Christmas 2010 - Day Five

Poor, poor Kate. She woke up with an awful cough. She sounds like a walrus. So we ate breakfast and put on our uniforms ('cause that's what you call the same clothes you wear day after day!) and headed to the farmacia! In Italy if you need a pharmacy all you have to do is look for the the neon green cross. There is one in the picture below. We talked with the pharmacist and got a some meds for Kate. A good wet, cough transcends all language!

He strolled up the Calzaiuoli to Coin to try and get some clothes. Kate has been such a trooper. She has been in the same clothes since December 18! Clothes are in order! We also hit Kate's FAVORITE trinket shop in Italy Accessorize. It is like an Italian Claire's, but a step up. We saw this pretty tree in front of the duomo on the way.

We strolled and shopped until lunch time then headed to Trattoria dei 13 Gobbi. This place was another score. Did I tell you the food in Italy is amazing! If you ever go to Italy, throw all caution to the wind and eat like the locals. You won't regret it. One thing about Italy that is deceiving is the size of interiors. You see a little door and enter thinking you are entering an itty bitty place and it ends up going on for days! You start in the front and keep going back further and further into the building. So crazy and cool! Every door is a different surprising adventure. Our waiter was really sweet. He adored Kate (who wouldn't?). Here is what I had:

1. Antipasto - Carpacio di bresaola con Parmigiano Reggiano
2. Primi Piatti - I nostri famosi rigatonii (Their famous rigatoni! And it was. These rigatoni were huge--as big around as 3/4 pipe and floating in fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella.)
3. Secondi Piatti - Grilled sausage--the best sausage I have ever had!

Cita and Kate each ordered the Tagliata de bistec e romarino (sliced steak with rosemary). I had a bite and the flavor was indescribable. Kate couldn't finish hers and the sweet waiter took it as an insult. We was soooo funny. He told her very sweetly that she must eat it and he would make it perfect for her. He then sliced it into baby bite pieces, drizzled it with fresh olive oil and airplaned it into her mouth. Adorable. She ate the rest of the steak AND then had dessert! I told her not to get used to it because I am NOT feeding her!

Again we headed out with full bellies and smiles on our faces to stroll the wonderful streets of Florence. We strolled down along the street that runs parallel to the Arno and then crossed over the river and set our sights on the Pitti Palace. It astounds me that all these castles used to be personal residences. What a life!

We rested some and then went and joined the crowds for the passeggiate. This is a great tradition. A little stroll to meet and greet all your friends. And don't forget to point and laugh at all the people in line at Tiffany's. What is up with that? Shop online people!!!After passeggiata.The tower in the Piazza del Signoria.