Friday, October 5th, 2007

I got up early and walked around. I took some pictures of Piazza della Signoria before the tourist got there. I saw Italians walking to work and street cleaners washing the piazza.
I walked over to Melinda's place and dropped off my poetry book, which I had wrapped in plain paper. I hope Melinda enjoys it. I then walked accrossed the Ponte Grazie bridge, turned back toward Ponte Vecchio, walking along and watching the beautiful Arno River.

I had a wonderful continental breakfast at the Hotel Guelfa. At 12:30, Ed'Veeje and Raquel showed up at the hotel. We had a little time before we were to pick up the rental car, so we walked to the Duomo. Ed'Veeje says she doesn't feel like she is in Italy until she sees 'her' Duomo. We then walked to the San Lorenzo market area. It is filled with dozens of merchants selling all kinds of wares. For this newcomer, it was pretty interesting.

So who are Ed'Veeje and Raquel? Two dear friends I have known for about 10 years through another friend, though I have only gotten to know them on a deeper level in the last few years. They have been an inspiration to me in so many different ways and given me strength when I needed it, especially Ed'Veeje. Last year, they invited me to Italy, thinking I would be a good travel companion. It was as if I had been invited into a special "inner circle" and I have felt very privilege, and if you knew them, you would know exactly what I meant.

We finally made our way to get the rental car after going to the wrong place twice - my fault, which we laughed about. Not every journey goes smoothly as they say. But finally we got to our car and we were off driving through the streets of Florence. Ed'Veeje navigated for me while Raquel crashed in the back seat.

I had blast driving the little fiat out of Florence with E'vee's help. You just have to not be afraid to go for an opening when it opens up. The girls were impressed with my driving, as was I, I might add.

The drive to their friends house, Ludmilla, was a good trip. It was pretty easy driving up there, which was about an hour and half west of Milano. We met Ludmilla and her husband at an ice cream place in town after dark, then followed them up to the house in the hills. It was a good thing too, because we were driving in the dark. Had we not been following them, I think it would've been impossible to find. Up and down hills, sharp turns. When we arrived, her parents had dinner waiting. A true Italian dinner with true Italians. It was quite fun, and a great experience, though we drank way too much - lol