During the first two weeks of September tourists in Florence can witness the slow steady stream of Florentine residents slowly getting back into their city lifestyle. During the month of August most of the city dwellers leave for the seaside and/or exotic international ports. If one is lucky enough to get to Florence before the masses return, you can have the city to yourself and still discover somethings that may go unnoticed when trying to navigate the normally busy streets. Upon returning to Firenze after a few months back in California, I appreciated the less crowded city. On a leisurely walk a few days ago I stumbled upon a little church I had never seen before: The Ex Oratorio di San Pierino on Via Gino Capponi near the church of Santissima Annunziata. A lovely terracotta lunette by Santi Buglioni is over entrance and a G. Della Robbia crucifix ceramic on the wall. The ex church is now the headquarters of the Dante Alighieri society.
It’s a big problem to try and read the information sign with graffiti sprawled across it. So sad to see graffiti even on the monuments throughout the city.
Observing on my leisurely walk: Ben and Jerry, REALLY… Maybe it is for the visiting American students?? There are so many great choices here, whether ice cream or gelato. Seasonal flavors include coconut and rice. If you really want to have a tasting party the International Gelato festival comes to piazzale Michelangelo from September 12-14.
Walking by the Gallery Hotel Art could not help but notice the “Personal/Unpersonal installation by artist Simone D’Auria. Info guide states the artist’s inspiration were the great men who made the city of Florence and were commonly described to the people using emblems that depicted them with heads of animals.
In much contrast to these “white” figures are the returning city dwellers…
You can bet the tanned and fashionably dressed folks you see returning to Florence are the locals, who are in sharp contrast to the white figures climbing the wall near the Hotel’s entrance! La bella figura is very evident. The temperature may be hot and humid but the latest fashion trends prevail. This is the year of the boot. Rather than sandals you will see the latest boot styles paired with shorts or mini sun dressers. No matter if your feet are hot.
Any minute now Tuscany will start to get very crowded, with tourists as well as returning residents and many will be going to local wine tasting parties/feasts called “Sagra”. It is the VENDEMMIA, the grape harvest.
As for me I’m off to have a slice of schiaccia con l’uva (Focaccia with grapes) which is a delicious sign of the season. I think I will check out the variety at the Central Market, which I know I have been overdue on reporting. My next post will come out sooner or later now that I am here and SO INSPIRED!
A presto!
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