Sweet Reunion

I am back. Back where my heart is happy.  Back where I felt so at home.  Back where my soul felt at peace.

Back smelling the familiar smells- sweet rain on pavement, flowers blooming, pastries baking, waffle cones crisping, pasta sauce simmering, spicy new leather and yes, unfortunately, cigarette smoke wafting through the air.
Back walking the cobblestone streets and minuscule sidewalks.
Back hearing the vespas, rattly little cars, bike bells and chains clanging, horses clip clopping, people passing, and the Italian language flowing.
Back seeing the sights I had hoped and prayed I would remember- the walk to school pass the Palazzo Pitti, the hundreds of little shops with their window displays, the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo della Signoria, the over the top wedding dress shop, the bakeries, leather markets, and of course, the Duomo.

Nothing has changed.
The same gypsies roam the Ponte Vecchio and Duomo.
The shops still have the same window displays.
The vendors still call out, "Cioa Bella!"
The sunsets are still spectacular.
The vastness of the buildings still shock me.
The age of the statutes and building is mind boggling (from 1000 AD!!!)
The markets are still some of the best in the world.
Mothers still usher their children into the preschool by my house.
Men still try to get you to buy their light up toys and wilting roses at night.
The Ponte Vecchio is still amazing.
The Duomo still took my breath away.

Nothing has changed expect for me.
I am so happy and appreciative to be back in this magical place. I know what I have gotten myself into this time and I know it is going to be another indescribable adventure.  I know how fortunate I am to come back and live in Italy for another 2 months.

After two years of hoping, wishing, praying, and planning, I am back in Florence.  And I am so so very happy.