Cataldo European Adventure: Firenze, Italy

Yesterday afternoon we arrived in Firenze, Italy. (Florence) This is where Frances, Donna's best friend lives and works as an artist.

When we arrived, Papa pulled out his keys to the studio's front door, but none of the keys would fit in the lock! We were all standing out on the busy sidewalk, with our ten pieces of luggage, and we were locked out! Papa quickly found Frances by phone, and she said she'd be there in 15 minutes. Fortunately, there was a covered cafe right across the street, so we shared some cold frizante aqua minerale (seltzer) and Papa got the kids an ice cream and the bakery.

Very soon Frances arrived via her bicycle and joined us for our cold drink. Then she led us into the apartment. (Apparently, the front door lock had been changed almost a year ago.) Once inside, a list was made for the hardware store (including new keys) and the grown-ups were off on their errands, while I did some laundry.

Here is Frances Lansing, the artist, and Papa.

Jaramie and her bear "Bruno" enjoying an ice cream.

In Firenze, the new mayor, a younger man, has made great strides in keeping traffic out of the center of the city. One can still get around via Vespa motor bikes, bicycles, and of course, feet.

Organized motor-bike parking....

And regular bicycles too.

Tiny cars like these also are around and can fit into tight spaces.

This one is just Jaramie's size.

Horse drawn carriages are for us tourists only.

We all look happy hear near the Duomo though. However, the weather is VERY HOT and HUMID too. So, after we went out to the Mercante Centrale, we had a siesta back in the dark apartment.

I am trying to get in history lessons whenever possible to explain to the kids how old everything is. It is hard though. When asked for her first impressions of Florence, Jaramie said, "dirty, smelly and noisy." Well, I guess she's right... but I wish they could see the beauty too. I guess after seeing Orta, Torri del Benaco, and Venice, this is hard to compete.