fixed coffee in the dark stained Italian coffee maker and put out bread and delicious jam for Mackenzie and I and we were out the door by 9:00, quite early for Italy, but we wanted to see as much as we could.
We did all of the ususal things, climbed towers, visited churches, ate prosciutto and melon, and made our way through the crowds. A couple of highlights:
1. Standing on the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno river at sunset.
2. Attending Mass in the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (this way we get into the church without paying and worship the Lord in one swoop) It really was a touching service and allowed me more tears to shed.
3. Not eating a lot because Florence was double the cost what we'd been paying.
4. Meeting Steph and Meredith from Iowa.
Meeting two women from Iowa was one of the highlights? Most definitely!
One thing Rick Steeves said was to stay in Florence because night time is when the locals come out and it is the most charming. We had just had mass, toured the church, climbed up the bell tower, stopped in a chocolate shop to stand under the air-conditioning to cool off, sat on the steps of the Ufitzi gallery, and we were thirtsty and hungry for sometthing sweet. We strolled through the narrow busy streets and came to Santa Maria Plaza which we had seen before and that had many places to eat. We chose one, 'Grillo Ristorantinte Pizzeria', but had to wait 15 minutes for an outdoor table, which we usually don't do.
About 9:30 we ordered a glass of Tuscan Rosetello wine, fresh fruit and a Torte alla ricotta and pere (Ricotta cake with pear). 30 minutes later, these two lovely young women sat down right next to us, Steph and Meredith. We politely said, "hello" and they replied Hello and then this conversation took place:
Them: "Italy is a great place, isn't it?"
Us: 'Yes, but don't hug old men."
Them: "Why did you say that?" They looked shocked. "We have a story to tell you!"
Us: "No, we have a story to tell you!"
Them: "Ours is a good one!"
Us: "But it wasn't here."
Them: "It was in Cinque Terre."
Us: "Monterossa?"
Them: "Yes."
Us: "Does it involve lemons?"
Them: "YES!!!!" Oh, my gosh!"
They had been to Monterosso the day we left (the 24tth) and had met the same old man who used the same lines:
"Bonjourno, Bellisimo, Italianne ou Americana? Do you like lemons? I will give you some!"
We laughed and got sick to our stomachs all over again. We all agreed that he was an old man so we were trying to be polite and we were like children being asked if we liked candy and he had lured us into his store! He is a man who probably does this everyday...ugh! This man needs to be arrested!
Needless to say, we bonded immediately. Steph and Meredith said that they had a choice of tables and saw us and thought we'd be nice to sit by. They bought us another glass of wine and we talked until midnight. Wonderful women! And, how is that for coincidence in Italy?
It was too late for our 30-45 minute walk back to our apartment so we dropped 15 euros on a taxi...well worth it.
Tip of the day: When you go into buildings in Italy, look up. You will never ceased to be amazed at the beautiful ceilings. Mackenzie and I are always saying to each other, "Look up."
Pax,
The Traveling Women
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