Friday, February 20, 2015
My Journey: Living Abroad with a Chronic Illness...Firenze, It...
My Journey: Living Abroad with a Chronic Illness...Firenze, It...: Ponte Vecchio - my favorite bridge in Firenze...over by the 3 arches one can see both sides of River Arno I was sitting a few afternoon...
Living Abroad with a Chronic Illness...Firenze, Italy - Terza Parte!
Ponte Vecchio - my favorite bridge in Firenze...over by the 3 arches one can see both sides of River Arno
I was sitting a few afternoons ago enjoying a great cappuccino and tiramisu in La Cité Libreria Café when I suddenly realized it was Thursday and I had not even started my blog. I also realized in that moment that I was "living" and enjoying life here totally and completely! This was just too awesome!
Unfortunately, I had to hold off on my enthusiasm to write this Blog after already being tardy because I had been home bound for two days because of excessive pain along my shoulder and my entire right arm. My posture has really suffered due to my constant pain and I have been trying to correct it. But I am acutely aware that trying to fix my posture will not happen without even more pain. Today I am feeling better but my arm is stiff and sore. It's part of what I manage in my present life and yes even here in Italy. I must say though that I had a pretty good "run"... of escaping with only "normal" pain up to this point.
It is harder to be patient and wait for the pain to subside while I am here in Firenze (Florence). I just want to get outside every day but I know I must be patient because it can get worse if I push the limits.
Ponte alle Grazie and Ponte Vecchio.
The bridge is said to have been built in Roman times and was destroyed by flood and was last rebuilt in 1345. It was the only bridge in Firenze that was not destroyed when the Germans retreated out of Firenze in World war two. It is believed that Hitler himself gave the directive not to destroy it. Some buildings on both ends of the bridge were damaged but were restored with old and new material and design.
This is the entry to the Ponte Vecchio..it's crowded on the weekends
I live on the left side of the River Arno and the Ponte Vecchio and downtown Firenze is to the right
The other day I was out on the square and saw a host of Asians dressed in ceremonial garb and they turned out to be Koreans promoting their upcoming Traditional Arts Festival. They made their way through the square to the Ponte Vecchio where they gathered and burst out in song!
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Korean Group singing. They stand between two of the arches on the Ponte Vecchio
Steve and I went to LaCite Libreriacafe for a free dance lesson and to listen to a live band last week. Unfortunately we got there a little late and the lesson had already began but the live band was great! The dancing seem as if it would have been too much for me but it was great watching the guys and gals have fun. La Cite was recommended by our new friend Matt from Chicago. Matt is an App Developer who is also here in Firenze for his second extended stay.
Having Cappccino and Tiramisu at La Cité Café
Literally every square inch of Firenze has something interesting to see. The other day Steve and I were just wondering along one of the narrow streets close to the Ponte Vecchio and came across some unusual art. Creatures painted white with human bodies with heads of different creatures. Some were scaling the wall of the Hotel while others were suspended in the air.
It was commissioned by the Gallery Art Hotel and created by artist and architect
Simone D'Auria as a tribute to the city of Firenze to beautify the space.
The goal of the exhibit is to send a positive message and invitation to continue moving forward whatever the challenge maybe....to climb up...to be innovative and overcome one's limits!
Which beautifully sums up my reason for being here in Firenze!
Until next time, Ciao!!
Awesome Art display near the Ponte Vecchio
Suspended in mid air - photo Steve Brulé
Hanging with the guys - photo: Steve Brulé
These guys decided to take a break from scaling the walls and hanging around in the air 
The Ponte Vecchio as seen when walking from my apartment
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Street musicians on the Square playing awesome Italian favorites and other great songs.
The little boy was just LOVING it!!!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Living Abroad with My Chronic Illness - Italy - Seconda Parte
Lighting candles at the Cathedral --Photo credit to Steve Brule
I am so happy that I decided to plan and make this trip to Florence, Italy!
I am thoroughly enjoying each and every single day here! There is so much history and cool things to see everywhere. Although it is technically the "off' season the city is still buzzing with activity from both tourists and locals. This is especially visible on the weekends.
