Elsien's Traveblogue

Tuesday 17th February 2009
Had a wonderful St Valentine's weekend with J. The weather had got quite cold all of a sudden, so walking around was a bit of an effort; also I think many Italians had decided to get married in Florence this weekend as there seemed to be confetti everywhere and tourists, tourists, tourists wherever we went …
We managed to escape them doing a long walk by the river Arno – the light was just wonderful – between pink, violet and purple. We also stumbled upon some delightful chapels unexpectedly: one, dedicated to St Martin and the 'deserving' poor of Florence, was decorated with the most amazing frescoes by Ghirlandaio. I also managed to show J. the frescoes in Santa Maria Novella, which I really like. We saw the church of Dante – a bit sad - and his so-called house (a copy) where they had done as much as they could with very little – certainly not much original Dante-esque. We got to see the Badia, Florence's original cathedral, only open on Monday afternoons, with fantastic frescoes in the cloister of the life of St Benedict. I know little about him so am having to do some research.
We had some lovely meals out, one in a fairly touristy place on St Valentine's Day: you've never seen anything like it – food was good but service incredible: they must have turned each table over three times! Last night went to neighbourhood restaurant where service was much more laid back and food just as good. We had far more to eat and drink for less than the other place and paid less.
Now back on my own again, so taking stock of what I still have to do and see here. The weather has changed again: not quite raining, but more or less drizzling all the time. It's warmer than over the weekend though...