Arrividerci Roma, Buongiorno Firenze. I push my windows open to see an outdoor market, some nuns, and the Duomo. What a scene to have outside your window. My hotels just keep getting better. Our morning begins with a walk around beautiful Florence. The streets and piazzas are full of quintessential Italian charm, the bells are chiming, and birds are sweeping the sky in brilliant unison.
We walk through many different piazzas. We visit the Duomo and Santa Croce and see the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo. Next is the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David. It is incredible to see this work of art. I sneak into another room that is filled with marble goddess statues. I let out a little "wow.." as I enter the room. My thoughtful guide walked with me for a few minutes, sharing secret details about the statues that would've otherwise gone unnoticed.
Later, I walk all through the city. I buy cards and paper goods, I read Italian fashion magazines, I peruse the local markets and I finish off the afternoon at a lovely restaurant called Rivoire, perfect for people watching. I order a glass of wine, enjoy the sunshine and cool breeze, and watch the world walk by.
The next day finds us at the place to buy leather and gold -- the shops near Ponte Vecchio. Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River. So lovely. We start at a shop which has the most beautiful leather products. The sales people dress us up in fine leather jackets of all different colors. They even offer to stamp our initials in the jacket and have it delivered to our hotel. I made friends with a gal named, Giorgia, in the leather shop. I loved her long white coat and she loved my bag from Henri Bendel. We felt like models in a fashion show being dressed before hitting the runway. Upon leaving, I kiss Georgia on both cheeks and say, "Ciao, Georgia," and she says, "Ciao, bella."
Next it is on to a shop with the most exquisite gold jewelry. They love to put the jewels on you...necklaces, bracelets, cameos and rings. You want it all, but it is most fun to pick one special item. A keepsake that you will love forever, and remember that you bought on this special day. My treasure: a classic blue and white cameo.
The next morning, we depart for the villages of Tuscany. "I think you might fall in love with them," my guide, M, says. I knew he was right. As we drive through Umbria, I see the most incredible beauty out my window. Square stone villas, gorgeous cyprus trees, olive orchards, vineyards, sheep and green hills. Beautiful Tuscany! I sat back, allowing my delightful and diverse soundtrack to play, as Pino drove us through this wonderland. I am an American girl in Italy.
Our first stop is a little town called San Gimignano. This is definitely the most beautiful place I have ever set eyes on. The sun is out, the sky is blue and Tuscany is all around. I was officially on the set of my favorite movie. I was the star of it. I wander the cobblestoned streets, looking in the shops, mingling with the Italians, trying to get a glimpse into their lives. We speak, Italian or English, I smile and thank them. They observe me curiously, as well, seemingly wondering...who is this little blonde bella, wandering strada stretta.
After buying some outrageously tall and colorful pasta, I walk to an area that overlooks the famed hills of Tuscany. I lie down on the stone wall and let the Tuscan sun shine upon me for a while. Tomorrow, we would have a private cooking experience in Tuscany, but tonight, we are whisked off to a gorgeous little restaurant tucked away amongst the hills and vineyards. You would have to know where you were going to ever find it again, which I love. Very private. Very luxurious. The flavor of the food was incredible and the courses were orchestrated like a dance. Our waiter wore a white jacket and stood nearby anticipating our every need.
This has been the most beautiful day of my life, the most beautiful ten days of my life. I have felt so many things while in Italy. Love. Joy. Carefree. Cared for. Proud. Independent. Savvy. Worldly. Italian. American. Blonde. Full. Complete indulgence. La dolce vita. The sweet life!!! I allow myself every small indulgence I may like. Bruschetta with every meal, wonderfully fragrant chianti with dinner. Gorgeous pastries. Anything I want from my frigo bar, at any time. I dial America from my room and recount the best moments I just can't wait to share. I experience, and capture, and write and share the details with all who are following along.
M recommends that I read, Love And War In The Apennines. Once upon another lifetime, I must have known him. I might have loved him.
The Italy series continues in Venice. Ci vediamo li.
We hope you enjoy these beautiful images of Florence and San Gimignano taken by our friend, Dimitra Neonaki. Dimitra is truly the unicorn of tour directors, specializing in Greece and Italy for over 25 years. She loves to get off the beaten path, discovering the best local spots and ensuring that all who travel with her have the most unique and memorable experiences. Keep up with Dimitra at:
Dimitra Neonaki
Instagram: @dimneon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dneonakis
