Yesterday, we decided if this place had a cutting board and kitchen towels (and better AC), it would be perfect.

Still working on the AC…in tutti I’ilalia…

Moka is brewing, I am writing, Danita is on her run…a perfect morning at the villa.

When the runner returns, she brings with her some treats from town. While enjoying our breakfast, a man enters our outdoor entry way. I wave, as several had entered mistakenly, but he motions me to come to him. I walk out as he is tries to make me understand something about fiori…he can tell I’m not comprensione and says, “Uno momento”, jogging away. I followed thinking he wants me to identify something. At a distance, through the gate, I see a girl come in with a bouquet of fiori…and it hits me. I exclaim, “OHHH MMYYYY GGOOOSHHHH!!”, a little more excitedly than usual for me. From inside the villa, Danita, concerned, says, “What?!” “You’re getting flowers,” I respond as I watch it all play out.

“How the heck did he manage this!? Communicating with someone here is difficult enough when you are standing right in front of them…but communicating over a phone line thousands of miles away…he’s determined.” -Danita J

Out with the fake old, in with the new…

With this bit of excitement under our wings, we head to town to find la spiaggia.

A local advised us to take the bus to la spiaggia…so we wait.

We purchase due sedie e un ombrello and have a wonderfully relaxing afternoon.

With our Kindles and due Spritz…we were set.

Around 5:00, we started wondering how long the buses would run. If we missed it, the trek would be up, up, up. So we gathered our things including our nuovi asciugamani and head to the fermata dell’autobus…and wait. Experience has proven that even if only a few people are waiting 20 minutes before a bus comes, there could be 80 by the time it arrives. And that is pretty much what happened. But…we’ve learned to shove on.

Not the first time (or the last) we’ve been on an over capacity transportation vehicle this trip.

Our villa is situated right out of the main part of Sirolo, more on the edge of a neighborhood, and edge of a cliff. The walk back removes you from the few tourist here, (we rarely hear people speaking English), but you are close enough to walk right back for aperitivo and dinner. Which we did.

This has been the only disappointment of Sirolo so far…good Spritz in town, poor, poor aperitivo snacks. Roaming around a bit later for dinner was also a let down. We’ve decided the aperitivo we prepared last night was the best in town.

Plans for domani? Different beach, dinner at the villa.

Grab your bags guys because we have another day of treno travel ahead of us. Ma prima, we need a bit of breakfast and to say our arrivedercis to Concerto.

When the taxi arrived, the discussion was already how hot the day was to be. Driving to the stazione, I witnessed how far I had roamed in hopes of finding more mosaics. No wonder I was hot, tired and “cranky”. But “let’s” not forget…I am over that.

At the stazione, we did more rounds of the Stazione Shuffle. These treno bound for Ancona are popular! Time to shove on…See you in Ancona, “Most likely.”

The train ride is about due hours with 10 stops or so along the way. We are once again in the entry way for the first hour and a half or so, then as people uscita, we get seats. Out the windows, we get our first glimpses of the Adriatic. It is lovely…however, I have yet to see any waters that rival the Mediterranean Sea at Cinque Terre.

Arriving in Ancona, we still have another couple of modes of transportation to experience before arriving to our room in Sirolo. Adding to the 1sts of this trip…I have rented a car!! I am very excited, but of course, a bit nervous as well. I figure this is the way to give it a whirl, having a companion to navigate as I drive.

Anyway, the car rental spot next to the stazione is not open on Sunday’s so we need to get to the rental spot at the airport. As we head toward the uscita, I begin….just begin to mention our option of taking a bus…”Nope, not gonna happen.” -Danita J.

We easily grab a taxi, he too talks about the heat and humidity today as he is loading our bags. We hop in and say “areoporto”. We begin to drive…and drive…and drive. I am getting anxious and confused as we are looping back to areas we just came from via treno. I figured there must have been a stop closer to the areoporto than Ancona proper.

Arrive areoporto. Taxi driver let’s us out as I tell him we are only here to get a rent car, then we are off to Sirolo. Kind uomo that he is, he begins to give me directions to Sirolo… What route to take, which to avoid, what to do at each roundabout…I jot these tips down for a little bit, then just give up, writing “yeah right” as he speaks.

Enter areoporto. Small and completely empty…wait, there is one window open at one car rental agency…but it is not Hertz. By the way, I did call the Hertz number earlier letting them know we were experiencing some treno difficulties and we were running a bit late, but that we would be there.

We approach the closed counter, I dig for my paperwork, Danita calls the number. I hear the word “unfortunately” from the other end of the line and my heart sinks. Then I hear him say he will return after 3:00. We wait.

