Italia

Well, hello, friends. 

Or should I say, "Buona Sera!"

Good evening!

I am now fluent in ordering coffee in italian.

"Caffe Late, decafianato, per farvore."

That's all one really needs when in Italy.

And a camera.

I am a little overwhelmed with putting pictures together, as there are several hundred to go through. At the same time, I MISS BLOGGING and really want to show you the sights! So, I'll do a little at a time.

First of all, I have to tell you that my daughter is doing fabulously well. So well, in fact, that when I left her, I cried like a baby as I knew a chapter in her life had definitely closed and she is on to bigger and better things in life. A good thing to be sure, but as a mom, well, tears are acceptable now and then.

On to the pictures:

We had a very uneventful flight and I loved every minute of staying put for 10 hours. Even if it was a little cramped. When my sister and I arrived, we acted like we had been shot up with jet fuel and walked 10-12 hours a day for the next three days taking in everything we could. Let's just say cobblestones are not kind to the feet. 

This is the view outside our hotel room. Every morning, we would throw open the window and see how the city was coming to life. We would judge the weather from what everyone was wearing. Mostly warm coats, hats, scarves..it was cold!

This is outside the Duomo, in the main square.

My sister and I traveled very well together. Even when she got food poisoning. Have you ever cleaned up apple barf from your sister before? I'll save that story for later.

Florence is a bustling city, but there is unique feel of community.

My all time favorite part of each day was 5 o'clock.

Every one stops in to the many different Pasticcerias and has a cookie of some sort and some coffee. Most people stand at a bar and partake of the evening's offerings, but we would always sit so we could watch the people.

This is a Bombolino.

Otherwise known as a slice of heaven.

These are creme filled, but they also come filled with Nutella.

Yum.

Or Apricot. I think the Nutella was better.

The biscotti aren't too shabby, either.

Everyone gets a treat at 5 o'clock!

This was an especially beautiful bar area. We made friends with the Barista and he showed us the best treats in the case. I think we went back 3 times.

Just another fabulous cup of coffee.

Word for the day:

SHAKERATE.

(shak-er-roll the r-a-te)

Hot espresso put into a martini shaker with ice and sugar.

Shaken, not stirred.

Poured into a beautiful glass.

Perfection.

Paired with carote torta? (carrot cake)

Priceless.

I'm wondering if you are bored silly with vacation photos by now.

No? Great, 'cause I'm just getting started!!!!

Next up-

It's all about the boots, baby.

xoxo

for now,

Lynn