Here are some sights I've seen over the past week, which began with the celebration, last Sunday with the Feast of the Epiphany, which in Florence is called La Befana, after the Italian equivalent of Santa Claus. This gift-giver is a woman and comes on the day commemorating those legendary gift-givers, the Magi.
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| La Befana in a chocolate shop |
Tilli is a kitchen magician. I don't want to risk pins of envy being stuck in dolls meant to resemble me, so I won't describe all the six courses. I offer only one example: my dessert. It was described as orange cheese cake - a totally inadequate moniker for this:
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| It looked like a fresh orange balanced on some chocolate bits. |
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| Inside, it was ambrosia! Sweet creamy cheese filling between two layers of the subtlest bright orange sugar glaze, with an intensely-orange filling. The chocolate bits only added to the fun! I wanted another one, IMMEDIATELY! I want another one RIGHT NOW! |
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| Our fast-developing chef Lorenzo Brandini with Chef Tilli |
That evening, we took one last look at the view from Chef Tilli's front door and drove back to Florence for one last look at the holiday projections.
Dawn
Dusk
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| Dome of the historic synagog. |
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| Dome of the duomo |
Nightime
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| "Speranza" means hope. May hope light up our lives! |
In the intervening hours between dawn and dusk, I have been hard at my work in progress. Writing a book is an act of hope. I hope that one day, I will have a lot more to say about the story that is forming in my imagination now.
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Beautiful pictures, Annamaria. Makes me want to spend more time in Florence! Particularly at dusk. And that orange dessert was a work of art. How could you bear to destroy it with a spoon? (Ah, the fact it was delicious...)
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome to pop over anytime you like, Zoe. We can go up into the hills to Podere Belvedere and sample Chef Tilli’s creations together. Just say when.
Deletelol, you need to be very careful issuing such rash invitations, Annamaria. I may just have the bad manners to actually take you up on them!
DeleteI like your post and all you share with us is up to date and quite informative, I would like to bookmark the page so I can come here again to read you. thank you for
ReplyDeleteshare this details.
same day agra tour
Beautiful! How did you manage to get pictures of seemingly empty streets in Florence though? It always seems to be teeming with tourists.
ReplyDeleteMarina, the places with the empty streets are not the regular tourist haunts, or it was late at night. Mostly thought, things are not as crowded her in winter.
DeleteEverything looks wonderful there, Annamaria. Great pictures. I can't wait for my trip in May.
ReplyDeleteThat arancia looked delectable.
It will be gorgeous here in May. I look forward to a detailed report from you!
DeleteWonderful post. Thanks for the sharing your wanderings through Florence. Made my morning!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you liked it, Ann. It feeds my soul to be here.
DeleteWhatever story you’re working on Sis, I’m sure it will turn out as layered and irresistible as the orange confection you devoured...twice. Enjoy! PS. Like Dave Magayna, she-who-must-be-obeyed and I might make it to Tuscany (and Florence) after CrimeFest.... sort of like the vandals descending.
ReplyDeleteBoohoo, Bro. You barbarians are all going to descend when I am not here to keep you in line? . Or join in the mischief? What a disappointment!
ReplyDeleteThat dessert reminds me of one we had in France. A solid clear ball with all the goodies visible inside. A good tap and it breaks into sugary pieces mixing with the contents...
ReplyDeleteWhile drinking Chassagne Montrachet, no doubt. :)
DeleteMy invitation is sincere, Zoe. I will keep you posted on my plans to be here.
ReplyDelete