So, Thursday, (yeah, still behind), with a heavy heart and wonderful memories, we left Rome. I’m not worried, though...remember we tossed coins into Trevi...we’ll be back. (Just as soon as we find jobs and sell the house.)
Just like the ancients were thinking about roads, I’m sure their more contemporary counterparts were thinking about how to get around the country. Aside from the Metro in Paris, Italy’s mass transportation system is wonderful! It’s sooooo easy, on time, clean, cheap...all those good things. Except it goes on strike at any given moment. Fortunately we haven’t had that moment, yet.
We got to the station, found our train and went to the platform with no problem. We were a little concerned because ALL the travel books said you had to have a validated ticket for boarding. Our ticket was printed by a computer and didn’t fit in the validation machine. We couldn’t figure it out to save us. So? Do your worst...bring on the fine! Turns out we had a ticketless reservation...no problem. OUR problem was we were on the wrong platform. According to the permanent board of arrivals and departures, our train departed from Platform 8...the ever-changing, updated board (you know, the one that’s really big and goes, tttttthhhhhhhuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrr and all the trains and numbers change...if you have no idea what I’m talking about, you have GOT to get out more!), we were supposed to be on Platform 4. Oops! Only four minutes to go...
A little suspense music please, as we rush down the main thoroughfare...we made it, and we’re seated next to a couple from Atlanta on their honeymoon...very nice and making conversation with them made the time fly by. Hey! we're in Florence!
Before I get to our adventures in Florence, I just want to take a minute and talk about the food here. I have one word, and one word only to describe the infinitesimal and gastronomical delights that are the backbone of Italy’s stomach: YUM.
I mean...it’s all fresh, it’s all local to the particular region, it’s all delicious, it’s all digestible, it’s all fabulous. I cannot even believe that I’ve seen three McDonalds here (and sorry, Cliff, no Starbucks, so far). Are you fucking kidding me?? Who in their ever-lovin’ right mind would choose a big mac over fresh pasta and the sweetest little tomatoes you’ve ever tasted, along with soft, delicious cheese, rich, robust coffee, to-die-for chocolate and Italy’s answer to crème bruleé, the panna cotta – look it up...you’ll never eat two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese... again!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again...and again...and again...YUM.
More on Florence tomorrow. Ciao!
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Sounds like you are experiencing the famous Italian sensory overload at full tilt. Did you wave toward Orvieto for us as you sped by?
ReplyDeleteIt is about six a.m. local time on your birthday, which means you are probably at this moment experiencing another fabulous meal at some exquisite place or other. At least you've raised your standards a bit on birthday meals as the years have gone by! Hope it will be the one to remember.
Buon compleanno!
grazie, mille! Si, si, si! We're going to have to come back to see Orvieto, Siena, San Gimigliano and the rest of Tuscany and Umbria. Maybe you can come with us and be our tour guide for Orvieto!
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