The City at Night

There are really two cities in Florence. The first is the one we consume during the day and the second is what takes place after dark!

One of the great memories we will always have of Florence is walking in its narrow cobblestone streets after the sun goes down. Many times we had to walk block after block in cold rainy conditions, but it never seemed to damper the charm of the city. If anything it enhanced it.

There’s a different energy at night no doubt. People are out and about, more than what I am used to seeing back home. There’s a buzz in the air, an excitement. You see it in the way that people walk. It’s as if there’s more life in their step as they await what the evening has to offer.

The buildings look different when they are illuminated. You notice details in the architecture that you had never seen before. But what makes the city so special at night is the people. Their mood seems to be so much brighter.

Unlike California, people are allowed to drink in the streets in Italy (Maybe this is why they are in a good mood!). Interestingly enough you really don’t see many drunks, certainly not as many as at home. It’s not uncommon to see a restaurant owner sitting outside late in the evening with a bottle of wine, and sharing it with his friends. There’s a feeling of freedom that comes along with drinking a shot of grappa or a lemoncello while standing in the middle of the street as a car passes you by! You catch yourself giggling like your getting away with breaking a rule!

Yes it will be different when we return home. Something tells me that I wont be drinking any after dinner drinks while standing in the street on Thousand Oaks Blvd any time soon :>)