I Love Florence (an email)

Okay, babe, I am here and already I am having a typical Barbara adventure.  They lost my luggage, but I have fallen in love with Florence anyway.  To be honest, I expected some minor catastrophe, as usual.  In Paris, I was pick-pocketed $800 by two teenagers who asked me for some money for the blind.  In Indonesia, I was attacked by monkeys in the sacred forest. Then, I fell and broke my toe after a lulur massage, and on and on and on... So, you must never travel with me because the gods of chaos and annoyance follow me around..

Anyway, I am having a wonderful time.  Taking hot baths in my marble tub.  Amazing city views of the Arno and Tuscan Hills from my hotel window, and I can walk to the city center.  Did I tell you I am staying in the fabulous Westin (I am a hotel snob).  This city is fantastic.  Have you been?  The women have attitude and the men cower to it. You should see the way they snap their fingers.  

Last night, I had Tuscan martini at the hotel bar. The server explained that the chef takes the Brunello de Montalchino wine and reduces to an "inch of its life" before mixing it with the vodka ("top secret," he said as he put his finger up to his mouth).  I also had the sea bass with a black toasted skin that gently clung to the meat.  Anyway, while eating my dinner, I was mesmerized by servers who fussed with a table that seemed to be defected. They changed the linen and the silverware several times. Then, they moved the table around numerous times before deciding it would not do. At which time they solemnly marched it out of place as if in a funeral procession. The funny thing was that section of the restaurant never opened to the public.  I can only assume that Tuscans are perfectionist who believe pleasure starts with attention to the tiniest details. Maybe, I will stay forever.

 Today, after I finish writing this, I am off to the city to see David and his famous appendage.  Okay, on a different note,  I will not be able to BBM you here.  The phone people told me that I do not have the proper Blackberry for international communication.  Will try to write as much as possible.  Anyway, I am leaving here on the 6th and already I am sad about it.   Okay, babe, talk to you soon.. xoxo