Semplicità, bellezza e ricchezza

Simplicity, beauty, riches

I love my life here...there is so much to do and see, but underscoring everything is the beauty of simplicity. What I mean is this: I have brought few clothes; I have few dishes to use; the apartments is small, with little furniture; my chores are few, etc. The trappings and duties of my life here are simple.

morning sky from my bedroom window

On the other hand, la ricchezza surrounds me everywhere. I never tire of walking by the Duomo and being dwarfed by its majesty. At any time of day or night, it commands respect and awe.

The Duomo

Piazza della Signoria reminds me of the rich history and events that have influenced not only Italian life, but cultures around the world for millennia.

Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria

And la bellezza! Beauty is everywhere: in the art, the landscape, the faces of young and old, and certainly, the fashion. I've become fascinated with the endless variations of shoes here...my gaze is often focused on people's feet as I stroll the streets of Firenze.

Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria, home to many famous scuptures

My life here suits me, as there is some new treasure to find every day. Last night I went to a concert in the famous church, Orsanmichele, just down the street from my apartment. The atmosphere and attire was casual, but the music (pieces by Haydn and Mozart, featuring a reknowned cellist) was superb. Today or tomorrow I will cross the Arno river to visit Santo Spirito, where a crucifix by Michelangelo was recently returned to the altar in this church, and a week-long schedule of events has been planned in celebration. Even in these events, there is simplicity: no fancy tickets or attire are needed: it's the music, the art and the setting that commands and deserves our attention. Indeed, music, art, beauty are embedded in every facet of life here: it's no big deal. It simply IS. And I feel no loneliness in attending these events, as I often do at home. I am not singled out as a woman alone: instead, I am one of a community who enjoys being inspired.

I do not even mind the crowds here, for I know we are all here to witness something extraordinary, and the emotions that are evident on everyone's faces merely reflect what I feel in my heart at being here: JOY! EXCITEMENT! AWE!

Si, this life suits me. I can already see that three months will be insufficient: how about three years...or three decades?