Extra Virgin In Italia

Sunday we decided to play gladiators and see if we could get killed. By ourselves. Let’s do three times the activity in one day so far and see what happens. That would be me finally catching hubby creepy germs of the “Perils of Paul(ine)” fame. And I didn’t even buy anything except art work for our  cat. (You didn’t think she’d be omitted from this blog now did you?) Yes, we have a “Princepessa” in residence at home.

Anyway, I will be doing the three above “P’s in a series, between last minute dashing around and naps.

The Piazza Della Republic: we came through here going to and coming back from the Ponte Vecchio and Pitti Palace.

What a fun Piazza, it was hopping with farmers markets, street vendors, artists, tourists, locals all coming together to see what the day would bring. The following are some random shots:

I can’t resist the carousel off to the right in the previous picture. It gorgeous and I wonder how old it is.

Next we have the farmer’s market, on the right had side are outside cafes where you can sip cappuccino and biscotti’s.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for shopping the street vendors. Purses, scarves, I think I’ve mentioned them before. But did I say ‘FABULOUS!” Okay, maybe I did but I’m raring to go as this is our last day. And of course I have to say Arrivederci to Stefano! (Wink! wink!).

So when you come to Italy, it is always nice to bring presents to show appreciation and honoring their country. Well, being from the Southwest of the USA, we decided to bring (in addition to the Sedona Sandstone and postcards, etc. a Javelina, native of our home state? Okay, just kidding. He was already there! He has water coming out of his mouth (as you can see by that ever so attractive spittle hanging down) and you put a coin in his mouth and let go, and if it falls in the grate, the coin is supposed to bring good luck and then you pet him on the head to seal the deal.  I may have the details of the story mixed up and I’m pretty sure he has a name – I’ll have to look it up. My coin went right in, poor hubby took three tries. It appeared to be that way with most men. I guess we women has less trouble throwing money down the drain! Lol! (Did I say that? Shame on me!) Anyway, boy can he command a crowd – and sometime an unruly one at that. I’m talking locals, too!

And of course we had to run into local street artists – there were two young men working on this piece. Very intently I might add!

Next I will try to get to Ponte Vecchio soon – an adventure all on it’s own!!!!

Ciao, DJ*

Tags: Coin, farmers markets, Florence, food, Italy, Palazzo Pitti, Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Sedona Arizona, street artists, street vendors, United States, wine