All goes well with the rental. I set aside my dream of driving a Fiat 500 manual shift in Italy and go with an automatic. The way travel can go in Italia…I decide to lower my chances of issues. We get a dark silver VW Golf. Cute enough and drives well.

As my dad advised, we took a couple of roundabouts due volte, but we arrived at the gates of Villa Vetta Marina, nessus problema. I had also called Antonio of the villa earlier, letting him know our arrival time was to be a bit delayed. He said he would meet us at the gate…

I can see Antonio through the gates and excitedly let him know we have arrived. He gives me a Un momento hand as he is giving another guest specifics, then he comes to us.

We pull in with “ease”. As Danita mentioned earlier, “The streets in Italy, were not made for cars.” Antonio gives us the quick, solo Italian tour. When we would ask something in English or my molto limited Italian…we would just get blank stares.

Antonio exits, we unpack and check out this molto Bella place.

Moka and wine glasses are found…we will stay!

I know I cannot adequately describe this villa. It and its surroundings are simply poetic. Everything is so lovely inside and out.

On the way here, I shared with Danita that I have not been here, I have not been to the Adriatic, I found this place and it looks amazing, but I hedged, as I braced myself, that sometimes, (I know…I’m bursting your bubbles here…) sometimes, things don’t turn out like you imagine. This, mio amici, is not one of those times. YAY!!!

Andiamo soul Mercato.

Even having to pay for your grocery cart here in Italy is fun.

Piccolo mercato, but everything we need is ecco.
We grab burrata, pomodori, fflllaaaattt-a bbrreeaaadd-a, olives, another yummy looking formaggio and vino…certo…due bottiglie…we are currently researching Vini branching Della regions Marche…

We head back to our villa, Danita goes for a run while I prepare our aperitivo…ah the happy couple…

I will tell you, Danita’s last words as she tied her running shoes were, “This is a perfect time for a run…it looks like it is going to rain later.” And rain it did.

The first big clap of thunder drew me to the window. More thunder and lightening followed. I considered jumping in the car and going to find mi amica, but I do not know the area, nor have any idea of what route she may have taken. She’s a big girl, so I wait, enjoying the storm as I do.

She returns, soggy but smiling. We sit under the cover of our portico loving every moment and morsel.

Mi displace**Not sure how to “bleep” words on here…**

One of life’s lessons is that with every storm…or at least most…a rainbow can be found.

I told you this place was poetic.

If one rainbow isn’t the one you are looking for…look closer…there may be due.

The Tuscan sun is up, my amica has arrived…all is good in Italia.

Brava to Danita! She did her homework. When she texted saying, “Do you know where I am? I have no freakin idea where I am!” She sent me the address and was literally a block down. I am at 26, she at 14. A meraviglioso inizio!

Within an hour, (a Firenze First I believe), Danita had bought some strappy scarpe and we were on our way to Pugi.

Danita is not one to stray from her healthy diet, but spoiler alert….we return!

Before she arrived, I made a little list highlights we could hit. After all, I only have a day and a half to get her to fall in love with mi citta. On that list was seeing The David (hey Sheryl!). So andiamo to Galleria Accademia. My intent was for us simply to do a reconnaissance run. You know, scope out the line. Make her aware of ticket cost. That sort of thing. We approach this common sight.

At about the time I was explaining ticket prices and what we would see inside, a guy approaches in a white shirt and red tie. “Hello Ladies, do you wish to see the David?” However did you know?! Medium story short, before I could say Buonorroti, Danita had purchased due biglietti from the street guy and we were being ushered to the front of no line….in we went.

Seeing this work of art is an experience that is not dulled by frequency. Created 1501-1504, out of Carrara marble, David stands 17 feet tall. This beauty at the hands of a 26 year old. I recently read Michelangelo had created a wax model of the statue. He laid it on his side and submerged it in water. As he sculpted, he would drain a bit of the water allowing an inch or so of the wax to be exposed. With this method, he approached his masterpiece detail by detail.

“Worth every euro.” -Danita Jarreau

We are fairly close to the Mercator Centrale, so I take her for a quick spin through. I am aware the REAL market is closed already, but am hopping we will return tomorrow morning. What cook can come to Firenze without witnessing the magic of the market?

Next, we roam…and are rewarded. We stumble across Le Menagere.

We are drawn in by the same feel as citta Artigianale…clean, crisp, urban and hip…ok, and we are tired, hot and thirsty.

At this point, Danita has yet to enjoy a Spritz. Even at my casa in Texas, she says she’s never had one. Well…I can fix that.

