Merry Day After Christmas

Annamaria in Florence

Once again I have decamped to Florence to celebrate the holidays and to escape winter in my otherwise beloved NYC.  Given my superannuated condition, I don't think it's a good idea for me to fall down. A lot of the people in my age category who have taken a bad fall have never fully recuperated. And much as I love my vibrant, beautiful city, at this time of year the sidewalks can be treacherous. Fortunately for me, I have the choice of a choice place to go!

This week, I am feeling extra lucky.  Even benign weather places in the United States have faced an epic storm. I was fortunate to escape before the mega blizzard hit, so my flight even left on time.

Here are a couple of screenshots showing the temperature differences between New York City and Firenze during this holiday weekend:

I was traveling alone but had the company of a very dear friend of many years.  Kubu is a great travel companion, makes the hours (ahem) fly by!

The airports were festive with holiday decorations, and while changing planes in Frankfurt, I even spotted St. Nick and an elf:

It's been cloudy and a bit rainy here for my first few days, but still much better than I would have found back across the pond.

The atmosphere in the restaurants as elegant and subdued as ever.  The food... Far above par!

Breakfast is spectacularly good.

And the city is lit up!

After a spectacular Christmas lunch with my Italian family in the Chianti, on my way home I found the facade of the Palazzo Vecchio bathed in a mesmerizing projections.

My little Christmas tree, shown at the top, is doing its best to put its own little sheen of cheer on the  proceedings.

I am sending you all, readers and writers, my very best wishes for many many joys in the coming year.  Listen to this.  It will tell you where those joys can be found. 

I hope you will take it to heart!