A favourite activity in Firenze is to visit the bookshops. There are always books in English, not only offering information about what to see, where to eat and how to speak, but also books on Italian life and culture. I have recently picked up one entitled Italian Life Rules by an expat American, Ann Reavis. It was published in 2014 and it explains much of my bewilderment about my experience with the local people. In simple terms it all comes down to my shoes.
Books
The Sixteen Pleasures
Palazzo Antellesi – Photograph by Robyn Smith
Il 4 novembre, 1966 il fiume Arno ha allagato la citta di Firenze dopo tanti giorni di pioggia in la campagna. E stato l’inondazione peggiore che ci sia mai stato in la citta e ha coperto tanti edifici alle secondo piano. Ha danneggiato o ha distrutto tanti libri antico e opere d’arte inestimabili.
On the 4 November, 1966, Florence was inundated by the waters of the Arno River following many days of rain in the surrounding area. The flood is said to have been the worst in the recorded history of the city and covered the buildings up to the second floor. The destruction to priceless works of art and books was unimaginable. There are still markers in many places around the town indicating the top of the flood waters. The Church of Santa Croce has a gallery of photographs taken at the time. Continue reading
Io voglio essere in Italia 