My Journey: January 2015

Last year I mentioned that I wanted to live abroad for a year. and that started a debate among my family. They all wondered if this was a good idea due to my health issues.
I wanted...needed to go on this adventure because as the old cliche goes "life is too short" and I need to make the best of the rest of mine. I had two miscarriages, two brain surgeries and I live with pain 24x7. I felt it was the right time in my life for me to go on this adventure.
I was determined to go and eventually settled on Florence, Italy as the destination since I had been there a few times before and loved it. I also scaled back my stay from one year to three months and agreed to have my husband come along with me for a portion of the trip.
I also found an English speaking doctor in Florence and got the approval of my neurosurgeon and family doctor.

I arrived in Rome on January 15th and stayed for 2 nights before going to Florence. The flight was relatively smooth but as with all travel it was hectic. Especially the drive from the airport to the hotel. Driving in Italy is fast and furious! Be prepared for anything!

On Wednesday January 14th when we left Ottawa it was -20 degrees and we arrived in Rome to 60+ degree weather! It was awesome! Jet lag was a bit of a problem but we still managed to enjoy Rome. At dinner we met a great Australian family who were on an extended holiday to different countries.

It was a somewhat hectic getting to the apartment and settling in. The apartment was a bit more rustic than I had expected but it was neat and clean. We have since settled in, and the apartment is working out just fine. It is convenient to all of downtown Florence and the beautiful historic places yet has a distinct neighborhood vibe. On the day of our arrival we met two very friendly Italian women from the neighborhood who had some great tips for us.

The change in environment has done wonders for me. I feel more energetic and go out every day.
I love to sit in the Cathedral of Florence when I am out and about and become tired. I light candles for the babies and "people watch". The other day I met four elderly sisters from Paris and had a lovely visit with them. They had just arrived and will be in Florence till March.
The Cathedral is very large and has thousands of visitors daily. They try to maintain calm and quiet inside but sometimes visitors become so excited that it becomes a bit noisy.

I have been in Florence a full week and I feel totally at home despite the language barrier. I met my upstairs neighbor Martina who was very sweet and welcoming.
I am slowly recognizing locals in the neighborhood and sometimes go downstairs to the coffee shop for a light snack.
I found a great supermarket not very far from the apartment. I can purchase lots of different fresh pre-made items and just about anything else I want.

Yesterday I tried the Italian version of hot chocolate and it was rich and thick. It's the most chocolate I have ever had in one sitting in my entire life! I was thinking of having one or two everyday to gain at least ten pounds but my tummy was so sick last night that I am rethinking that route to gain weight.
In fact, I have to be fair that I am not sure if it was the hot chocolate or the green olives wrapped with anchovies from the grocery store or the huge hamburger sandwich I had for supper from the store on the way home that caused my stomach issues. So I think I will try the hot chocolate again but maybe next week and without all the other stuff?!

The weather has been great! It has been in 50+ degrees during the day and mid 40s at night.

I purchased a local SIM card for my cell phone which was the best and most economical way to go. You must unlock your USA/Canadian phone before leaving though.

Yesterday I took a different route to the square and got lost! But I happened to find the local Florence market...the non tourist one which I had read about on line. It was pretty cool! I then took another route and found my way to where I wanted to be without asking a single question for directions.

I have been here for over a dozen days now and I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far.
The adventure has just began...until next week!
Ciao!