Ciao di Firenze: 10/19/06

First off: I was completely blown away by all of you who responded to my first email. What is so funny, is there are definately themes running through all of them: First of all, everyone seems to think I need to be warned about all the Italian men. Funny thing is that no one is opposed to me meeting one. They just don't want me to hang out with too many. Next: wine and cheese. Hmmm. If any of you hung out with me last Friday night, it is possible that you know that wine may not be the best course of action.... However, since it is so cheap, I am sure I can get used to it. Nonetheless, I thank you all for writing. It was a nice surprise this morning.

My trip could not be going better. Let us start with a little background info. When I was here five years ago, I got in with a group of friends who were from Albania, but had lived in Florence for quite awhile. They were all nice guys and fun to go out with and such. One of my favorite memories is when one of these boys, Nick, heard me complaining about the relentless harassment I was enduring from all the "dirty Italian men". So he says, "Michelle, do you know how to get rid of them when they are bothering you? Just tell them you are from Albania because Italian men do not like Albanian girls." Hmmm, I thought. I supposed it was worth a try. Never once did it occur to me that if I was to pull this off, perhaps I should actually know a little Albanian. So, as I sat on the steps of the Duomo, some "Dirty Italian Men" approached Alisha and I. I could already tell they were annoying, so in broken English I said, "No speak Italian. I am Albanian." I thought I pulled off the accent quite well. The boy looked at me skeptically and said, "You are Albanian? Well, then say something in Albanian." Now, most of you would give up at this point. But not Michelle. I kind of put my hand over my mouth to muffle the string of blahs and throaty hucks. Basically I just made some noise. No words at all. The boy starts to laugh and he says, "You see, I knew you were not Albanian because I am Alabanian."

Oops.

What is the point? I am getting there, I promise. So, yesterday I woke up at 5:45am. Yeah. That is what happens when you go to bed at 10:30. So, I decided to get up and unpack. I planned on making a trek up to Piazza San Michaelangelo. It was really quite a walk, mostly because it is up hill. So, I get there and realize that the church of San Miniato was near by, so I walked up more. As I left, I was so hungry, so I went in search of food. Instead of going down, I kept going up. I ended up in a nice neigborhood (w/ no food). Let me tell you. I now know what it is like to have a goiter protruding from my neck. The few people I encountered up there looked at me like I was an alien: or had a goiter protruding from me neck. I finally decided it was time to go, so I began my ascent.

At this point, i was STARVING and since I had already walked at least 6 miles, I decided I would splurge on pasta, like naughty pasta. I went from restaurant to restaurant. Even though I was so hungry, I had my mind set and would not give in until I found what I wanted. The 6th place or so, I found it. A totally overpriced place called Celestino right near Ponte Vecchio. It was perfect. After a while, I realized I recognized the waiter. Sure enough, it was good old Nick, harbinger of great advice. The best part was that he is still friends with Benjamin who was a great friend while I was here before. Somehow, we just lost touch. When I consider all the factors involved in me choosing that restaurant, I am convinced something was leading me there to run into Nick. So, here is the point: I have a friend in Florence. Not to say I need it so much. I mean, I did come here to be on my own and have an independent adventure. I love living alone, by the way. However, it was nice to stay out late last night knowing I had a walk home. We went to the Full-Up for dancing. I know some of you will appreciate this: The full-up is kind of different. The walls are all green now, it is more chique. I liked it. Perhaps I will have to see the Yab some night. I am also so glad to be reaquainted with an old friend. In the end, my day was a big one: new friends, and 10-12 mile walk, and some great pictures.

As for everything else, it is great. The only thing that has changed here is money. Five years ago, I could get dinner and wine for about $15. Now, it is like $30. So, I will not be able to eat out much. There are plenty of snack bars for cheapy stuff and there is a grocery store. I really need to visit it. My tiny trip the other day did not quite work. For dinner last night I ate salami, toast with butter and strawberry jelly, and some pickles. Mmmmmm, so Italian.

Well, I know there were a million other things that I wanted to share with you guys, but I cannot remember. I guess I should have kept a list going. Oh well. There will be plenty of time for that! I hope you are all doing well and look forward to more posts.

Love you all!