Day 41, & our last night in Florence

Ahh, Florence. What a gentle, soft landing place to recover from a hard year of change. To embark on this dream trip from here, to finally see all the art, music and history we've both been dreaming about for decades. Our little apartment on Borgo de Croce has been a beautiful cocoon for us as we gather our travel legs, live out of 1 suitcase, adjust to life on the move, get used to not having our children, family and friends near. It's been an incredible 5 weeks, exactly as we dreamed.

Of course we head out on the #13 bus, to head up, up to the hills, to catch the sunset. We started our first night up here! Piazza Michelangelo. We are not disappointed. The stairs are filled with young people, a guitar busker is singing John Lennon's Imagine as we arrive. Lovers are kissing. Hawkers are selling their wares, but mostly, people are quietly enjoying the beautiful view and the passing of the sun from this day.

And surprise, surprise! I've snagged us free tickets to the Christmas Concert of the season in Chiesa Santa Maria Novella, a church we haven't been into yet! Marc's a good sport! We line up early, 10th or so in line, knowing that first come, first served seating is a gladiator race with the Italians! We are not disappointed, 2nd row. 

The altar.

How can you not be moved by music being played in these spaces?

And after recently experienced a pang of missing all the young people in our lives - through Marc's coaching and my high school work - isn't it a concert by the Florence Youth Orchestra and Young People's Choir! Everyone on stage is between the ages of 7 and 20, just as if the Christmas Angels heard our wish. The orchestra is incredible...if you think about it, studying their instrument in Florence!

A great end to our time here!
December 19, 2015:

So, we've just spent our last night in Florence...5 weeks! As Christmas gets closer, Nativity scenes are being installed everywhere, life-size, elaborate, beautiful. A few days ago, Marc comments, "someone's stealing all the baby Jesuses in Italy." I burst out laughing..."whaaaaat?", he asks, and I proceed to explain. We see another one tonight, Monty Pythonesque ensues.

And here I thought I'd be the target of St. Peter's Square lightning bolts, pestilence or the ground jawing open beneath my feet. I'm actually good to go! Onward to Rome in the morning!

December 21, 2015: To the young people in our lives, whom we miss!, #wishesareglobal, tagging some to reach all.

Santa Maria Novella, the train station in Florence, Italy, puts up a tree every season that travellers turn into a Wishing Tree. The notes, in every language, written on torn-out journal pages, the backs of receipts and saved placemats, reminded us of so many of you!

Whether you're recovering from exams, still touched by Harry Potter, or on a quest like our philosopher Argon here (his Carlini reference?: Jazz, science, sculptor or nun = your pick!), Marc and I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

If one of our children ends up on your step looking for a Star, please offer them room at your Inn!
Love to you(s),
Mama & Papa Wolvin