“Due Spritz, per favore.” “Espresso?” “Si…I mean No…SPRITZ”, “Ah…Spritz”. “Uhm…Si”. “One momento.”

“Vale ogni momento.” -Paige Conn

So happy to have two of my migliori amici meet.

This Spritz was not only il piu bello crafted I have ever seen, it was also the most wonderfully refreshing. We sat all proud with our works of art at the bar. Other women would come up to the bar and order a Spritz, the bartender would sling some ice, Aperol, Prosecco and club soda in to a glass…and then shove an orange slice in. The disappointed customer would look over at our glasses with severe Spritz Envy. Most would just slump and sigh and walk off with their lesser Spritz. But there was one lady who was not to be slighted. She stood there, pointed at ours and said, “What about my cucumber?” The bartender looked at her and said, “Cosa?” “Cucumber. (Pointing) I’d like cucumber.” The young bartender smiled accommodatingly. The woman had a moment of triumph…then he grabbed a black straw and stuck it in her drink. “Ecco”. Another woman’s Spritz dreams dashed.

This made ours all the sweeter…certo!

After seeing how aptly our bartender used a bar spoon…I needed one. Off to Bartolini. And yep…they had just what the bartender ordered.

Il milo cucchiaio l u n g o…It is going to make some magic!

Back to the appartamento for a little rest before…ok, let’s be honest…before we drink again.

At sette, we have reservations at Le Volpi e L’Uva. Danita is having a bit of a time getting use to the pace of the Italian waiter. Thing just don’t click along like she’s used to. We are in no hurry I assure her. Our next appointment, sunset.

Traveling with others can be tricky. But we’ve decided as long as we get a few particulars out of the way ahead of time…all should be bene. First, where Paige takes buses or let’s say walks miles (uphill) to a spot…when Danita says no, (and as we all know…she is certainly no slouch to exercise…just not the euro pincher I am) the answer is no…same in English and Italian, so…No means No.

So it is a cab ride up to Piazzale Michelangelo joining the throngs of people to watch the sun go slowly down.

This is my third visit to this vantage point…each time the vista is beautifully unique.

The Tuscan sun has set on giorno uno of Paige and Danita’s Italian Adventure, but not before a bicchiere o due di vino a La Loggia- Mangiare Con Gli Occhi e Buona Notte!

Today, I begin my morning earlier than usual.  I actually have an agenda today.

9:00 mass at Santo Spirito was a very intimate experience as there were only about dieci of us there.

As I was leaving, the priest came and shook my hand with a smile.  “Grazie , Padre.”  “Ciao! Prego.”   I Andiamo en Pace to grab a bite to eat.

I had seen a post yesterday by Curious Appetite sharing the thought of why drink caffe in the morning when you can have tiramisu from this spot, ditto Artigianale.

I do not choose tiramisu because I figure a sugar high and a tower high might not mix well, but I will return.  This place is like Italy meets Seattle or Austin.  Clean, crisp, hip.  There are tre locations in Firenze.  I actually run across another later.  But this one is right down the via from me.

Although ditta Artigianale is a place I could spend the morning…I have a tower to climb.

As I cross the Orno at Ponte Vecchio, there is a guy at work removing the Love Locks attached illegally to the bridge.  I guess there are rules to love.

During the morning I was a bit nervous the lines at Palazzo Vecchio would be long.  I need not have worried.  I do  not think this is one of the more popular tourist stops.  During my hour or so in the torre, I encounter no more than quindici persone.  This with a light breeze made for a perfetto experience.

Andiamo!

The brochure states there are 223 steps to the top of this 95mt high tower.  Note: these steps do not include the many you climb to get to the tower.

This torre is one of the oldest parts of Palazzo Vecchio, built around 1299.  So it is vecchio, vecchio.  The tower was built as a protection from external attack, but it was also a symbol of the government lording over the Florentine families.

First stop, the highest battlement level affording a lovely terracotta and blue view.

Then, piu scale.

Before you reach the bell chambers at the tippy(ish) top, there is a small prison cell known as the Alberghetto.  I am really excited about this.  Others, stick their heads in and pass it on by.  Non me!  I want to spend some time where Cosimo the Elder (in 1433) and Fra’ Girolamo Savonarola (in 1498) were guests.  I love being in an area where you know important historical figures walked…but standing in a 10×8 cell, really concentrates that experience.  Molto, molto cool!

Can’t help but touch this…can you imagine the people and emotions that did!!??!!

The current view out of the Alberghetto is of the Uffizi and then the Arno.  Back in the day, solo Arno.

And when you reach the top, another breathtaking view.

