Today was lunch with Lynda (Nan and Mauro's daughter), Francesco and their son Yosef at the rowing (crew) club right on the Arno. This was the first time I was downtown, and the city was packed with tourists – mostly Italian. Last weekend was Easter with Monday being a national holiday, and this-coming Monday is also a national holiday, so people arrange for more than a week of vacation and go to the “art’ cities.
Many years ago, Nan and Mauro arranged for us and their kids to take a rowboat ride on the Arno that left from this exclusive rowing club. Francesco’s business partner is a member, so that’s how it was arranged. The access is through a big unmarked green door right at the Uffizi and facing the river, and then down stairs to the club. There is a very long room perpendicular to the river where all the boats are stored, also a bar, game room, etc., then we went out to the tables along the river. The lunch was excellent – and somehow I had pasta. Many laughs and catching up, and hearing more about the new B&B they are building on Via dè Tornabuoni which is the main, high-end shopping street with all the major designer stores. Lynda's English is quite good, but she feels that by no longer interfacing with guests at the B&Bs it's not as good as it was - it is way better than my Italian. Francesco said "My English is the same, not so good."
After lunch I went to the Marino Marini Museum that friend Neil had suggested and it was beautiful. Interesting modern pieces going back to the 1940s in a space wonderfully designed by two Italian architects, one from Firenze. I also walked by the place where Rebecca, Bill, et al are staying in June near the Duomo and sent them a photo.
Nan called saying to meet her at a store near the Coop supermarket where she was picking up new glasses. We then stopped at a cool toy store for her to get some things for the grandkids, and then an aperitivo at a bar – and my first Aperol spritz this trip. Then I walked back to the apartment where I made chicken cutlets with spinach for dinner – first time using the oven – and also converting Celsius to Fahrenheit. It seems odd that 325° F is only 163° C. I was in bed at 10:30pm (22:30) and realize that the extraordinary amount of walking I'm doing is tiring - then ending with the three flights up to the apartment.
Here's how to see the photos through Google Photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dU145KmtjRjar89g9
Many years ago, Nan and Mauro arranged for us and their kids to take a rowboat ride on the Arno that left from this exclusive rowing club. Francesco’s business partner is a member, so that’s how it was arranged. The access is through a big unmarked green door right at the Uffizi and facing the river, and then down stairs to the club. There is a very long room perpendicular to the river where all the boats are stored, also a bar, game room, etc., then we went out to the tables along the river. The lunch was excellent – and somehow I had pasta. Many laughs and catching up, and hearing more about the new B&B they are building on Via dè Tornabuoni which is the main, high-end shopping street with all the major designer stores. Lynda's English is quite good, but she feels that by no longer interfacing with guests at the B&Bs it's not as good as it was - it is way better than my Italian. Francesco said "My English is the same, not so good."
After lunch I went to the Marino Marini Museum that friend Neil had suggested and it was beautiful. Interesting modern pieces going back to the 1940s in a space wonderfully designed by two Italian architects, one from Firenze. I also walked by the place where Rebecca, Bill, et al are staying in June near the Duomo and sent them a photo.
Nan called saying to meet her at a store near the Coop supermarket where she was picking up new glasses. We then stopped at a cool toy store for her to get some things for the grandkids, and then an aperitivo at a bar – and my first Aperol spritz this trip. Then I walked back to the apartment where I made chicken cutlets with spinach for dinner – first time using the oven – and also converting Celsius to Fahrenheit. It seems odd that 325° F is only 163° C. I was in bed at 10:30pm (22:30) and realize that the extraordinary amount of walking I'm doing is tiring - then ending with the three flights up to the apartment.
Here's how to see the photos through Google Photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dU145KmtjRjar89g9