Today I started my group Italian lessons from 11am to 1pm with 4 other MUCH younger people, all of whom are speaking somewhat better than me, but it will improve for sure. The class will be 2 hours per day this week (Tuesday through Friday) and I’ll determine how to schedule next week.
After class I went looking for a place to buy a panino and bring back to the apartment, but the pandemic has certainly affected businesses in Firenze. Three places I found online were no longer in business, and most even without any remaining signage. I ended up at Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio which Nan had pointed out is a great market open in the mornings near my place. I got a delicious hamburger and enjoyed it with chips and a beer in my apartment.
The rest of the day is getting things done now that wifi is working, including starting this blog, then looking for train tickets for my trip to Venezia next week. I have an Airbnb for two nights there and I’ll be picking up my glasses with new lenses (long story, but they were bought in Venice many years ago, my prescription changed, and no one could change the lenses in the US) and going to the Venice Biennale.
For dinner I went to Ruth's kosher restaurant next to the old synogogue and had a delicious caponata and vegetable soup - both excellent - although I was the only person in there!