Looking at Florence from Fiesole
We made it! It took a teeny bit longer than we had hoped or wished, but we're here now (yay!) and busily exploring our new environment.
Yes, we brought our dog Samantha Rose - how could we not? Florence is dog-friendly in the extreme. I just wish our son were here, too...
Saying goodbye to Nick at the airport. We're smiling to keep from crying.
We happened to glance out the lounge waiting area at the exact moment Samantha's crate was being taken to the plane! (We flew Lufthansa, not Southwest - ha!) What do you suppose she was thinking...?
One of the reasons we chose Florence (apart from the art, history, architecture, shopping, food, and walkable-ness!) was for the pace of life. It is Italy, after all. After spending a fair amount of time in France and Italy, I've been struck by how the French and Italians really savor life: food and wine are eagerly tasted, stores are small, thereby encouraging frequent trips (the better to get to know the proprietors) and even a trip to empty the garbage/recycle/yard waste is an excursion.
Our home for the first month in Florence
Our first home in Florence - for 30 days! - was the Hotel Villa Carlotta in Porta Romana, the Florentine gate that one passed through to journey south to Rome.
Porta Romana, the Florentine gate toward Rome
The area around the hotel is full of beautiful villas, parks, wide walkways, and a luxurious hotel, Villa Cora, as well as bed and breakfasts. We discovered some wonderful shops and eateries in our monthlong stay.
One of our favorite restaurants, Podere 39, on Via Senese. The pasta is amazing! https://www.facebook.com/Podere-39-Firenze-919420918172225/
Looking out to via Senese from the interior of Podere 39
The pizza at Antica Porta is so thin and delicious!!
I have bought quite a few items from sisters Guilia (above) and Samanta of MuseLab. https://www.facebook.com/muselabfirenze/
This home store is so amazing I could live there! Kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, tile, fabric, cooking lessons in the fully-equipped kitchen - everything! Riccardo Barthel on via Romana.
An art restoration business on via Romana
It's been very, very hot here in Florence since the beginning of June. One evening, while dining at Podere 39, I saw a woman at a nearby table fanning herself. She didn't speak English but did speak French so I asked her where to find a fan for myself. She tried to explain what sort of market might have one, then suddenly, a few minutes later, she handed her fan to me! And told me it was a gift! What a wonderful experience!
On June 27, we moved into our apartment (for the next 9 months, or so) on Piazza Santa Croce. It's right smack in the middle of the action, so is inundated with tourists from late morning until late evening - but we love the apartment. It's a good temporary home!
Our apartment on Piazza Santa Croce, looking toward the terrace.
Sky from the terrace
From this new venue, I plan to write about the design scene in Florence as well as events, restaurant and accommodation recommendations, nearby places to discover, and some historical perspectives - and everything in between! Please join me!
