Thursday, October 11, 2007

We rose early. The girls packed their bags as well as I did, though I would be coming back to the villa tonight. But, I thought it a good ideal to drop off my suitcase at the hotel so I wouldn't have to drag it about Friday when I would be checking back into the Hotel Guelfa. The last thing you want to do in Florence is drag your suitcase over cobble and stones as well dodge cars.

We arrived in Florence around 10:40am. We first drove up to the Piazza di Michelangiolo. From there, I had to drive in historic Florence, manuvering through narrow streets, trying to find our way into the historical district. We drove down via del Romana, then took via via Maggio. This took us to the Arno, where we crossed over the Ponte S Trinta bridge; this is the first brige West of Ponte Vecchio. Once we crossed, you make an imediate right on Lungarno. this street runs one way along the Arno towards Ponte Vecchio. There is a little alley way right before you get to via Por Santa Maria. Turning down this alley, takes you Borgo Apostoli, where the hotel is. I dropped the girls and bags off at the Hotel Guelfa. I then drove around looking for a parking space. It doesn't take long driving around downtown Florence to realize finding parking spot is going to be difficult at best. I ended up driving up to Piazza di Michelangiolo and parked free where all the tourist and buses were. It took about 20 minutes to find my way back up there.

The view from here was truly amazing over looking all Florence and beyond. I can see why so many pictures are taken from this vantage point. I took a few pictures and video of my own, then I headed down the stairs and to make my way to Piazza della Signoria where I was to meet Ed'Veeje and Raquel.

The walk took me about 15 minutes, walking down hill, along the Arno, crossing Ponte Grazie bridge, past Melinda's house, past the Uffizi, then into the piazza, which was crowded as usual. I found the girls sitting at the bottom of statue-filled Loggia dei Lanzi, where many important Greek statues stood. If you have ever seen the movie, "A Room with View"(1986), this is where Lucy Honeychurch faints, and is carried to by George. I had a difficult finding them at first, thinking they would be in the middle of piazza, but I soon saw them sitting under the Loggia.

We ended up walking over to the Piazza della Republicca, where we had lunch at Gilli, Florence's oldest cafe (1733). The food and wine here were very good. We talked and watched the people. Little did I know I would be parting from the girls sooner than I had anticipated. Had I known, I would've not allowed them to buy my lunch. I was looking forward to dinner with them as well as drinking wine from atop the Hotel Guelfa over looking Florence with them. That was something I wanted to share with them. But some things are not meant to be.

We walked back to the hotel after lunch and the bell hop moved the girls to their room, now that it was ready. As soon as the bell hop left, Raquel retreated to the bedroom and Ed'Veeje talked to me about if I wouldn't mind leaving them alone. They were leaving for Boston very early the next morning. I think they needed time by themselves before they flew back to states where they were to face dragons they would need slaying, especially Raquel. I knew what these dragons were, but it would be inappropriate to disclose here, online.

I left the hotel and started walking. I didn't know where I was going. I just walked for a while. I ended up along the Arno River. Just like that, I was alone again, I thought. Alone in a beautiful city. It had been one of the most incredible weeks of my life, with two dear friends I have learned to care for greatly. The week was not faced paced, but a gentle flow of activity, relaxing, and talking. The kind of talking and friendship I shared that week is something I have been missing from my life for quite sometime.

I walked around Florence slowly and soon found myself back at the car. I made my way back to the villa. While driving, I felt a peace come over me. It seems I have always been alone, punctuated with moments of beauty such as I have experienced with friends like Ed'Veeje and Raquel, and sometimes with my friend Sam'e. Music, poetry and art sometimes give me this feeling. At times, I feel as if I live from one beautiful moment to the next. I love life and all it has to offer. So many wonderful things and wonderful people I encounter. I remember the four Spaniards I met in Spain in 2000 at the bullfight, Ludmilla and her family on this trip - real Italians; other Americans; Melinda, who I can now say is a friend. How can one not embrace life? One must live life. See the world. To not act is a crime against oneself. The key is to simplify. Enjoy the little things and the good moments that come. They hold us. And if we are really fortunate, we might even find true love.