Bullet Points
Wednesday, week five:
Up at 6am and out the door for our three day excursion to Siena-Florence-San Gimignano...all in the region of Tuscany. I say this every time, but this was my favorite place yet. BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL!!! Siena's Duomo (cathedral) was breathtaking, and was a glorious view from my bedroom window. For you art history folks, Siena's duomo has the black and white stripes. It is huge. I took lots of pictures. We then visited the old civic palisade, where government affairs used to take place. It is the home of very important and famous pieces of art and was extremely interesting. Mom, dad, and everyone else who contributed to the cause, your money is going to good use. I am feeling more educated now that ever before. I am finally comprehending and seeing with my own eyes the things that were so vague before now. I am turning into an art freak and can not wait to stock my shelves with books about Michaelangelo and Bernini. The stories that go with the paintings and sculptures are fascinating, making the history of it all easy and fun to devour.
Isn't it funny how a few weeks can change a person so much? I now find myself craving Italian food and smelling red wines in order to know if the quality is up to par. I find it quite humorous. Who is this girl hidden beneath my skin?
Thursday:
We arrived in Florence, checked into the very nice hotel, which was a 3 minute walk to duomo number two. We ate lunch at a tiny sidewalk cafe, where I had stuffed eggplant for 3 Euro. Not bad, eh? We then headed to see the inside of the Santa Maria del Flora...and oh my word, it was majestic. The outside of this cathedral was enormous and flawless in design. We also saw the bell tower, the dome, and the baptistry...extremely famous site. I don't mean to sound hoity-toity, however you spell that; I did not know anything about these buildings before coming to Europe. I feel smart. Next was Santa Maria Novella, another Church... It, too, was beautiful, but by the time we got there, I was so exhausted that I don't remember much of what was said. So we will move on. Thursday night, five of us met one of my good friends from high school, who happens to be studying in Florence, for dinner. We found the place and there was a mob of people outside the door. Apparently, it is THE PLACE to go...reservation only. Of course, our name was on the top of the list, and when we got there, we moved to the very front of the crowd, said, "Cleveland, party of 6," and the "bouncer" if you will replied, "we have been waiting for you." hahaha...that just tickled me pink. So, we walked right in, sat down at the first table, and they started bringing food out. About five minutes later, I just happened to look up and to my left. A very familiar face walked through the door and this is how the next 10 seconds went:
Megan: "TOM BROKAW?"
T.B. : (turns and looks) "yeah?"
Megan: (extends hand with great confidence) "Nice to meet you."
T.B.: (Shakes my hand, smirks, and walks away.)
Megan: (Shaking like a leaf) "Oh my gosh, did that just happen??????"
Needless to say, my night was made and all the sudden, my food tasted even better than it did before. By the way, his face is much rounder in person, as is his belly. I was hoping he would pick up our tab, but he didn't.
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel, but on the way, we had a great time. Florence never goes to bed, I don't think, so there is always entertainment to be found. We came across a few men playing instruments and stopped to listen. And, man, I am telling you, they were so talented. I would hire them for my wedding in a New York minute. It was so much fun. Then, in the middle of the main square...a ferris wheel. Now, how could I pass up such an opportunity. I told you I wanted to ride a horse while I was here, and this was my chance. It was so cheap and so pretty, all lit up in the night...so, we took a go-round. For a moment, I was five again. It was way better than the Montgomery Mall. Next, was a brief stop on the side of the street to watch a mime do his thing. I made a total fool of myself (what's new) when I tried to go dance with him...only to be rejected (BY A MIME) in front of hundreds of people who thought it was funny. I mime-wiped a tear away and returned to the curb. Later on we went to a swanky club called Angel and sat around on square leather foot stools and talked over candles and pink lights. I felt like a V.I.P.
Friday:
Up at 8am for a trip to San Gimignano to a local vinyard. Wow, we had such a great lunch. Everything we ate was fresh-straight from the fields. Olive oil, bread, cheese, olives, tomatoes, honey, meats, wines, etc...yum.
Afterwards, we had a tour of the facility and THEN, I was able to check a dream off my list. The owner of the vinyard told me that I could walk through and pick off as many grapes as I wished and squish them with my toes!! (Are you reading this, Dr. C??) hehe- So, that is just what I did. I collected grape clusters, and piled them up and went to town. SO FUN. I wore my long brown skirt that day, for the sole purpose of being able to hike it up and squish away like an Italian lady making her own wine. We hurried back to Florence in order to make it to the 8:30 pm modern ballet. We made it only to find out that the dancers were on strike, against the government who had cut their funding. I find it a little ironic that the Italian government would take money away from the arts. Strange.
Saturday:
I spent all day exploring by myself, and it was glorious. I could go where ever I wanted and do whatever I felt like doing. I got a much needed haircut and a free makeover at Sephora-that was fun and relaxing. I strolled through the street markets and visited some extremely fancy stores. I had to stop that action quickly, for, I was beginning to covet. It was definately confirmation that I must make a lot of money, because I really want to wear the luxurious clothes that I can not afford. One day, soon, I WILL wear that $4000 dress and I will enjoy every second of it.
Let's see... I met my high school friend for lunch and enjoyed a few other random adventures. Later on, I met up with the girls and we ate dinner in the square under pretty lights, and listened to live jazz music and watched people juggle fire. It was so fun. Now, I am back in the hotel and am fixing to hit the sack, Jack.
I can not believe that after this week, my trip will be half way over. It is going by so quickly. Next week, I go to Greece for 10 days- I can't wait!!!
Much love to you and yours! Arrivaderci (see you soon)...
