Can’t believe that in 72 hours I’ll be back in the U.S.

On one hand, it seems as if this month has flown by, and on the other hand, it seems as if it has been six months since the first time I drove down the country road to our rented villa.

We have become “semi-locals” here; the cashier in the grocery store, the lady at the bakery, the guy at the greengrocer all know us now. And thanks to our AirBnB hosts, we are on a first-name basis with the guy who runs the little bakery and coffee shop in town. To be fair, it’s their son-in-law, Pablo.

We’ve also become comfortable getting into Florence and tooling our way around the countryside (in the second case, unaided by GPS or a map).

I can’t believe how quickly this lovely little place has wormed itself into our hearts and touched our souls.

Reflecting on the past month, there are a few things I have learned about life in Italy. Let me be clear, these are not criticisms, simply observations.

1. Stop signs and speed limits are merely suggestions. But Italians take their pedestrian crosswalks VERY seriously.
2. Just because a restaurant’s website and signage state that they will be open on Thursday, don’t assume they will actually be open when you arrive for dinner on a Thursday night. In fact, you may find that the entire TOWN is closed. Stuff happens.
3. Italians love, love, love Americans. All Americans. Even the really loud, obnoxious ones wearing baseball caps and white tennis shoes.
4. Food is a passion, an art and a science. It is meant to be savored, enjoyed, discussed, debated. The worst insult you can offer is to eat a meal quickly. In this area, the same is true for Chianti Classico and Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
5. Art is everywhere. Not just in churches or museums, but in public parks, in front gardens and even in the middle of a parking garage.
6. Italians will appreciate any effort to speak their language. Any effort at all. Even if you are completely inept, they will appreciate the attempt and smile. They will also apologize for not speaking English. (Just think about that for a minute…)
7. There are LOTS of road signs. The one below was always my favorite. Not sure what it means, but I think it tells you that you can get anywhere from here.
8. Just because Italians are speaking loudly, and waving their arms, it doesn’t mean they are fighting. They are just REALLY loud. Even when it’s only two of them talking to each other.
9. Everywhere you look, it is absolutely gorgeous. Except “Firenze Sud” which is the southern quadrant of Florence and very industrial. But everywhere else is gorgeous, whether it’s the architecture, the topography, the fabulous fashions displayed in the downtown shopping districts, the cases of gelato or the fresh fruits and other tasty groceries in the street markets.
10. The best, most memorable experiences are the ones you don’t plan. Like taking a wrong turn and finding yourself in a village that was “rebuilt” in 1483 after some war. Or stopping into a local restaurant for pizza, learning that they only serve pizza on the weekends (I guess due to the cost of running the oven) and instead ordering an amazing selection of bruschettas. Or you are wandering aimlessly looking for a taxi, and you spot the joy of a small child whose daddy has treated her to a special balloon.

And last, but certainly not least: At some point in your visit, you will realize how incredibly magical this place is and start thinking seriously about coming back. Or maybe even moving here. Because this is, after all, Italy. Ciao!