Aloha Everyone,
According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization), nearly 1/3 of the world's art treasures are in Firenze. While we love to visit churches and museums, today J.J.
and I decided that it would be more enjoyable for us to just walk the cobble-stoned streets.
Mercado Centrale (Central Market) is a giant covered market operating under an iron and glass building. It is a clean, exciting and fascinating place to visit.
We met Yasuha from Aomori, Japan who has been working there for a year. Her job is to assist Japanese tourists, many of whom do not speak any western languages. Yasuha told us that she loves living in Italy.
The bistecca alla Fiorentina is one of the specialties of Firenze. It is a mammoth sized chargrilled t-bone steak that can easily feed two. The cost for our mega-sized steak was €20. Our total bill for this wonderful lunch was €31 inclusive of a seafood plate and a bottle of acqua minerale con gas.
In front of the Museo San Marco, J.J. and I met Ben and Rosemarie from New York who also were taking a break from their walk. As we exchanged stories, we found out that the four of us have lots in
common -- places we've lived and the lifestyle we love. J.J. and I promised to look them up when we
are in their neighborhood.
Tonight the two of us returned to the 2nd floor of Mercato Centrale where an upscale food court is open from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Perfect timing for us who prefer to dine earlier that 7:30 pm. Our dessert of tiny pears with roasted chestnuts were perfect for me to sketch as well as for us to eat.
Aloha -- Cathi
