It is Thursday, just after 6 pm, as I start to write this. We’re sitting in the front garden of our very charming B and B in Florence, sipping beer and prosecco (guess who is drinking which!) and eating potato chips.
We’ve had a busy few days; hence the lack of blog posts. In part, we’ve been pre-occupied getting used to the idea that we won’t see Olivia probably until after she’s back from Borneo. That’s right: she’s going to Borneo! Doesn’t that sound even more exotic than just plain old Indonesia? We have felt so blessed to have our wonderful friends and family reaching out to our kids during this strange time when so much is happening while we are away.
Siena was very enjoyable. We kept thinking of Matthew Sherbuck, who proclaimed it his favourite place in Italy. Doesn’t this view of the city in the evening light look like a painting?
Just when we were thinking there aren’t that many differences any more in our global village…we came across three boys and their “coach” practicing drum-and-flag routines related to their neighbourhood (one of 14) in Siena. This rivalry, linked to a crazy horse race in the main city square, dates back to mediaeval times. So, yeah, cultural differences are not completely passé…yet.
On Wednesday, we had a wild ride getting the rental car back to Pisa (from Siena). The autostrade was stressful and confusing and we “took the long way home”; we caught our train with about 90 seconds to spare. By the time we finally got to Florence (via train) we practically had to RUN through crowded streets to get to the Uffizi gallery on time. By the time we reached our B and B at 8:30 at night we were pretty much ready to collapse. As someone said to me recently, though (Judi? Trish?): this is a first world problem and we are fortunate to have it.
Today – Thursday – was much calmer. We strolled (okay…fought the crowds) through the streets of Florence and saw Michelangelo’s “David” this afternoon. I thought of my Auntie Jan who exclaimed over his anatomy recently! No photos of the real thing are allowed, of course, but here’s a tongue-in-cheek variation in the garden of the gallery.
Everywhere, there is life captured in stone. Look at this photo, a close-up of the sculpture “The Rape of the Sabine Women” by Giambologna. The abductor’s hand presses into cold marble as if it is warm flesh.
So: soon we are off to dinner and then, tomorrow, to Naples and the Amalfi Coast, by train. And we will talk to Olivia by Skype one more time tomorrow morning before she leaves for six months : (
Wendy and Frank
Love your concentration while typing!! So you, Wendy. Is Olivia not able to Skype with you when she goes Halifax or overseas? Glad to hear that you and Frank are having an amazing time. Makes me want to rethink my plans to go back to Mexico and go to Italy instead!!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
DeleteWe're not sure what will happen while she's in NS -- I think they really limit the kids' access to technology (eg, they don't want people bringing laptops, phones, etc.) but her host family probably will let her use their computer, I would think. But Borneo...we think she will be in a pretty remote village! What an adventure for her...
Hi Wendy and Frank,
ReplyDeleteBorneo - sounds pretty exciting! I am so happy for Olivia, but I can imagine how strange it must be for you two. Thank goodness for skype, eh?
Have I said how evocative your writing is? :) Should you tire of counselling, I think you've found your next profession!
I also love your photos, they are beautiful, and so interesting as well - career #3? And yes, the sculpture is pretty incredible.
Had to laugh at your driving experience. Keith and I were terrified driving in Italy. I remember when I was driving, wanting to change lanes, looking in the mirror, going to change and then one last check - and a car would wiz by me! I swear they drive 200 kms an hour! And then we had that car we couldn't get around a bend in one medieval town (the car was big; the bend was tight) and we drove back 100 kms to the rental agency and asked for a very wee car!
Anyhow, can't believe you've only been away for 1 1/2 weeks - seems like forever ... :)
p.s. happy thanksgiving
xo Robyn/Keith
Hi Robyn,
DeleteIt's hard to believe it's Thanksgiving at home! Thank you for all the stroking of my ego : ) Maybe if things go bad at Kwantlen I will need to look for a second profession. The only job I can think of that could compete for travel writer would be movie reviewer!
Hi Frank and Wendy: Your adventures continue to be an inspiration! Wonderful update. Happy Thanksgiving! Love, Dawn and Sue
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Dawn and Sue! Give our love to Mom Ann too. Layne is going to Sandy's house with my mom and dad and please tell your mom Layne made a pumpkin pie, including pie crust, to take with him!!!! We miss you and love you.
DeleteWell, the carpet does match the drapes... HAHA I never knew that existed!! Thanks again for your updates, they are a wonderful distraction from my studying.. ;) Counting the days til we come for a visit, and sad Olivia won't be there but man oh man, what an opportunity for her. My heart goes out to you guys though, I can only imagine the shock of such a sudden departure. Noah says "Say Ciao to the "talians" for him" :) Sending love! xo
ReplyDeleteBritt you are too funny! It took me ages to get the joke about carpet and drapes. I puzzled and puzzled til my puzzler was sore, then, sitting at dinner, I got it : )
DeleteWe can't wait to see you both in a couple weeks. Say Ciao back to Noah for us in the mean time!
Love, Wendy and Frank
Frank and Wendy, it has been amazing reading about your trip and looking at the pictures you are posting. Sounds like an amazing opportunity for Olivia.
ReplyDelete