Fiesole

One of the very first trips Florida State takes their study abroad students on is a morning excursion to Fiesole; a town nestled on the hills above Florence.  Hundreds of years ago, it was where Florence's elite would go in the summers because it was cooler than the basin that Florence sits in.  Thousands of years before that, it was an Eustrician town.  Today, you can visit the Eustrician ruins and it is one of the only places where you can actually climb on and touch the ancient stones.  We saw the amphitheater, temple, gym, and baths.  This was my third time to Fiesole but it still did not disappoint.  It was pretty neat to go back in the summer since everything was green.  It's funny how much seasons can change the look of a place. 

After listening to Nero’s lecture, we took a short walk up to a Franciscan church.  There is a great look out point of Florence from the church.  After taking a few pictures, we attempted to go look at the church but there was a wedding happening.  Instead of going in the church, all 90 of us just stood outside and waited for the bride and groom to emerge.  If they were surprised to see a large group of American waiting, they didn’t show it.  Their actual guests threw rice and confetti at the couple for a good 5 minutes and we all took pictures of them, naturally. The last time I was in Florence, we accidently interrupted a wedding on a hike so it seems to be a tradition for me.  Not that I mind or anything seeing how I religiously watch Say Yes to the Dress with my sister.

It was a beautiful day and I am so glad I was able to explore this quaint town again. 

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.