Tips and Tidbits

The month in Florence is over, and here I am back in Maine looking out the window on a gray, rainy day and trying to recall each of the things that made the adventure special.  I’m not quite ready to let it go.  Sitting here reminded me that a number of you asked questions, and I thought answering them would help me put it all in perspective.

Most often asked was why did I choose Florence?

Would you believe the inspiration came from Dan Brown’s book The Inferno?  OK, for a number of years I had dreamed of renting an apartment in a location in Italy where a car would not be required as there would be easy access to bus and train transportation for an occasional day trip. I wanted to be where I could walk and not tire of the sights around me.  I wanted the place to be steeped in history and have a relaxed, easy going culture.  

I like Venice, Rome and Milan, Ravello and Sorrento, but none of those places called out to me.  It was The Inferno that breathed life into my fantasy by making Florence come alive as a site for unexpected adventure.  Though my experience there would not be as thrilling, Florence seemed just the right place in which to immerse myself and live the dream. Now that it’s over it’s hard to imagine anywhere being more perfect.

By the way, there is an Inferno tour that visits many of the places cited in the book.  I couldn’t resist and booked here.  The tour was most interesting and having a delightful guide added to the pleasure.  It tickled me that she described The Inferno as a tour guide of Florence with a little adventure thrown in.  That is one way of looking at it!

Next question: how did I find the apartment? The simple answer is it took a lot of looking.  There are many places listed on the internet including a number by owner.    As you might guess, a deposit is required and I got a little nervous about sending money to an unknown party.  I guess too many stories about people purchasing from individuals online only to find out they had been duped made me a little jaded.  Anyway, I decided to go with an agency and chose Windows on Italy for the rather large selection of apartments they offered. I was quite surprised to find that a year in advance some were already booked during my preferred time period.  My best advice for renting is to start looking early, especially if you desire lodging for more than 2 people, and pay attention to location as that is most important if you plan on doing a lot of walking.

Over and over I’ve been asked if I would do it again.  Yes, but not in Florence because that dream is over.  Where the next spot will be or if there will be a next spot is not clear to me at this moment.  What is clear is the total satisfaction I had from the experience and a deep appreciation to the hubby for his willingness to go along with another of my crazy fantasies.  Maybe that’s what keeps life interesting for both of us.

 Now, if I could just find Aperol in Maine part of the memory could become a reality every day!

My final thought: if you have a dream, keep wishing and maybe, just maybe, it will become a reality.

i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind