22 May Florence Has Taken My Heart
Rome was stressful. Beautiful, magical, and intriguing in every way…but stressful. The cars don’t stop for confused tourists, the Vatican security takes no excuses in English, (as I learned the hard way) and the herds of people seem to be unfazed by shoulders of strangers slamming into collarbones and backs. After the first clicks of my tired heels on Florence pavement, I knew that this city would be different.
I like calm atmospheres that somehow still beg for adventure. My body can’t handle chaos, but my soul searches or journeys that can only be completed through exotic mayhem. Florence is the city that finally put my heart to rest. Everyday there is something new, but on familiar streets. Here I feel at home.
Florence is a paradox. The walkways are tiny, wide enough for one, but the city begs to be experienced with someone you love. A daily struggle is deciding who gets to walk on the sidewalk and who, in that day, gets to avoid cars on the street.
There is art everywhere you turn: statues and busts, churches, music, graffiti, fashion, painting, food, and coffee. But pictures don’t do any of it justice. David captured my soul in ways I can’t put to words…I stared into his eyes for what felt like hours and I will never be the same. How can I thank Florence for giving birth to art that changes life? I can never repay the debt I owe this city. I don’t want to leave, for I fear my heart won’t come with me.
