We wanted to get out of the busy city hubbub, so we decided to take a public bus to Piazzale Michelangelo to experience the great renaissance artist’s Florence from above. It was also near a camping where Han’s family used to camp at in the late fifties and early sixties.It took quite some time to find the bus location (even the tourism office sent us wrong and then to purchase tickets., which happens to be any tobacco shop. I cannot even remember how many times we heard, “it’s over there” with a quick point of the finger and then dismissed. We went to the tourist office and found out you buy the tickets right outside at the bar set up. Wrong! The bar owner pointed at a store across the road and told us they were the ones selling bus tickets. By the time we walked all over looking for buses and tickets, we were already hot and tired, but was nice to settle onto the bus until it began jarring my brains apart going over the roads. It is a fairly rough ride up, but definitely worth the scenery and experience. Best deal for the price too; Euro 1.20 p/p with a ticket duration of 90 minutes.
Walking along the edge of the large open Piazzale is a bit magical. You get to see and appreciate the beauty of Florence, without being jostled in a crowd of other folks.
We happened to be in the right spot at the right moment, Han was camera ready and took photos of a marriage proposal in progress. It was so sweet. After their special moment was done, I gave them my card and told them if they would like the pics, I would send them. They were very appreciative.
Yes, they contacted me, along with an invite for us to visit Warsaw Poland for coffee. I thought that very nice. Of course we will have to do that next time we are in Europe. Their names are Ania and Michał, and we wish them a wonderful happy life together.
These are the type of episodes that I love about traveling. You are able to pick up friends and acquaintances along the way and you just never know who you will meet.
David’s statue was fun to pose with. I think someone must have molested his front side, but his derriere was a perfect specimen of a man. It is surrounded by some modern cylinder type of art that I find difficult to call art. Very much out of place in this venue. It honestly distracted instead of adding to the scene, as I guess they had planned.
After enjoying the scenery and buying a few souvenirs, we slowly made our way even farther up to a church and monastery. It is A LOT climbing and stairs. Be prepared with water and good shoes.
As I turned the corner and the entire church came into view, I had the oddest memory or deja-vu because I instantly recognized the church. I could almost hear a certain music score in my head.
Maybe from a movie or a dream? I knew darn well I had seen this particular church before though.
The church is Basilica di San Miniato al Monte.
I lit three candles while inside for my mom, Luisana and April. The entire time with the odd sensation. Not a horrible feeling, just an ever so slight eerie feeling. So I took a picture of the name and researched it when I got back to the hotel.
Sure enough, I had seen it in one of my favorite movies of 1976. That is a long time ago. LOL
It is called Obsession. Check it out. I loved it and now I understand my memories that were floating around in my head.
I think we will watch it tonight.
Church:
Movie:
Afterwards we walked back down and bought a sandwich and water for lunch. As we were ordering and paying for our food the owner walked up behind the cute young cashier and goosed or pinched, she was not one bit happy about it and reprimanded him loudly. I mentioned to her that his behavior would not be allowed in the states, so she turned to him and said, “NO MORE, I move to the states”. It was funny, but not really funny at the same time. I felt sorry for her that she obviously has to put up with that belittling treatment to have a job.
We sat outside on the balcony, where we had to pay and extra 1.5 euro for the view. They get you coming and going here. The sandwich was okay. It fed the hunger.
Caught the bus back into town and went back to the hotel to cool off before dinner.
While Han was taking a snooze, I went out shopping. I saw a skirt and I literally could not get anyone to help me purchase it, so I ended up leaving. I did however see a restaurant that I thought would be great for dinner.
Let me just say, it was out of this world amazing in food, class and service. As soon as you are set down you receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco champagne; then they bring you a basket of different breads and a refreshing cold bouillon consommé. I have never been overly crazy about cold soup, but I tried it and Han enjoyed the rest.
Our dinner was superb, relaxing and the owner “Abdel” was a Berber in his blood which we found out when he stopped by to chat. The restaurant name is Belcore. It only has seating inside and I suggest reservations for dinner seatings after 7:00pm.
I sincerely think the waiter was one of the best ever with his professionalism and personality.
After dinner they bring you (again complimentary) a small dessert wine and a plate of miniature biscotti’s. It was a most pleasurable evening and I easily give it two thumbs up. Just read the menu and your mouth will surely water.
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