I sent Daddy this photo and he joked about me scouting a spot for my cooking show…trying to top Giada.

There is an attendant at the top and I ask him if the bell above us is the “vacca “.  He says yes but is not sure where it got it’s name.  I enlighten him.  Vacca means cow in Italian and the bell’s toll, was said to sound like a cow mooing.  This bell was rung to summon the Florentines to Piazza Della Signoria to hear important news or to take part in a parlamento or voting.

Yesterday Daddy emailed me with a “suggestion”…go figure!  Anyway, he said, “I know this is your blog, but I think  you should include at least a photo a day with YOU in it.”  Not gonna happen Doug, but this one’s for you.

I am really looking forward to my friend, Danita, joining me in a couple of days, but there are definatley perks to traveling solo.  I do not think anyone would have wanted to spend 30+ minutes at the top of the tower while I sketched.  The few who came up would make you spin around the top, take a selfie or two and then say to their travel companion, “You ready?”

Returning to Palazzo level, I tour the various rooms, appartamento said and halls.  Sings of my amici the Medicis are everywhere.  Much of their tumultuous lives took place within these walls.  As I experienced the low point of the cell and “read” the highpoints painted on walls and ceilings, I wonder how we would illustrate our lives, condensed to its major lows and highs.

Below depicts Cosimo the Elder giving Brunelleschi (kneeling) the green light to build Basillica San Lorenzo.

Here Cosimo surrounds himself with many of the major artist of the time.  Oh Cosimo, center of the Renaissance Universe. Aspetta!

As I have said, if there is not someone barring the door, I will enter.  Case in Point…

I am just roaming through, and I find myself in an above average crowded room.  It takes me a moment to register, at some level, that the people here seem to have “costumes” on…and ridiculous hats…Then a harmonica (still confused at this choice for this venue) begins playing “Here comes the Bride”…yep, I’ve crashed un altro wedding.  I lower my head, back out and then grab a quick shot

As I stroll through the Palazzo, I am transported by Bella musica.  I enter the balcony over looking .  Even though I knew I was in a massive building, the grandeur and size of this “room” boggles my mind.  I find my way down to get a closer look/listen.

What a treat to be transported while admiring this impressive hall.  It was commissioned in 1494 by Savonarola, of all people.  He had led a revolt to oust the Medicis and founded a more democratic government, The Council of 500, hence the name “Salone dei Cinquecento”.  Piero Soderini was elected Gonfaloniere for life.  Leonardo and Michelangelo were commissioned to create great frescoes illustrating the great history of Firenze.  None of their work was ever completed, but sketches remain.

In 1540, guess who returned to power….si, bene! The Medicis.  The purpose of the hall changed to Duke Cosimo I de Medici’s “boardroom”.  And Vasari was commissioned to illustrate the Medici spun history of Firenze.

Front and center…Pope Leo X, aka Giovanni di Lorenzo de Medici.

Like the falls of the Medici, it is time for me to return to the streets.

But they are EVERYWHERE…here, meet Maria de Medici…by blub.

In the Art, Pray, Food cycle…it is time for food.

So let’s compare La Proscuitteria to All’ antico Vinaio…If the Voce della gente mean anything, All’ antico Vinaio would remain tops.

But, taste should prevail…seeing sunlight through my prosciutto is a molto bene sign.

And my choice remains true to Antico over La Proscuitteria.

Still working to recover some of the cab fare, I nibble all the way home and have a bicchiere di vino bianco in la Mia Casa.

The evenings are meant for roaming.  What a treat it was to see this street artist and his patrons enjoying his work.

Oh yeah…the evenings are meant for Spritz as well.

Today’s offering of chalk art in front of Zara made me smile.  Quite the Mash-Up…da Vinci and Duchamp…can’t wait to share this one in class.

As I walk along the Arno, on my way back home for the evening, I love seeing so many people stopping there day to admire the setting sun.

The shot below is looking back at Ponte Santa Trinita and the sun’s admirers.

With no more than the passing of dieci minuti, this was my view from Ponte Alla Carraia.  No words.

At the appartamento, I removed my shoes and began to relax.  Wait…put those sandali back on!  I just read there is a free concert back at my Palazzo.  10:00 pm-3:00am!  Andiamo!

Quick note….I was having some MAJOR technical difficulties this morning in the appartamento. I almost threw the iPad out the finestra…but while I waited for Danita to recover from her flight and our first day, I came down to ditta Artigianale. Connect with their wifi and write over 1/2 of this on my phone….so, Per favore, perdona qualsiasi errore.  I’ll try to edit later.  Ciao for now!

