Florence

Okay. So I'm finally going to write a post about Florence. I think I was just too overwhelmed at first and was still taking it all in a week after my trip! I swear, that weekend changed my life. I know that sounds so cheesy, but it is truly an enchanting and magical city. I felt that weekend sparked a lot of inspiration in me. No more sleeping beauty! Suddenly I felt so awake and clear and ready to write my own god damn fairy tale. (Again with the cheese, but I can't help my obsession with fairy tales.. especially in a place that feels like one every where I go). Ah Florence, I can not say "I love you" enough. Please go to this city. Stay at the Queens hostel for just 13 euros a night, have receptionists sing while they work. Meet other worldly travellers, drink extremely strong Margaritas at Moyo, where after 6pm the purchase of just one drink will get access to an amazing FREE buffet (it's a wonderful little thing called aperitivo, Italy's best kept secret). Ride the antique carousal. Hike up to the Giardino Delle Rose (the Rose Garden) for the incredible view of the city (and if your lucky enough to catch it when Spring is in full bloom, prepare your eyes and nose for roses galore! Sadly, my visit was too early for that). Visit the Doumo, light a candle and make a prayer. Drink the best damn espresso and eat the past damn pastries you've ever had. And put away your map and just simply walk, watch and take in. Florence... You really should go. 

Lazy Sunday

 The Tuscan chapter is half way through. Today I am enjoying some Al Bowlly  and earl grey on this rainy Sunday. The almond tree blows its little white petals by my window with a smell so sweet. My belly is full from another 4 course Italian family lunch. These people take their food seriously. Such comforting meals. Every weekend I have gotten to explore another ancient city. This week Lucca, next week Valdera. I am in love with this country. It's so enchanting! Maria has been amazing, welcoming me into the family as if I was one of them. If it wasn't for the language barrier I'm sure I would have gotten closer with them all. But I feel that Maria and I are enjoying the communication challenge. I think it will make better communicators out of us. I smile everyday, sleep so soundly and dream vividly. With the perfect balance of town and country, I have to say, life has been pretty darn good these past couple of weeks.

In Lucca, there is a street lined with these beautiful Magnolia trees. Pink magnolias on one side and white on the other.

Shoes! Every weekend in Lucca there is an awesome street market.

A creepy and wicked cool sculpture I found placed in an Alley while wondering around the street market. I am not sure what its story is, but i like it!

My delicious lunch in Lucca. I love how olive oil is and vinegar is severed with every meal. And of course a basket of bread. 

Lost In Translation

I'm not going to lie. I was one of those arrogant English speakers that thought to herself "Oh, everyone in Europe speaks English! I mean, at least younger people will speak some" WRONG. In the bigger cities, such as Florence, this is mostly true, but in the country and even in the smaller cities, such as Pisa, you can find yourself easily lost in translation.

I my first experience with the language barrier was on Sunday evening after taking the train back from Florence. From Pontendera I had to take a bus into Fabbrica. The bus driver didn't speak any English whatsoever. This resulting in me getting off the bus at a transfer point and getting on another bus in which this bus driver also didn't speak English. Neither did any of the 7 other passengers on the bus. Not even the young ones. The only thing they can understand from me is that I need to go to Fabbrica and the only thing I can understand from them is that this bus is not going to Fabbrica. Now this is where I begin to panic. I'm on a bus in a foreign country and I have no idea where it is going.

Tears begin to stream down my face.  I'm exhausted from travel and I'm at a loss of what to do or say as young man and middle age woman try to communicate with me. All I can understand is "Fabbricca". The woman finally motions me to come over as the bus pulls to a stop. She takes me by the arm in a very warm and comforting manner and continues to speak in Italian. Although I cannot understand her words, I know she is letting me know I am being taken care and will get home safe. I show her the address to the farm that I have written in a note book as she walks me over to a van that is waiting for the young man. She explains to the driver my situation and shows him the address. He confidently makes it known that he knows how to get there and drives me right to the door.

So what did I learn from this experience? Never assume, an Italian/English dictionary is essential (it's on the shopping list!), and Italians are beautiful people. Thanks for taking care of me.