Anyhow, she got to town and we took her to the apartment, which is great, but a little chilly. Then we took her to Gianni's, where we all had Linguine alle Vongole, and then split the Tagliata di Manzo. Usually I would eat both dishes by myself, but we got full fast on those clams. It was delicious and I am convinced that Gianni's Linguine with Clams is the best in the world!
After dinner we headed to our gelato spot. Alex and I had our usual and mom tried one called Fior di Latte. It is a very plain gelato, but she says it tasted just like buttercream frosting. She loved it!
Once we got back to the apartment, we talked awhile and then Alex headed home and I stayed with mom. I was so tired, but she was WIDE awake. We got to bed so late and then woke up at 11AM!!!!! For those of you who know my mom, you are probably in shock right now.
So, we got up, finally, showered and called Alex (who actually woke up long before we did.. amazing). He came over and thus began a wonderful day. We started out by heading to Piazza San Lorenzo to see the market. I bought the cutest scarf ever, and then we ducked into the Mercado Centrale. This is not the outside market where they sell cheap leather and clothing: This is Italian heaven. In the Mercato there are stalls where different companies sell food, food, food. There is cheese, fresh pasta, porcini mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, chocolate, olive oil, vinegar, every kind of salt you can imagine, and much more. It is amazing! The delis will make you sandwiches, and every single counter has a vacuum sealer so you can take anything home on the plane, and it is safely sealed! This place is amazing.
Janeille and I at the Mercato
We met an American girl named Eliza who has been living in Florence for three years. She works at a nice deli stand in the Mercato. She guided us through a tasting of Pecorino Fresca, aged Pecorino, and delicious Parmeggiano Reggiano. Then we tasted prosciutto and salame. Delicious! Mom and I will be returning today to pick up staples for the apartment.
Next, we headed upstairs to the fruit and vegetable market. This is a whole other level in the Mercato. Frutte e Verdure everywhere! We met an old woman named Mara who isisted on giving us the last of her golden grapes and a bunch of Clemetine for only 2 Euro. She talked with Alex and weighed the fruit many times to ensure we knew she was giving us a good deal. She was truly an Italian character.
After all this excitement, we returned a casa and unloaded before heading to lunch at a place called Leo. We ate late, but it was amazing. We all ordered something different and shared: Un Isalata con rucola, pera, kiwi, mais e grana (arugula, pears, kiwi, corn and parmesan), una pizza con funghi porcini e gorgonzola, e un piato del giorno, which had spinach, pasta bolognese, oven roasted potatoes, insalata caprese, pot roast, and who knows what else. It was so delicious and the converstaion was perfect. My mom and Alex get a long so well, it feels like they have always know eachother.
After lunch we headed to the Florence Archeological Museum, where we ventured in to Ancient Egypt. We saw mummies, and other great relics. They also had a lot of Etruscan art. By the time we were finished there, it was dark and cold, so we headed home for a rest and to prepare for the most important part of the day: DINNER!
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