Arrivederci Firenze…….farewell Florence……

Arrivederci Firenze…….farewell Florence……

It’s challenging living out of four suitcases and constantly having to find the best supermarket, coffee shop and hairdresser. It’s even more difficult when something goes wrong and there’s no GP, backup credit card or just someone that speaks English! But life on the move brings an incredible benefit of meeting a truckload of amazing and diverse people. The downside is that eventually we have to leave – sometimes it feels as though we spend our lives bidding people farewell. We keep reminding ourselves that saying goodbye implies that we have been blessed with meeting them in the first place.

And so it was in Florence….

Unfortunately we weren’t able to catch up with his family again, but we managed to have a final coffee with Andrea, baker extraordinaire and olive farmer from Grassina. Arrivederci! (And yes, we are taking your advice about the blog!)

http://www.agricolapoderino.it/

The team at Parkrun Firenze were next cab off the ranks for saying ciao. The moment was made bitter sweet as whilst not managing a PB, Glenda went out in style by being first woman home.

http://www.parkrun.it/firenze/

https://www.facebook.com/firenzeparkrun/

From our first Parkrun Firenze within 24 hours of arriving in August, through to our last run, we felt part of a family. Thank you to Lorenzo, Suzie, Daria and the rest of the team for making us feel welcome and for your tireless effort in running this wonderful event. Our particular and heartfelt thank you goes to Andrea and Monica – two special people that embraced us and we are now delighted to call friends.

Speaking of Andrea and Monica – we had the privilege of being invited to their house for dinner our final Saturday in town. They spoilt us rotten with a true Italian-style four course meal – although they did say they’d kept the portions small. As a break from the typical Florence red meat, they had put so much thought into it and they treated us to a meal of fish and seafood, including one of Glenda’s favourites, salmon. There was no seafood in the dessert – just scrumptious gelato. Thanks so much guys!!

We were devastated to have to leave our local pizza place, Farina 00. The pizzas are arguably the best we have ever had. And the servers there – Helena, Martina and Sara – were fun and friendly. Yes Helena, we will visit you if we get back to Florence one day!

https://www.facebook.com/farina00graneria/

We were fortunate that we didn’t have to say our goodbyes to the church pastors, Cody & Dannielle on Sunday at church. Instead, we had breakfast with them on our final morning. You are a blessing to lots of people – we will keep praying for you. Until we meet again!

http://mosaicochurch.org/