I was so exhausted after the mornings adventure and feeling so sensitive/emotional that once I was home I decided to head back to bed. I awoke a few hours later still feeling sentimental but more enthused to maximise my last day in Firenze and get out and enjoy the clear blue sky day. So I had a shower, something to eat and got dolled up to meet a friend.
As I walked towards a local cafe in Piazza San Marco my shoes felt like lead, but as I slowly sipped my latte and admired the locals around me, my tensions and apprehensions began to slowly dissipate. 'Last day, last moment'... It's a strange experience. It's like extending your arm to grab a handful of air. Even though you know it's intangible, you long to place a small amount in your pocket for keepsake. I didn't want to do anything special today. I just wanted to be immersed in the city, live these sights and sensations and to feel a sense of happiness and satisfaction.
After my coffee I continued to walk to Piazza Il Duomo where Manuela and I had arranged to meet. As I waited, a sense of happiness began to emerge as I watched the Italians walking about the city centre on their Sunday afternoon passiggata. With couples parading effortlessly arm-in-arm along cobble stoned lane ways decorated with Christmas ferns and lights, I felt as though I was viewing an open theatre production. As the scene unfolded the bells of Il Duomo sounded, Manuela appeared, we embraced and then joined the parade. We walked through all the main streets arm-in-arm eating roasted chestnuts and talking continuously. It was delightful!
In the evening we met up with my Jewels of the North. Sandra, Zelka, Sabine, Olga & Carmen at a local wine bar near Palazzo Pitti for one last farewell drink, chat, photos, exchange of kisses, and wishes... and the first of many tearful departure embraces.
By the time we left the wine bar it was 6 degrees. From there we walked together along the Ponte Vecchio towards the city centre through the crisp night air. It was bitterly cold but I have a gorgeous impression of us standing near the Arno River chatting as we snuggled into our fur collars and wedged our gloved hands more firmly into the pockets of our winter coats.
Then Manuela and I walked to Claudia and Lorenzo's home near Il Duomo. The warmth of their company buffered the cold we'd experienced and before too long we were shedding our winter layers and in the midst of Lorenzo's birthday celebration.
Red wine, cheeses and merriment were in abundance, and once everyone had been introduced the party began..! We eat, drank, 'discussed and laughed about coincidences', and made endless brindi's. It was a fabulous evening.
A few moments ago, after Claudia & Lorenzo escorted everyone home and an abundance of heartfelt kisses and sentimental farewells were exchanged, I walked up the stairs and into my apartment for the last time and felt very blessed. I feel so happy and satisfied and hopeful. I know my decisions are unconventional and not straightforward, that I'm a dreamer etc etc but my life is so rich.
I came to Italy (Firenze) in February 2007. I knew no one. I didn't know how this city functioned, it's idiosyncrasies, culture, traditions or language and tonight I realise how much I have achieved, grown, experienced and how many loving & beautiful friends I've made. People who have been so generous with their support and love. Who have held the window open when other doors shut and who have stood beside me gently or patiently walked beside me throughout last year and the last four months.
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