“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
Mary Oliver, American poet
1935 –
This morning I had no internet access, nor could I send or receive text messages. I felt totally alone in a foreign environment and thought about how we have all come to rely on technology to make our days run smoothly. The internet is pretty patchy here and seems to work well for several hours and then like today it will go off. So patience is called for. But I am so glad when I am traveling alone that I have access to this technology.
Now this stay in Florence is being cut short and this is the last day, as tomorrow I shall catch a plane to London and my family there.
I have enjoyed finding my way around this most beautiful city, learning a few words of the language and mostly managing to make myself understood. But I shall miss jumping on the buses to get around. The public transport system is amazing; I have never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus. Taxis are a little different. One cannot just hail a cab here as one does at home. They have to be picked up at the taxi stands which are few and far between or alternatively ordered by phone.
So today was a day for packing and tidying up and getting ready to leave.
My friendly and kindly next door neighbours have ordered a cab to take me to the aeroporto domani. I resorted to writing out my request for them. I knew I could never make myself understood if I tried to say the words.
An interesting interlude followed as Guiliano told me that I wouldn’t need to order the cab until tomorrow. I want it at 10.30 am so he said to come tomorrow to his house (next door) at 9 am to make the booking. Then some time later he rang the doorbell and told me he had booked the cab in his name for tomorrow. So I think, he is going to knock on my door when it gets here. I do so love these interactions where neither party speaks the others language. Somehow we manage to communicate.
I went out for macchiato and brioche as usual. I told the folk in the pasticceria that I was leaving tomorrow – they seemed to understand as we smiled and wished each other arrivederci. I did buy an apricot turnover and a brioche to take away with me. They were to be part of lunch or dinner.
Lunch today was a scratch meal using up what was left in the apartment. Quite satisfying but not as good as some of the lunches I have eaten since I arrived here. Oh well …
“I had surprised myself this year by
jumping in to reshape my life before life
stepped in to reshape it for me.” Alice Steinbach
I cannot believe it’s nearly three weeks since you arrived in Florence, Judith. Really amazing how tie flies isn’t it?
You say: ” . . . we have all come to rely on technology to make our days run smoothly.” I agree it makes a tremendous difference to have access to the internet.
Thanks for publishing so much about your stay in Florence, I enjoyed your post very much. Have a good trip back to London!
Cheerio, Uta 🙂
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Thanks Uta. Now in London with my sister – where to from here?
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Oh, Judith, I’m behind on your posts, and it’s already time for you to leave. You must be sad to say goodbye. Sorry I’ve been inconsistent. Life is so busy–as you know. Oh well, have a safe trip.
Blogging from Ecuador,
Kathy
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Thanks Kathy. Life is so very busy and sometimes we don’t have time to read all the blogs we would like to read. But thanks for reading and commenting
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As tempting as the Alfredo might have been, I would have done the same ~ eating what was left in the apartment . . . to ensure a return visit.
Safe flight!
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Thanks Nancy. I certainly plan to go back soon
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It’s sort of sad to be leaving somewhere you’ve enjoyed so much but home is where the heart is and it’s always good to get back.
Say hello to London for me on your way home. 😀
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Thanks Sallyann. I already did say hello to London for you. 🙂
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Safe travels, Judith.
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Thanks Robin 🙂
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Wow, that trip went fast! And your sister never got to share it with you– this time–maybe when you go back.
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Well it would have been fun to have had her there with me. But what a lovely time I had.
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