Day 11- A Firenze!

Ahh...sweet sweet Florence. 

Tony has many good memories of his study abroad here, which expands his experience on each return visit to this city. He is open to all perspectives of this tourist-haven: "too crowded," "too full of English-speakers," "too beautiful." They are all true for the experiencer, but Tony defends his 3rd home with the notion that timing of the visit is of the utmost influence. September, a new month to witness for this former pseudo-native, turns out to be gorgeous. Weather is warm but not hot nor cool. Tourists are present but not overflowing. And the food...well the food is always divine.

Allora, day 11 brought the coupled travelers closer to the Italian experience, to culture, and to creating new memories with that special someone. We drove from Impruneta to the outskirts of Firenze proper, and parked for free as per Bernardo's recommendation. We grabbed breakfast as the Italians often do- in a bustling cafe with cappuccino and brioche in one hand, the morning paper in the other. It's amazing food and drink don't go flying when Italians converse in a crowded cafe (hand motions and all..). Emily and Tony sat and immersed themselves in this scene- most were standing, chatting, whisking espresso down the gullet. The personalities changed every 5-10 minutes, as new customers replaced the old at the bar.

We hopped a bus through the stone archway and into the downtown, as our intimate friend, rain, fell lightly overhead. Tony led Emily off the bus and into her first view of the Duomo.

 

They strolled toward the Uffizi, their first major stop. Lines were long but gradually moving, allowing for a cultured rainy morning. Emily was fascinated by so much art in one place, with artistic styles separated by century. How many versions can one make of the Annunciation? Mary with scroll, Mary with bounded book, Mary with Ipod and blackberry (yet to come) :)

After filling their minds, they filled their bellies at nearby Trattoria Anita, Tony's fav eatery in Italy. He spent many a lunch-time here with their 3 course daily special, and his 20th birthday dinner. Little has changed, and there was faint recognition in the waiter's eyes at this aged traveler. Emily was sold on the place, promising to make it back someday.

The rest of the day was occupied by a walking tour through the eyes of a nostalgic philosopher-medical student. 

To Piazzale Michelangelo, to his old apartment on Costa de' Magnoli, to his school on Via Maggio. 

Having worked up an appetite, we headed back to Impruneta where we were treated to a home-cooked meal by Elena (with Pietro's help), accompanied by 2 friends of theirs.

This intimate, homey dinner was a highlight of our trip. Not only was the food fresh and plentiful (pesto, bread, beef with salsa, salad, fried veggies, homemade tort, espresso, homemade limoncello! and grappa!), but the company gave us a taste of everyday life. Traveling, while amazing, does not often afford many opportunities for familiar interactions or gatherings due to language barriers or simply not knowing anyone in the area personally. To share a meal in a native's home, to discuss perspectives (of current events, of work, of love and marriage) is a special event to a traveler. Maybe it was the wine, limoncello, and grappa talking, but this evening imprinted a special memory on our honeymoon.