Zoe and I have been in Firenze now for almost 3 weeks. I have been busy doing all those
important things you need to do when you move to a new place, Italian phone #, bank account and filing for
my residency. Settling into my apartment has been such fun. I will share that
with you on a later post. I love my apartment very much and could not be happier
with my choice. The neighborhood we are in is also perfect. It is on the quite side
of the river about 2 miles in and about ten minutes further than when we were here
before. It is very local and no tourist in site. It has its own little shopping area where
I have been getting acquainted with and meeting the merchants. I am a firm believer in
buying local and I can get most everything I need from this array of stores.
Barbara, my favorite barista,picture above, works at a wonderful Pasticceria that takes
you from espresso to prosecco, since they open at 6:00 am and close at 8:00. Saturday
and Sunday till 2:00. These hours are unusual, all the other stores close at 1:00 and
open again at 5:00 until 7:30.
Next door is the fruit and vegetable store. Great selection and run by two nice brothers.The
prices always amaze me in a good way. In Italy you DO NOT touch the merchandise. You point
and they put it in the bag. It can go a little slow if there are several people in the store,
but I am not in a hurry. I think it is kind of charming plus it avoids bruising of the fruit.
Next comes the place you buy things like paper towels, cleaning products, shampoo etc.
Everything you need that is not food.
There is a very nice deli wine store that has the most yummy prepared foods.
If I didn’t like to cook I could take out here every night, but I have bought things
that I don’t want to cook like grilled octopus and the best roasted chicken ever.
A half of a chicken. One of my favorite things about Italy is you buy exactly
what you want. 2 eggs, or a quarter of a focaccia. This is so great for one
person, no waste and so often in the states you don’t something because you
to buy so much and you don’t to spend the money to end up throwing it away.
I stopped by the other day about 6:30 pm and had a class of prosecco
and some french fries from the deli case. Heaven!!
Also a very nice drug store.
There are a couple other little places to eat, a florist that is just opening and a butcher shop.
As you can see everything one might need a block away. I love it.
OMG Sally, this is brilliant! What a great choice you have made. I am jealous. We are stuck here trying to sell our house & nothing is happening. We are so ready to go home, it’s frustrating but we must be patient & believe our buyer will come. Meanwhile, you are soooo lucky to be away from the politics right now. It is awful, depressing & extremely concerning. It reflects a country I do not know. When I came to USA Ronald Reagan was president & it was an optomlistic time. There are so many disenfranchised people now, I don’t know where the country is going. But I don’t want to detract from your excitement though I am concerned for your waist line! ? How is your Italian going? I’m sure you are really get fluent having to settle in with all the official stuff needed. Congratulations on a wonderful move. You are a brave woman, but we always knew that. Florence is the better for having you join the city & I look forward to reading of your adventures. xoxo
My heart is with you!!!
Thank you Melinda. We are very happy here.
Sounds dreamy! So so happy for you!
Xo Gigi
Hi Sally. I love that you are sharing the details of the Italian customs. I love it along with the photos and great descriptions. Thank you. Truly wonderful. Enjoy!
Thank you Shani. It’s fun for me and glad you like it.
This looks wonderful Sally! Enjoy your happy new life in Florence!
here’s to. E&P
Eager to see more love it
And you. Xo p
While we have never met, FB has allowed us to become acquainted. Following your journey has been a joy for me. You truly inspire, and I hope you will be very happy in your new home, brave girl!!!
Sally, I love the fact that you continue to include us in your adventure of life. The info gives so much detail about life there and the food looks amazing. I’m sure I would weigh 300 lbs. in no time if I lived there! Blessings to you and Zoe!
I love keeping an eye on you this way.
Please continue with your blog
You are missed already! But knowing that you are ensconced in your neighborhood with these friendly smiles, great food and Zoe sure goes a long way in making me feel better. The country you exited is on the verge of…what? Who knows but I sometimes think that I hear Nero fiddling in the background. You have done, and done well I might add, what so many of us dream about and wax poetically about over a few glasses of wine, knowing that it probably won’t happen. But you took the bull by the horns and redirected your life to one of fulfillment, art and authenticity – I commend you and hope to sneak over soon to have a taste of it.
Keep up the blog…I can already tell it will be something that makes me smile and feel good every time.
Hugs and kisses from me and from porch too!!
It all sounds like a magical adventure ! So proud of your adventuresome spirit, Sally.
Thanks for allowing us to vicariously share your experiences.
Hi Sally…I’ve been thinking of you a lot lately as I have been in Atlanta (which is definitely not Florence) and missed out dinner together. I’m so glad that you and Zoe are getting your new adventure in life started. Everything looks wonderful and just the place for you two! All the best from me and John.
Looks charming……… ENJOY!!!!
Did you say Florist??? i’m so happy for you Sally, and enjoy knowing these posts will be coming my way! xoxoJulie
love this Sally , I will be following …looks lovely
Look divine. Coming to visit next year
Xx Elizabeth
Sally, thank you for sharing your wonderful adventure. We miss you at Euro Café
XO Michael and Charlie
I love that you are able to make us feel part of your perfect neighborhood. It is so charming and welcome. Looking forward to lots of fun trips with you through your blog ??
This is great Sally!!!
Grazie Maura, Eluzabeth, Brenda, Michael,Elizabeth, Gemma, Shani, Gigi,Melinda and Diana. I appreciate the comments very much. Stay tune!
I am so glad that you and Zoe are settling in in your new neighborhood. It’s comforting to know that place like that still exist. We have for sure lost them here in the states. We just spend a week in Canada and are making our way back home . It’s been a great trip. Hope Zoe is feeling better. ?
Thank you Annbritt.
Zoe is doing well. I am forcing to rest and she is getting a little fiesty.
Your trip looked like so much fun.
I can see you 2 riding around Tuscany on motorcycles. Hint hint