November

The first three weeks of November were unusually warm and sunny. We took long walks without wearing our jackets. On several occasions we took our lunch to our nearest park and watched the dogs have fun chasing one another. We decided that we would explore the outer parts of the city and found leafy suburbs riverside walls, beautiful parks and piazzas. Our first explorations took us to familiar territory like the Parco Cascine which is a large public park that stretches along the Arno but this time we went practically the whole length then found a footpath back along the banks of the Arno. 

Another park we found was our side of the river - the south - the park of the villa Strozzi. Very different from the Cascine which is flat. The Strozzi park is on a hill and has 5 different areas, some lovely picnic areas and children's play areas with wooden animals carved out of tree trunks.

Then one day we explored different areas of the city north of the city centre. We always found interesting shops or hidden piazzas. 

Then suddenly the weather turned cold and we had to wear our winter jumpers and jackets. Our walks continued our favourite walks usually take us along the banks of the Arno going further than on previous occasions. The area of San Nicolo has proved to be a favourite route then crossing to the north side of the Arno for the walk back. 

This is a picture of the memorial to

The "mud angels" the people who came and helped rescue precious art books and manuscripts after the terrible floods of 1966. They worked in mud and filth to help the clean up. 

One full month & a bit more!

Can't quite believe that we have been here in Firenze for over a month. The first few weeks were very busy which was the first surprise and the second was the weather. We had expected it to be a lot warmer but the first couple of weeks were wet and cool. 

In the first couple of weeks we made quite a few contacts with people from a Facebook group and went to an event to meet people. We also answered an advert from an Italian couple who wanted language partners - our first meeting was a great success and we will be meeting up again soon.

The highlight of October was a visit from my son Gareth and his partner André. They arrived a day before Gareth's birthday. So we took them to our favourite Trattoria I Raddi - unfortunately I had forgotten that there was not such a good selection of vegetarian options - but it was still a good night. We started with Aperitivo at the caffé Notte ( of course) where we met up with a friend We met last year so it was brilliant to renew our friendship.

It was great showing Gareth & André our lovely city. On the Monday we took a walk up to San Miniato - up on the hills above the city. We had never managed to visit so this beautiful church. It is a long walk mostly up hill and the Church has many steps up to the front. Once there the walk is very much worth it. The Church is beautiful with lovely frescoes and we arrived in time to hear the monks sing the Gregorian chant at Vespers. From the Church there are wonderful views of the city and the Arno valley. 

The weather also improved and we had a gorgeous sunny day. 

Sadly Gareth and André could only stay a few days. 

The day Gareth left we had a farewell drink with our Ammerican friends who we met here in Firenze a few years ago and we meet up every year. They kindly brought quite a bit of food that they hadn't been able to use up including some Yorkshire tea bags! 

Every day life for us usually consists of - in the morning going out for the bread for breakfast followed by the short walk into Piazza Santo Spirito to see what is for sale in the market ( it changes daily) and to buy veg & fruit. We always have a longer walk in the afternoon and this year we have decided to explore areas we don't know - the more suburban areas and further along both sides of the river. We nearly always discover pretty piazzas or small parks and quirky shops. 

This week - the first week of November it has been warm and sunny with not a fire work in sight ( or sound) brilliant! 

Every where you can see chestnuts, the new olive oil and new wine for sale - who said dolce vita doesn't exist.