We're officially part of the neighborhood. Got my cappuccino e Cornetto, then came back later with Frankie for his espresso and they all greeted me again, like it was Cheers and I'm Norm.
Frankie was appropriately impressed.
After that we walked over to Santa Croce, and walked by il FrancescaBaldovino, and waiter#1 was getting ready for lunch, recognized us, and said buongiorno as we walked by. Definitely think next week they'll make me queen.
Other than that, today was mostly consumed with souvenir shopping. I wanted to show Frankie the places that Maria Cristina and Miriam took me to over the weekend, so we sort of retraced our steps as we shopped. A little way from Santa Maria Novella, and I recognized the building Miriam told me Maria Cristina works in. She had also given me a general idea of where her office was, so we took a chance and were able to connect with her and Matteo (her husband - they work in the same place) for a quick visit, which was great!
We took the tour of Santa Maria Novella, which was a bit overwhelming. What a gorgeous place with so much history! And enormous...
When our shopping was done (at least for the day), we grabbed lunch. It's perfect soup weather, so we both had minestrone. We wandered a bit more, then returned to our flat for a nap. Most of the rest of the day was spent meandering, looking for the souvenir /gifts we still want to get for people.
There are some buildings here that have these teeny tiny doors in the side of them. I figured they were for fairies or Lilliputians, but Laura, our guide from last week told us they're called Buchette del Vino (wine windows), and they date back to the 17th century. If you were out of wine at home, you'd bring your pitcher to the window and they'd refill it for you. How can I not love a place where a thing like this exists? These have not been much in use over the past several hundred years or so, but covid saw a resurgence in use for those that still are part of retail stores, because it offered a contact free way to still sell goods. So boom! The past reinventing the future to help people stay safe! Love it!
On the way to dinner, we heard singing and saw some lights. Came upon some guys celebrating something. Looked like a good time so we stopped and watched.
For dinner, we returned to the place the family took us to on the first night here - Osteria Belle Donne. Holy cow that place is delicious. We shared a bistecca which came with sides of potatoes, spinach, and peas. If ever there was a doubt that this place is magical, it was gone when I tried the peas and loved them. I hate peas. Always have. Every so often I try them and still hate them. Last time was about a year ago. But these peas were so good I had seconds. Ma-gi-cal...
For dessert, we ordered whatever deliciousness they gave us last time, but this time we found out what it is - chestnut pudding. Holy wow, that stuff is incredible.
Took a leisurely stroll home and snapped some fun pics-they're starting to set things up to be ready for Christmas decorations. When we got to the uffizi there was a guy playing the violin so we stopped to listen for a bit.
Bedtime now. Tomorrow, Boboli Garden and Pitti Palace.
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