I was starving and thirsty on arrival. Somehow I lost my lunch bag in LAX, either through pick pocket or accident. I was disappointed because that bearclaw pastry I bought (guiltily) along with my grapes and cheese were gone when I reached for them midflight, in the dark. The outbound inflight dinner has notchanged much since I flew last spring. It's still unedible in Economy Class. Except for the bread and cheese.
We arrived at 10.30 but even rushing when I could, avoiding bathrooom crowds and opportunites to buy Evian water, I just pushed through to gate F31, hoping to be on time for the 1.30 flight, boarding at 1. I arrived at the gate at 12.30 and then retraced my steps back to nearby restrooms and water machine. I always carry change. 3 € for Evian. I gulped 1/2 liter of water. Next time I need to take a liter water bottle onboard at LAX. The quart size was not enough. I have been trying to avoid using a plastic bottle.
I slept on the flight from Paris to Firenze until turbulence, which snapped me wide awake. We flew right through a thunderstorm. The weather was sunny and in the 80s here all last week! I now need to buy a jacket. I left mine at home.
The rain looked like it had stopped when we arrived in Firenze. My luggage showed up without any purple leakage! I worried about Valentina's concord grape hair color bottle, even though I had vacuum packed it, twice.
I probably will never get used to not seeing Alessandro's smiling handsome face waiting for me at the terminal entry point. I thought for a moment, oh, he's not here. But that thought was over ridden. 'I'm never far from you amore.' Believe me, it's true and comforting. But I still miss seeing him.
I really wanted to walk so I opted for the bus, 6 € instead of a taxi. The bus was new and very very nice. Named Voliinautobus, service initiated last June 2014. The ride was interesting because there was a group of young girls being escorted, for a semester of school. A glowing mom, clearly on her first trip here, sat beside her sultry frowning beautiful young 18 year old. I wanted to suggest to the mother that she send the girl home and the mom should take her place instead.
It was wonderful to arrive. I'm not used to all the tourists! I heard all sorts of languages. I saw some Dr Scholl's comfortable walking shoes in a window. I need to go back.
Even Borgo S. Apostoli has new shops. There is busy construction everywhere in the neighborhood. I rang the bell at my favorite Hotel Cestelli. I love this place. After 12 years, it feels like home.
Alessio came bounding down the steps to greet me. Oh so handsome in his new look, a salt and pepper trimmed beard and a renaissance type haircut. Asumi, his wife followed. After hugs all around, he carried my bag up and we caught up on news. Just as I missed my November trip here because of my mother's heart attack, they missed theirs to Japan when his father became ill just two days before.
I quickly unpacked the tortillas and longhorn cheese for them. Also a Trader Joe's cloth bag and Flyer advertisement, pecans and Ghiradelli chocolate. They used to shop at Tj's when they lived in San Diego. In my room, they had left some treats for me! We immediately started talking about good quality pasta. Pasta that is so good, the fragrant boiling water could be used to make soup.
Alessio kindly told me, my soul is Italian. I understand this conversation about pasta!
I was really tired but it was early! Only 5.30 pm and raining again... Time to clean up and get moving.
Under light sprinkles, I headed to the book store Giunti, near Ponte Vecchio. The tourists are attracted to the sparkling gold in the jewelry shops. I really am not tempted. I have my Gucci pocket book and now I need some new books.
I deciced to ask the book dealer for advice. She understood me! I pointed out the Marco Vichi and G Carofiglio books, which I've already read. I want Italian authors only, not translated English books. She suggested three authors. One takes place in Milano, near Expo2015. I bought three mysteries plus 'How to speak better.' I had a short conversation about Fabio Volo. She thought his last book was not as good as his others. I am in heaven. I'm totally exhausted and hungry, but it's possible to speak and understand. There is hope for me to be more fluent.
I headed straight to the grocery store Conad to get pasta and some breskfast yogurt and milk which I will place in my window sill to chill overnight.
With waining energy, it was time for dinner at the trattoria near the hotel. So nice to be greeted by the waiter who recognized me by speaking in Italian and bringing me the Italian not English menu.
I choose the Pici pasta with porchini mushrooms and leeks. It was fantastic. I finished with Torta del Nonno, almost pure chocolate. I drank almost the full liter of water. I don't eat out often to save money. But with my first meal here, I don't consider cost.
Using the trattoria's wifi, I checked in with Marta and Primo in Cremona and some local friends here in Firenze.
The waiter wished me bouna notte at 8.45! Yes, I was tired tired but ready to sleep. As usual, I had no nightmares here and slept soundly all for 10 straight hours.
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