Walk about

Walking the streets of Florence every day is a subtle form of battle especially during "rush hour". The sidewalks are small, the buses are huge and literally get within inches of you, and then add in the vespa zooming by and the cars. It's about activating all your senses so you don't get run over. But I love it! I am so enjoying not having a car, not having to drive or get gas or find a parking space. The only part I miss a little is the music I used to have blasting in the car...other than that I love the battlefield. The sights and sounds, not so much the smells. Let spend a moment on the smells...there is a LOT of dog shit on the street. Apparently that whole pick up after your pet movement hasn't quite made it to mainstream Italian thinking. We have all noticed how much we look down now while walking, which makes you lose sight of the fact you are in Italy...

I wouldn't trade it in...now I am positive that some day I would love to live again in a city where walking is the order of the day and leave the car ownership to someone else. Unless I can get someone to drive me around...that would be great too!