Just Landed in Italy

It’s been nearly a decade since I visited Italy, and I have to say I am so happy to be here! Yesterday I flew from Los Angeles to Switzerland, changed planes and then landed in Pisa. We were supposed to land in Florence (I could not find my flight on the flight board at the airport, then realized that I needed to use the local vernacular, Firenze), but due to bad weather we got redirected to Pisa–unfortunately, I did not get to see the leaning tower because they quickly shuttled us onto a bus and drove us to the Florence Airport.

I was pretty worn out upon arrival, by the time I got to the hotel here in Fiesole it was nearly midnight local time so I just went to sleep. They put me in a small cottage on the grounds, and it was wonderful to have my own little space. Little, indeed, because I forgot how small European hotel rooms are, even cottages! It was a delight to wake up this morning and see where I’m located in daylight. I’m in Fiesole, built on a hill by the Etruscans. Later, the Romans moved in and built Firenze in the valley. This area was almost abandoned after the Romans colonized the area in 1125, as I understand it. This hillside city, being much cooler and more picturesque than down in the valley, became a second home site in the 15th century. It’s also a lovely place for visitors to stay in modern times if you don’t want to stay within the hustle and bustle of Florence.

 

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