I am also happy that I choose to live in a local Florence neighborhood and experience life with the locals. The monks and staff at the Basilica di San Miniato on the hill know us since we have been there many times. We are also known at the local cafe down stairs.
The Basilica di San Miniato al Monte is perched on the highest point in Florence. The church dates back to 783. It was rebuilt in 1018 because it was badly neglected. The views from the grounds are breathtaking! It is indeed a trek to get up there but well worth it.
At the Basilica, the priests and monks put on the Gregorian Chant. "Gregorian chant is the central tradition of Western plainchant, a form of monophonic, unaccompanied sacred song of the western Roman Catholic Church. Gregorian chant developed mainly in western and central Europe during the 9th and 10th centuries, with later additions and redactions."
The ceremony takes place in the crept of the Basilica on designated evenings for about an hour. Anthony, the young monk we met says they practice the chants daily. It is truly a very calming beautiful, meditative experience.
The Basilica is very cold and the crypt is even colder. Hat, gloves and the warmest clothes are in order here.
On my second visit I bought my thermos with hot tea and had it on the walk home.
"The square, dedicated to the great Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo, has copies of some of his works found elsewhere in Florence: the David and the four allegories of the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo. These copies are made of bronze, while the originals are all in white marble. The monument was brought up by nine pairs of oxen on 25 June 1873."
The Square is a great spot to view the Duomo and the city of Florence.
My apartment is only minutes walking to these locations in the District of San Niccolo. It is pretty cool that I can go just about anytime I want.
Photo view of Duomo and Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo
Usually I do not miss the Super Bowl but his year I did because my ankles were swollen and painful from the day's activities and I reluctantly decided to stay home. We were planning to go to a local Pub called "Uncle Jimmy's" (it's a local hangout for expats) to watch the game at 12:30 AM Italian time. I was rooting for the Seattle Seahawks but unfortunately they lost in a nail biting finish. As Steve says it's "all good" because I also love the Patriots.
We are having a bit more rain than when we first arrived... very heavy and consistent downpours for a few days. In fact it rained so hard the other day and night that the River Arno which was raging wildly when I walked up to the Piazza Michelangelo the next day.
"The River Arno crosses Florence, where it passes below the Ponte Vecchio and the Santa Trìnita bridge (built by Bartolomeo Ammanati, but inspired by Michelangelo). The river flooded the city regularly in historical times, the last occasion being the flood of 1966, with 4,500 cubic metres per second (160,000 cu ft/s) after rainfall of 437.2 millimetres (17.21 in ) in Badia Agnano and 190 millimetres (7.5 in) in Florence, in only 24 hours".
River Arno raging after heavy rain last week
A calmer River Arno and one of two bridges I can walk
across to downtown Florence
I am getting to know my way around town and love a great bookstore/cafe called RED (Read. Eat. Dream) It's a great place to sit and read, have a cappuccino or just "people watch". I enjoy watching and listening to a group of about 6 - 8 older retired men who meet-up there practically everyday. Although I don't understand what they are saying I can tell when they are in a heated discussion and when they are just plain mad at each other. They look out for each other and share what they have. They ALWAYS part as friends and come back the next day as friends which is really heart warming to see.
BTW: I did try the hot chocolate again without incident :)
Living the Italian life...Until next week! Ciao!!
Bookstore/Cafe...Photo credit to Steve Brule
Outside RED yesterday...CD launch/Signing...Lots of
tween and teens girls...Photo credit to Steve Brule
Sitting on my fav bench at the Cathedral of Florence
Photo credit to Steve Brule
On the way up to Piazzale Michelangelo
--Additional background information gathered from Wikipedia
Monday, January 26, 2015
Living Abroad with my Chronic Illness..... Italy
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!
First Groceries in Florence
Cathedral of Florence
I light candles for the babies at the Cathedral
Local Florence Market
Thick and rich hot coco
Restaurant window display close to Apt..that's a real sword fish and octopus!
An evening out with Steve to celebrate his 1 million views on YouTube
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!
Thick and rich hot coco
Florence Police giving directions...love their uniform and hat
Thursday, January 1, 2015
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Thursday, December 25, 2014
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