Wednesday, week five:
Up at 6am and out the door for our three day excursion to Siena-Florence-San Gimignano...all in the region of Tuscany. I say this every time, but this was my favorite place yet. BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL!!! Siena's Duomo (cathedral) was breathtaking, and was a glorious view from my bedroom window. For you art history folks, Siena's duomo has the black and white stripes. It is huge. I took lots of pictures. We then visited the old civic palisade, where government affairs used to take place. It is the home of very important and famous pieces of art and was extremely interesting. Mom, dad, and everyone else who contributed to the cause, your money is going to good use. I am feeling more educated now that ever before. I am finally comprehending and seeing with my own eyes the things that were so vague before now. I am turning into an art freak and can not wait to stock my shelves with books about Michaelangelo and Bernini. The stories that go with the paintings and sculptures are fascinating, making the history of it all easy and fun to devour.
Isn't it funny how a few weeks can change a person so much? I now find myself craving Italian food and smelling red wines in order to know if the quality is up to par. I find it quite humorous. Who is this girl hidden beneath my skin?
Thursday:
We arrived in Florence, checked into the very nice hotel, which was a 3 minute walk to duomo number two. We ate lunch at a tiny sidewalk cafe, where I had stuffed eggplant for 3 Euro. Not bad, eh? We then headed to see the inside of the Santa Maria del Flora...and oh my word, it was majestic. The outside of this cathedral was enormous and flawless in design. We also saw the bell tower, the dome, and the baptistry...extremely famous site. I don't mean to sound hoity-toity, however you spell that; I did not know anything about these buildings before coming to Europe. I feel smart. Next was Santa Maria Novella, another Church... It, too, was beautiful, but by the time we got there, I was so exhausted that I don't remember much of what was said. So we will move on. Thursday night, five of us met one of my good friends from high school, who happens to be studying in Florence, for dinner. We found the place and there was a mob of people outside the door. Apparently, it is THE PLACE to go...reservation only. Of course, our name was on the top of the list, and when we got there, we moved to the very front of the crowd, said, "Cleveland, party of 6," and the "bouncer" if you will replied, "we have been waiting for you." hahaha...that just tickled me pink. So, we walked right in, sat down at the first table, and they started bringing food out. About five minutes later, I just happened to look up and to my left. A very familiar face walked through the door and this is how the next 10 seconds went:
Megan: "TOM BROKAW?"
T.B. : (turns and looks) "yeah?"
Megan: (extends hand with great confidence) "Nice to meet you."
T.B.: (Shakes my hand, smirks, and walks away.)
Megan: (Shaking like a leaf) "Oh my gosh, did that just happen??????"
Needless to say, my night was made and all the sudden, my food tasted even better than it did before. By the way, his face is much rounder in person, as is his belly. I was hoping he would pick up our tab, but he didn't.
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel, but on the way, we had a great time. Florence never goes to bed, I don't think, so there is always entertainment to be found. We came across a few men playing instruments and stopped to listen. And, man, I am telling you, they were so talented. I would hire them for my wedding in a New York minute. It was so much fun. Then, in the middle of the main square...a ferris wheel. Now, how could I pass up such an opportunity. I told you I wanted to ride a horse while I was here, and this was my chance. It was so cheap and so pretty, all lit up in the night...so, we took a go-round. For a moment, I was five again. It was way better than the Montgomery Mall. Next, was a brief stop on the side of the street to watch a mime do his thing. I made a total fool of myself (what's new) when I tried to go dance with him...only to be rejected (BY A MIME) in front of hundreds of people who thought it was funny. I mime-wiped a tear away and returned to the curb. Later on we went to a swanky club called Angel and sat around on square leather foot stools and talked over candles and pink lights. I felt like a V.I.P.
Friday:
Up at 8am for a trip to San Gimignano to a local vinyard. Wow, we had such a great lunch. Everything we ate was fresh-straight from the fields. Olive oil, bread, cheese, olives, tomatoes, honey, meats, wines, etc...yum.
Afterwards, we had a tour of the facility and THEN, I was able to check a dream off my list. The owner of the vinyard told me that I could walk through and pick off as many grapes as I wished and squish them with my toes!! (Are you reading this, Dr. C??) hehe- So, that is just what I did. I collected grape clusters, and piled them up and went to town. SO FUN. I wore my long brown skirt that day, for the sole purpose of being able to hike it up and squish away like an Italian lady making her own wine. We hurried back to Florence in order to make it to the 8:30 pm modern ballet. We made it only to find out that the dancers were on strike, against the government who had cut their funding. I find it a little ironic that the Italian government would take money away from the arts. Strange.
Saturday:
I spent all day exploring by myself, and it was glorious. I could go where ever I wanted and do whatever I felt like doing. I got a much needed haircut and a free makeover at Sephora-that was fun and relaxing. I strolled through the street markets and visited some extremely fancy stores. I had to stop that action quickly, for, I was beginning to covet. It was definately confirmation that I must make a lot of money, because I really want to wear the luxurious clothes that I can not afford. One day, soon, I WILL wear that $4000 dress and I will enjoy every second of it.
Let's see... I met my high school friend for lunch and enjoyed a few other random adventures. Later on, I met up with the girls and we ate dinner in the square under pretty lights, and listened to live jazz music and watched people juggle fire. It was so fun. Now, I am back in the hotel and am fixing to hit the sack, Jack.
I can not believe that after this week, my trip will be half way over. It is going by so quickly. Next week, I go to Greece for 10 days- I can't wait!!!
Much love to you and yours! Arrivaderci (see you soon)...
posted by bargame at 4:06 PM
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