Annamaria on Monday
Here is a photo essay of my travel to Florence, and my first days here, along with some running commentary.
Generally speaking, it feels sane here. Italians have a reputation for flouting rules, and I suppose they do when the rules are complex and rob life of its joys. Certainly, some--like people everywhere--do so for their own convenience. But now, when lives are on the line and the rules are based on science, vast percentages of Italians are willingly complying. This is true all over the country, and certainly here in my second home city. So one feels cautiously safe.
Today, I want to take you along on the trip so far.
Leaving NYC
I have given the car service a nickname: "Lap–o'-Luxury Transportation:
Despite being held together by duct tape, the car got me to the Newark Airport in time to see the sunset…
… and in plenty of time to make my flight:
Making Lemonade
Just before leaving home, I had received a call from my friend Nicoletta with bad news. The elevator would not be working in my building in Florence the day I arrived until the following evening. My apartment is a penthouse, ordinarily a wonderful thing. The elevator goes to the fifth floor of the building. (Please remember that in Italy they count floors from zero. That means their fifth floor would be an American sixth floor.) From top of the elevator to my place, there is another flight of stairs. I have done so in the past, but this time around I didn't feel quite up to carrying my luggage up seven flights of stairs.
Nicoletta and I always meet for lunch on the day I arrive. This time, after so long an absence, I said we should make it a very special place. Discussing the elevator issue, we worked out a plan for me to stay the first night with her out in the Chianti (not what I would ever call a sacrifice, since it is a kind of paradise to me.) Our plan involved my taking my luggage to the restaurant. "Where are we going to meet?" I asked.
"You said a special place," she responded, "so I chose the Four Seasons Hotel."
Pause....
"How about this for Plan B?" I said. "Let's just get a room at The Four Seasons and stay there while I wait for them to fix the elevator?" We both giggled!
And so we spoiled ourselves!
