25 dicembre 2008 ~ Natale
I had forgotten about the bells! I was in the Piazza del Duomo when the bells in Giotto’s tower began to peal - how magical! This was the moment I had hoped to experience - the deep-in-your-soul belief that you are in Italy!
After a long morning walk to San Marco and the Giardino dell’Orticultura, Laura and I walked past SS. Anunziata, past the Duomo, down to the Arno, saw the Ponte Vecchio, and through the Piazza degli Uffizi with all these sculptures in niches, only to find that the statue of David in the Piazza della Signoria is under restoration! At least I found Rivoire, where I intend to indulge in their famous hot chocolate!
Our group has finally assembled, and we’ll be off for dinner across the Arno shortly. Our planned itinerary will be slightly different because of Christmas and St. Stephen’s Day (the 26th). But, on our day away from Firenze, we are going to LUCCA! I love Lucca! And on another free day, I’ll have the opportunity to go to Pisa! Meraviglioso!
At first, I didn’t really believe I was in Firenze - I felt very focused on all the logistics of travel: flight connections and diversions, bus rides and arriving in Florence, finding the hotel and checking in, finding our way to the Duomo and then to St. James - all checked off my list! But now I believe in my soul that I am here! This - seizing life and making it happen - is glorious! I feel so happy and confident, unafraid to try something new or to speak to strangers!
The food has been amazing: Christmas cake (panettone), wine, pappardelle al cinghiale, zuppo di verdure fresche, spaghetti con piselli e vitello (ground), pollo con tartuffo, chocolate mousse, espresso and limoncello! The Golden View Open Bar, just across the Ponte Vecchio and to the left. Jazz played softly in the background.
Rusty bicycles squeak as Florentines pedal across the old bridge, sparkling white and blue lights decorate the streets and squares. Florence is a combination of magic and reality - some of the “dream” image of Florence is tarnished, but it doesn’t dim my appreciation one bit!
Tomorrow, we begin our Week of Art.
