Yesterday we arrived in Florence.
While it's my first time, this boy
immediately connected with this
city. There's a different feeling -
an innate elegance, grandeur, and
hence poised calm. After the heat
and hordes of Rome, it's certain to
be a welcome respite. Upon arrival
at our lodgings, we were welcomed
by Christiana who was not simply
charming but also extremely helpful.
Given we're only here a week, I will
keep today's blog short and sweet.
Our apartment is on the top floor
of the historic Palazzo Rimbotti
situated on the Piazza Antinori
(shown above). Built circa 1432,
it's current appearance dates from
an eighteenth century renovation.
Still owned by the royal Rimbotti
family, it's beyond elegant and is
furnished with castoffs from one
of their castles near Naples. Just
a few blocks from the Duomo, we
couldn't have hoped for a better
location. AND THE VIEW...
Last night we happened upon the
JK Place hotel bar. Situated across
from the church of Santa Maria
Novella, it's beyond charming. But
decor aside, what I most enjoyed
were my two perfectly mixed and
chilled Manhattans. Realizing it was
time to dine, we walked back towards
home to the Cantinetta Antinori - a
historic wine bar located next door to
our apartment. We sat above the fray
on the balcony. The food, the wine,
and the company? DIVINE!
Now I'm worried. My concern is that
seven days may not be enough time.
Armed with a plethora of "must do's"
per dear "A", we'll try to check off as
many as possible. First thing today is
to simply get our bearings and if I get
my way, SHOP. Hermes sits directly
below our apartment on the first (0)
floor. I've got a feeling we'll easily fill
a suitcase with goodies from Farmacia
di Santa Maria Novella and Il Papiro.
Oh... and did I mention the Gucci and
Prada factory outlets? And wineries?
