My friends in Canada told me that Italians don't
eat sweets. Nothing could be farther from
the truth. These lovely pastry stores are
everywhere, and terribly tempting.
Inside the Duomo the votive candles are arranged like
little trees.
The famous Duomo is getting her face washed
An ordinary house on our street.
to Toronto, with stops in Frankfurt, Germany and
Ottawa, Ontario. We will be tired when we arrive,
but happy to see our children, friends in Toronto, our
cats and our dog again. The other day we visited the
Boboli gardens and saw about six very fat cats being
fed by an Italian woman, who also puts out a litter pan for
them under the trees and empties that out. When I
called one of the cats (gatto), he came and rubbed
against my legs and I realized that I miss my own two
kitties and the dog a lot.
What will we miss about Florence? First the new friends we met
at the art show and in the city, then the astounding
beauty of Florence -- every single day there was
mind blowing and inspiring. Gorgeous, centuries
old art is everywhere, and the city has a pride about
how things are done that permeated our experience
on every level. Our apartment was perfectly located,
and our street was filled with shops, bakeries and the
super computer place where I wrote to you every day.
I'm sure I'm not finished talking about it.
Have a flying-home-happily day.
9 comments:
You're a lucky girl Barbara, What a great experience it has been for you. Still.... home is good. Click your heals together 3 times. :)
EW
Barbara, thank you SOOO much for sharing your experience in Florence. It has made me want to visit there so much!
I love that there is so much historical beauty in Europe and that it is in all things...even the mundane. Considering that it was Europeans who settled Canada, I have always wondered how we drifted away from this aesthetic and got into strip malls and concrete towers.
Sorry that you have a cold....I'm sure that you pushed yourself to the max while you had the chance!
I look forward to reading about the 'aftershocks' of Florence and how that will reverberate in your paintings!
love, Flora xoox
It has been fun to share Italy with you. Rest well and enjoy your time home again!
It's been a fun journey to experience virtually, Barbara. Wishing you restful days ahead, followed by many wonderful paintings!
Thinking good thoughts for you and yours!!
Hi Eldon,
I am one lucky girl, you are right.
Coming home it was rough to discover that it's a good 20 degrees colder than in Florence and that there is snow on the ground! Home is good, but coming home after an amazing time makes you long for more (piu) in Italian. I love all things Italian, architecture, food, art. So glad I have friends like you to tell me to click my heels. I did on the planes (3) maybe more than 3 times.
Take care,
Barbara
Hi Flora,
It is odd isn't it. The beautiful art and architecture in Europe is all about displays of power -- the need for the best, the most beautiful, the most astounding designs. Maybe strip malls and steel and glass towers are the new signs of power. Or maybe a far less creative bunch of people seek it. That part doesn't matter. What does is that a one day's air fare takes you there. Shop locally, and fly internationally. I know I'm bad. Forgive me -- I've been waiting my whole life to go there.
I'm in the aftershocks now. You are so prescient.
Love Barbara
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the trip --it was beyond marvellous.
Take care,
I think I will rest now.
Barbara
Hi Melinda,
My head is filled with weird new painting ideas. I don't know if I'll actually produce any of them, but I love them sitting mystically in my mind. I'm delighted to be back at my computer in my own house and to have the ease of communicating.
Talk to you soon.
xoxoxoxoxoxBarbara
Very nice photos of Italy. The pastries look wonderful and remind me of my trip to Italy a few years ago. It's finding things you least expect that make travel so much fun.
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