Fiesole

Well, working on the principle that "we always go to Fiesole for a 50th
birthday", off we went.

Gatwick was horrendous and if nothing else, the experience needs to be
recorded so that if ever we consider taking a flight from there again, we
are reminded to think of an alternative. Still, Meridiana only fly from
there to Florence, so, on this occasion, that was the obvious choice.



Villa san Michele was as wonderful as ever. Picture above is "reception"!



We spent some delightful days rediscovering Florence, shopping, eating
ice-cream at Vivoli amidst the usual tourist hordes. Madova, boots at Tods
(but mine are shiny black, not brown suede) and a warm wrap at Max Mara
which is tempting to use as an idea for further knitting. Mark shopped too
- for sweaters and a coat!



We found our favourite perch in the Piazza della Signoria, by the Rape
of the Sabine Women and spent a few restful hours sitting watching
the world (and his wife) go by, drawing and reading.


On Sunday morning, we visited an exhibition in the Palazzo Strozzi, with
images of women in contemporary art. Hmm. There were some very disturbing
images and exhibits there and not really seeking such an uncomfortable
experience we didn't stay long.

After a few hours in the city, it was great to return to the peace and quiet
of Villa san Michele, where we enjoyed bellinis before dinner each evening
and where the menu never palled.

When the shops and museums were closed on Monday morning, we took a cookery
class, a report of which can be found in the next journal entry. It was
great, and we learned one simple thing which made the whole class
worthwhile!


Our last morning was spent food shopping at San Lorenzo, for porcini
mushrooms, a string of chillies, some salami di cinghale for Edward and a
board to make our gnocchi on.

All our pictures (including the blurry ones!) are on our Smugmug page.

(First posted by Gill)