After working a full day shift, my friend and co-worker Amanda was kind enough to drive me to the Go Bus Station to catch the next bus to the airport. When we stopped at the first set of lights, I looked up through the sun roof to see a red-tailed hawk circling above our car.
A message from the spirit world was happily received and all of my travel worries faded away. Having a bourbon sour on the bus also helped calm my nerves.
Just as I eased into the journey, I received a text from Julie that read "I'm at the walk in clinic". My mood went from calm to shock instantly and I responded with a simple "Why???".
Her response, "I have the stomach flu". I was floored. My jaw dropped and I asked, "What are you going to do?"
After a long pause.... she said, "I'm just fucking with you" followed by 400 laughing emojis. This, my friends, is the travel companion I have chosen.
So I'm at the airport, waiting.... with no worries at all.
Grandma is taking care of things on the homefront.
Julie is on her way without the flu.
Fast forward and by fast I mean 248kms per hour from Rome to Florence on a bullet train. The flight from Toronto was uneventful. No sleep for me though.... babies crying, a dog whimpering, several people coughing and the ever shrinking personal space of air travel. The airport in Rome was swift and painless. Not a single question asked.... it was a breeze. Finding the Leonardo express train to Roma Termini was also easy and only 14€ each. Then a quick café latte to go, a 25€ ticket transfer to the fast train and here we are approaching Florence... tired and getting hungry.
We walked 700m to our room just on the edge of Florence. We settled in for all of an hour and then went out to explore. We walked along the Arno river until we reached Ponte Vecchio.
A very old bridge and very popular tourist attraction. It was decorated with mostly high end jewelery shops as well as street artists. It was close to golden hour which left just enough time to take in a few sights and find a patio.
We met Elizabeth, who lured us to her patio with her big smile and amazing two tone eyes. She was unique and beautiful so I asked to photograph her.
It was casual and affordable in the Piazza Pitti. We enjoyed a charcuterie board, caprese salad and a nice Chianti.
We left with smiles and walked the streets as dusk fell upon us. The air temperature was dropping quickly and the blue skies were fading but nothing could diminish the size or overwhelming beauty of the Duomo as we approached.
We walked the perimeter in awe just as the darkness finally won promising to come back tomorrow. We capped the evening with Salted Caramel Gelato and made our way back to our room exhausted and ready for sleep.
An early morning at the museums tomorrow and hopefully a wine filled afternoon.
Until then,
Ciao from Florence!!
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