24 May Florence Street Musicians
Since arriving in Venice the mood of the city has drastically changed. Starting on the train, I noticed the change of scenery from cramped city walls to open hills filled with views of vineyards and beautiful villa houses. While sitting on the train I listened to a specific playlist that is calming and really put a good vibe on the potential chaos of events that might have occurred in a new city. Without walking 10 feet from the train station I noticed many street vendors and artists but the ones that caught my attention the most was the street musicians.
After we were granted our free time for the rest of our first night in Florence a small group that consisted of Carly, Nicole and I walked down, what I assume was the Main Street with most shops and even a Carousel. A little more walking and we came to one of the many places where there was previously a leather market set up. Although at the time of night we came across this place it was empty. Except for a single cello player who was arched by a few people in attendance. The atmosphere was indescribable. He played a song which I cannot remember the name of but, as a former strings musician, I really stood there and took notice of how his fingers moved, how his bow moved, how his facial expressions really touched me in some way.
It is a rare occasion in today’s society that really effects my way of seeing the life of others. There was an encounter between the cellist and another man which ended in the musician receiving a business card and an informational card. This interaction led me to think about this man who was absolutely amazing at playing. Was he unemployed? Did he have a family to support?
