“All Good Things Must Come to an End.” But, why? Many, if not all existential questions could be wrapped around that one. If I could, I would have it out with that person, Geoffrey Chaucer, who penned those loathsome words in the 1300s. I’d muster every ounce of my physical strength and strike upon him my most vicious verbal assault and argument……….
After our second day in Florence, I awoke with a certain sinking feeling, knowing time was running out. You can hardly blame me. For, life was just settling into that rhythm I sought so wholeheartedly – get up, explore all day, have a fine meal, reflect, and do it again – in this land of incredible beauty and sensory stimulation.
On our third day in Florence it rained, challenging for the second time, my edict that “It’s Always Sunny in Italy”. I know that it is not always sunny in Italy, but I prefer to think this. None of the fantastic foods I love to look at and eat would grow if it was always sunny in Italy. But, I knew that our luck on previous trips had been such that the skies shown blue and the air was delightful if not toasty hot on some days. It always feels sunny to me in Italy, anyway.
George wanted to walk up to Piazzale Michaelangelo and we set out on foot with umbrellas. This didn’t prove to be a good idea and so we changed plans. We are so glad we did. On Thursday we set out again as the skies cleared and the sun shown. Our very last lunch and late morning and early afternoon were golden.
After walking down from Mercato Sant’ Ambroglio, we took a cab up to the Piazzale from Piazza Cesare Beccaria, where I spied this adorable bakery, Dolci & Dolcezze.
These are the beautiful tarts in their window that day:
Heading off from the Piazza we almost immediately transitioned into a landscape that was 180 degrees different from the city. All of a sudden we were enveloped in swaths of allés of beautiful trees – like wonderland. The surroundings of some of the most gorgeous villas made you want to get out and stay and peak at each and every one. This was a ride to savor. But time to savor we did not have.
We arrived up at the Piazzale Michaelangelo and got the best views of Florence, as everyone already knows. This is indeed a spot to savor and we spent the next couple of hours looking around, seeing each and every view and then had lunch at the pavilion. It was 9/11 and there was much to reflect upon – my memories still chilling me and yet, there was a peacefulness, too. It is a spot of uncanny beauty.
We walked back down through town and crossed the river as I tried to have the spell not be broken. But soon, it was time to go to the train. I tried to squeeze my eyes shut, hoping it was not so.
I think this captures my feeling.
Along the way, there was this ,from the train, and I felt that I would return. I think George was ok with going home. I don’t think he really believes I would stay, but I would, in a minute.
Goodbye to Florence – I’ll be back very soon!
looks like Frida, doesn’t it?