Day 49

Box #9....:)

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry but I need the time to slow down, I am not ready to come back to the America's. I don't know about you but the time has gone by so quickly.

I was all set to go on a Chianti tour today and this morning I found out it got canceled and then I was looking forward to having dinner with Evie and got a message that she needed to cancel because she is not feeling well. Hmmm those two pieces of information are not good. So on to my plan B, it's always good to have a plan B I have learned.

First things first though, when I was packing my box I realized that 2 bottles of essential oil was missing from my purchases at the Farmaceutia that I bought yesterday, I walked over with my receipt and explained the situation and she gave me the product. I was so happy that it was so simple because they were a pricey purchase. Another travel tip, the Farmaceutia has great customer service:)

The Centrale Market

I walked over to the Centrale Market, it was huge with every fresh ingredient you would ever want, meat counters, fresh fruit, vegatables, breads, desserts, olive oil, balsamic vinegars, and everything in between. It was so much fun. I bought some olive oil and

 balsamic vinegar (aged 8 years) I rushed back to the hotel so they could have it packed in my box. Good thinking:) Always thinking about lightening my load:) It was a good thing because that bag was heavy. Lets hope all my stuff doesn't smell like a salad when it gets home.

The Duomo

I then thought it was a great day to climb up to the top of the Duomo, I had put this idea on hold after I had walked to the top of the tower. Call me crazy or call it another guilt free gelato. Tomato/Tomahto, but I was off.

The gelato was for strength and endurance before my big climb!

463 stairs up very steep terrain and I was looking at yet another amazing view of the city of Florence.

Isn't it a beautiful view and a gorgeous day?

Well worth the stairs and the 8 euro ticket charge. I was actually impressed with myself, I went up pretty darn easily. Passing up a few young ones:) I still have it:) yeah!!!!! I will continue this great workout regimen when I get home. It feels so good to be able to be active and not get exhausted.

On top of the world

Oh yes I need to make a confession... I have an addiction I realize...I really didn't know it was this bad until this trip.... But I am addicted to boots...I love them, I want them, I have to have them. The problem is that they are everywhere here and easy to get. The high I get from the smell of leather or suede is incredible. And the array of different types causes me to hallucinate. I need some help when I get back. The first step is accepting that you have an addiction right?

I saw Evie to say goodbye but she was not feeling very good. I did get a picture of us which made me happy.

I am going to go to Harry's Bar for dinner. It is right down the street and I had the best Tuscan White Bean Soup with Prawns the other night and I am going to have it again tonight.

Leo and I at Harry's the other night. He runs the restaurant and is quite a character. Check out his glasses, they are his trademark look:) He invited me to come back behind the bar.

 I just got back from dinner and it was delicious, soup, spinach and french fries, what a combo. Yum!

Well it's my last night in Florence heading to Rome in the morning. It has been a little sad each place I leave because I have met so many wonderful people. We will see what's next.

Ciao,

Love, Laura

Goodnight from Florence...See you in Rome

Thought for the day:

What you truly feel will be.....believe...