I finally broke down and spent 2.5 euro on a map of Firenze.  I was hesitant to buy one because I was on the lookout for something unique…  Oh well, once I get through scribbling on it…it I’ll be unique.

I am currently taking a Map Making Klass through SketchbookSkool online.  I look forward to creating a really one-of-a-kind one of Firenze, and my entire trip, when I return home.

After working on the blog all morning, I am a bit hungry so what do you say we start with some cibo from the hood.

Each time I step out into the stairway of my appartamento, I smile.  You can usually hear musica coming from a neighbor or Italian TV show playing, or just conversation.  I find it funny that things that would no doubt get on my nerves at home, here I find endearing.

In 2015, one of my last meals in Firenze was my most memorable.  I had the gnocchi at Osteria Santo Spirito.  While I was enjoying it, I so wished for Avery and Dalton, feeling a bit guilty eating something I knew they would love.  Today, I am headed back to Osteria Santo Spirito but I am going to wait to get the gnocchi until Avery is here with me.  I tried to eat there the other night, but the wait was 2 hours.  I am thinking lunch is a better choice.  First, the crowd should be less and second, I will have the rest of the day to walk off the pasta.

I arrive and all the tavoli outside are taken, but there is plenty of room inside.

I am pretty sure I already know what I am going to order, but looking over the piatti della  giornata is encouraged.  I loved the pici Cacio e Pepe so much the other night at Tamero and with it being a special of the day here, my decision is made.

I ask the girl if I can get a mezzo ordine, but she says no.  That settles it, nothing extra…just the pici.

When the piatto arrives, I am surprised because she had assured me it wasn’t a very big portion.   I did however, eat almost the entire serving!  Molto Buono.

I had a bicchiere del vino bianco della casa with my pasta.  Afterwards, I finished up with an espresso and a bottle of water.  While I was there, I made reservations for Avery and myself in July…outside table this time.

The Basilica di Santo Spirito is at the top of the piazza.  I feel embarrassed to say I do not always remember which chiesas I have visited before.  I think it is because during previous visits, I cram as much in each day as I can and it all runs together.  I do remember visting Santo Spirito in 2013.  My bicicletta tour stopped in the piazza for gelato and our guide let us jump in for a minute if we wanted.

The other night, I put a picture of the chiesa  on the post, so I did not include one this time.  Although it has a very simple facade, the interior is an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture.

The artwork housed here is impressive as well.  Michelangelo and Lippi are two of the heavy hitters represented.

And lest you think the Medicis did not have their balls in this court as well…Spotting the Medici coat of arms in Firenze is a fun and rewarding pastime.  This one is located in the ceiling of a side room off the courtyard.

Photographs are not allowed inside the chiesa, but the interior’s size and impressiveness is a secret kept by the simple exterior.  As I wound my way through the main church, admiring capella after capella, I found Saint Rita in a very prominent spot towards the back.  Near her statue and painting,  was a little table set  with prayer cards and tiny little devotional books.  I had only seen one other like it in the entire Chiesa.  I found this very special and touching.  I made a donation and will be bringing them home.  Before I left, I also bought a candle up front and returned to Saint Rita adding our family intentions to the flame.

In the piazza, I had admired numerous versions of the Holy Spirit or Santo Spirito on flags, stained glass, doors, etc.  This one was sold in the Chiesa bookstore, so added a couple with Saint Rita.

I never tire of the variety of Street Art you can find in Firenze.  Here are just a few that caught my eye today.

As I was heading to do my passeggiata at ZARA, I decided to pop into Chiesa Santa Felicita to visit once again Pontormo’s The Deposition from the Cross.  I was disappointed to see it was being restored so not on view.  However, upside was that there was a sign that said there was a free concert in an hour.  I like music, I love free…so I sat down, opened my sketchbook and waited.

It seems to be a trend that I am ending my evenings with beautiful lullabys.

More candles, more prayers.

Althought I was Oltrarno at San Felicita, I do another spin over the Arno before going back to th appartamento for the night.  And right now, I cannot remember why, but I went into the Palazzo Vecchio…when there is not someone barring the door…I’m gonna try it.  Anyway, I go in, go up a few flights of stairs and see a sign for a Tower Tour.  This really piques my Medici interest.  Molto, molto happened here for many a Medici.  I finally find someone still at work.  He politely let’s me know all is chiuso.  Before I leave, he allows me to purchase a biglietto to tour tomorrow.

Perfetto!  Tomorrow…To the Top!

Still bummed about the 17euro spent on my taxi last night, I absorb a bit of it by buying a bag of chips at my corner store and staying in.

Buon Appetito!