Travelogue

30 dicembre 2008

So many years ago, I had a dream of living in Italy for a few years. While traveling and touring aren't exactly "living", I'm not entirely sure what has happened to this dream. I've always wanted to travel as I am now, and to do it well. There's nothing like travel to help you live in the moment!

Today, it hit me hard to realize that this would be our last group day and dinner together. My stomach sank and my heart wept only a little because I realized that I still had tomorrow, where I will enjoy a day in Siena with Lorienne and Rosemae.

This morning, we visited the beautiful Bargello Museum. I think sculptures are more interesting to me than the paintings in the Uffizi. While I appreciate golden Virgin and Child icons and altarpieces, sculpture seems to have more "hand" in them. I feel I can relate to them much more than paintings.

I came to Florence, and today decided to stay in Florence instead of heading off to Pisa. I already felt a bit like a dorky tourist, but there's no reason I need to add to Pisa's crowds - at least not on this trip! Instead, a large group of us went to the Mercato Centrale fore Perini goods: balsamico, mostardi d'arancia e fico (orange and fig fruit mustards), and salsa di noci (walnut sauce).

Lorienne was kind enough to photograph my "Italian boyfriend", who made the most amazing panini ever: finochino on foccacia, with fontina(?) and roasted red peppers! When I return to Florence, I shall return to Perini for this 'panino elisabetta' again!

My Mizuri purse

Elisabetta, my Mizuri handbag, and Lorienne

I came to Florence with only one special souvenir on my mind: a dress for my niece for her first baptism. It wasn't until our tour guide, Donato described the Mizuri "Grace Kelly" bag that I experienced true interest! I'm not a shoe girl, but I LOVE handbags!

After having panini in the Piazza Santa Croce, Lorienne and I ventured into Mizuri to seek out this handbag. It's a little difficult to feel elegant trying on a lovely purse with a parka, but I found my handbag, a lovely maroon leather with gold detail. My thanks to Lorienne for stopping me from buying more than one!