Florence , Italy

​Florence   —   October 18, 202

    Taking time out for gas, grub and a couple tinkle breaks, we were on the road to Florence for about 4 hours. The ride was comfortable enough although Rhonda and I rode way in the back as our bodies are more flexible. We arrived in the late evening and appreciated Artan dropping us off right at our door. It was about 9:00. Steve and Rhonda went out to find a cafe and have some dinner. Debby and Nancy walked to a nearby grocery store to get some snacks, coffee and tomorrow’s breakfast. Ron and I stayed back trying to get a feel for our new place and make sure the furniture met our standards. 

   Debby did good!  She rented a 3-bedroom 3-bath condo, complete with kitchen, living room, courtyard and dining room!  It was perfect for six of us, even the location was great. The condo was an old bakery once owned my the Medici’s, a rich and powerful family in old time Florence. In the living room wall, behind the couch, was a half-circle hole in the wall that once was the baking oven!  Pretty cool.

   Artan came over the next morning and picked us up for a free tour. He said it was from him, not the business. We appreciated it. Steve and Rhonda opted to go see the Accaemia Gallery to get their art fix. Artan drove us to a nearby mountain and pointed out some famous sights along the way.  In about 30 minutes we pulled into a parking slot at a hillside terrace overlook that offered 180 degree views of the Arno valley and the sprawling city of Florence. I believe it was called Piazzale Michelangelo. It must be a popular place because quite a few other people were there. He pointed out several landmarks like the Duomo Cathedral, clock tower and some memorials. We sat down in the outdoor coffee shop and enjoyed coffee and conversation.   He told us about his art gallery he is working on.  Sounds unique. 

   After a short photo op we made one more point of interest stop. Farther up the hill was the Basilica of San Miniato, an old 11th century church built in 1018. We stepped for a while and went inside to take some photos. It was very interesting.    One final stop before ending the day was a stop at an ATM. We needed to get some cash to pay Artan for yesterday and the next few days. It’s only business. 

   We returned to our condo for a rest. Steve and Rhonda were still out so Nancy and Debby decided to go shopping.  Ron and I stayed around the condo and napped. Later we decided to take a walk in the neighborhood. I activated “Map my Walk” GPS app on my phone just in case. We didn’t concern ourselves with getting lost now. 

   We went down the street and along the canal. We walked across the Ponte Vecchio admiring the medieval  stone bridge with a myriad of jewelry    shops, stores and cafes. We continued on our walk, circling back home in a little over a mile.

   Nancy fixed breakfast for dinner tonight. That was one way to take care of the groceries. Tonight we pack because Artan is showing up bright and early for a road trip!

Mike Thomas