Well here we are back in Florence, our last stop before saying arrivederci to Italy one last time.
Just when I have finally mastered our Starbucks order in Italian!
We decided to stay up in the hills behind the historical centre, way up pat the Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato – to a sprawling luscious area where the ancient wealthy of bygone days had their summer villas. Stunning views and absolute quiet, our Hotel is surrounded by lovingly tended gardens.
We arrived in the golden hour, after a gruelling day negotiating trains. Never again I say!!
First question – is the bar open? And the very welcome answer of “Si signora!“
A month into our journey, Don thought we should change it up a little so he ordered us up a couple of rum and cokes with lime while I took a few more pics.
We ate at the in house restaurant and Don has changed his mind about gnocchi. Though I don’t know if we will ever find any as delicious as there in Vancouver.
They were to die for.
This morning the clouds hung low but started to lift by the time we had finished breakfast.
Even though there were only two other couples in the restaurant for dinner last night, the place was packed for breakfast.
This little girl discovered that the vintage Fiat outside was just the right size for her.
The hotel has a shuttle, so we took it back down to the centre of Florence for one more walk about and to buy a new pair of leather gloves to replace the ones I bought here on our honeymoon.
Luckily I knew exactly what I wanted because a) there are a million choices and b) the three ladies ahead of me were dithering and wanting different colours and should they be long or short and how many different pairs should I get!?!
Me – black, plain, short, unlined. Easy – done. Two of the other three ladies were still adding to their glove piles, as the line behind them continued to grow.
Another couple of quick stops later and it was time for lunch.
Since he has never had one before, I wanted to treat him to his first affogato.
Here’s how the conversation went:
I’m going to get something for you for dessert and you’re going to love it.
I don’t want anything.
Trust me – you will love it.
If I don’t like it, you can eat it so just get one.
I’m getting two – you’re going to want yours.
So I order them and say decaf espresso please.
Did you order coffee – I don’t want coffee!
Just wait until you taste it
ffs!!
The 2 affogatos arrive.
What the hell is this supposed to be? As he removes the cookies and dabs gingerly at the gelato from the top.
Just take your spoon, go all the way to the bottom to get some coffee and the bring it back up to get some of the gelato too. You order coffee flavoured gelato in a cone, so you’re going to f’ing love it, just give it a try!
Further comments go from, okay, pretty good, to yeah – that is really good.
Whew – okay then – good.
How much is it?
I have no idea – don’t worry about it.
Hmph
And I almost managed to pay without him seeing the damage, but he saw the total with his spider senses and as we walked away said, that can’t be right – let me see it.
At which time we both discovered that they were a whopping 15 euros each! (@ a conversion rate of 1.65).
So okay – ridiculous price but they were sooo delicious and it could have been such a lovely moment of discovery. And not for nothing, this is the guy who happily gave a taxi driver 220 euros for a one hour ride and even shook his hand!
I’m still going to take it as a win though . . . I knew he would love it.
And with that, we headed back up the hill for a much needed nap.
At 6:30 we will listen to the nightly Gregorian chants by the monks at San Miniato Chapel – I have always wanted to experience that. And if we can squeeze in sunset at the Piazzale Michelangelo too – then our journey will be complete.
Stay tuned for the next blog to see if it all worked out.
Monks chanting – c’mon who wouldn’t love that!?!
Oh. Wait.
