The beautiful buildings in the Duomo at night in Florence
I had wanted to come to Florence because when I had been here 25 some odd years ago, when I was 18/19, Florence left an impression on me. Certainly it has a beauty and flair to its buildings not found in Rome or other places I have been. The Duomo is breath-taking. These buildings are 700 – 800 years old and just awe inspiring, even by today’s building standards. They are so colourful and imposing. Of course Florence is a art and culture centre.
Sophie, and our American friend Dave, who we met on our way back from Siena
But when I came to Florence when I was young, I was romanced by a young Italian for a couple of days and he showed me the sights and made me feel very special. That experience left an impression in my memory. So I always said Florence was my favourite city. Well it is a little different this time. It is still beautiful, but there were no suave Italians sweeping me off my feet, just some great Aussie females, a Dutch guy and an guy from the U.S. This all made for a memorable first day.
Well and of course David was there
Then yesterday, Sophie and I managed to see most of the sights in Florence before she had to return back to her aupere job in the north and then I met up with Justyne who now was staying at my hostel. We decided to go out for aperitivo – some drinks and snacks Italian style. So as we were sitting at the bar eating the little tapas that were being brought to us, a couple of Italian women and a man and a dog, that had some jack russell in it (! – that’s for you Lavina) sat down beside us. We got to talking. They are originally from Rome. Well before you know it, we have been invited up to Lavinia’s place for dinner – which is just incredibly kind.
Me, being funny, and Justyne enjoying aperitivo
So we bought a lovely bottle of wine and headed up to her place with her friend Caterina, who was absolutely hilarious.
Hector, Lavinia, Justyne, Luigi, and Caterina - damn my memory for names.
As always, dinner seems to occur quite late in the night in Italy. Another 11 pm feeding. No wonder I have put on weight in Italy, just like 25 years ago. And the food is so good. Not good for the figure but yummy in the tummy. Well Lavinia made an amazing pasta with these MASSIVE shrimp and then we had chicken. She was such an amazing host, funny, fun and friendly. Hey there you go – funny, fun and friendly in Florence!
Lavinia just after showing her ample bosom!!!
Lavinia is actually from Rome. She is living in Florence. She told me that it is hard to break into Florence because the Florentines are not as friendly as the Romans. And I think I would have to agree with her based on my little experience. So another amazing, albeit late, night and Justyne and I stumbled home after midnight with me having to get up at 7 am to catch the train to Milan. So tonight, I am going to be early and being good to myself.
Nothing like meeting new friends.
Sounds like being a CFA can occur anywhere in the world!
What on earth is a CFA??
I will definitely make a note on my cities-to-visit bucket list to visit Florence, because I enjoy art, culture and architecture. 🙂
By the way, I like your “f” alliteration in this post…very clever. Mrs. Marshall would be proud of you.
Yes I thought that was pretty poetic of me.
Adding to Ewan’s comment – what is a CFA?
Yes – I have asked that too and he has not answered so your guess is as good as mine.