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Laureato: graduating from university in Italy
When you graduate from college in Italy, you are laureate. An Italian custom I find completely charming is the habit of the graduate wearing a laurel wreath to mark the occasion.
Today I spotted this happy fellow, who clearly just graduated. I followed him for a few steps:
And then I asked him to pose for a picture. Unfortunately, I caught him in an awkward pose, because he is a very handsome young man!
Auguri!
Seasonal treats
It’s autumn, obviously, so what do you expect in the bakery here?
How about
Schiacciata con uve?
And if that doesn’t float your boat, how about
Schiacciata con fichi e noci?
Delizioso!
Letters and telegrams
I wonder how old this sign is? When was the last time you received a telegram?
Il bambino and the swan
In the darling little village of Sirmione, on Lake Garda, I spied this adorable little boy, who was fascinated by, and a little bit afraid of, the swan.
There was lots of wildlife along the coast, mostly ducks and swans. A nice break from the stone city of Florence.
It’s a girl!
Here’s how you announce the birth of a child in Italy. Pink for a girl, ovviamente, and blue for a boy.
Translation of the handwritten notice: “Children know things that the major part of humanity has forgotten.” A lovely sentiment, indeed.
Benvenuta, Giulia! Welcome to the world. Lucky you, to be born in Florence!
All babies are welcomed into Italy because the country has one of the lowest birthrates in the world!
You may not know this about me, but…
I have always been afraid to drive in Italy!! Not because, as is generally known, Italians ignore rules and regulations; not because the signs measure kilometers and not miles; not because I don’t the directions to where I’m going….but because I have never been sure I could find my way out of and then back in to the city! Whether the city be Roma or Firenze or wherever.
I could always picture myself going around and around some round-about, not being able to get off; or, driving wrong way both up and down one way streets in the historic center.
So, it is not with a little pride that I share with you that I not only rented a car myself last weekend, an adorable Fiat Cinquecento, as seen below:
But I successfully drove it out of Florence, through Tuscany, to the area around Val d’Orcia in the south of the region, then back through Tuscany and into Florence!! Woo hoo! I got the car back to the rental agency in the center of Florence, with nary a scratch or bump! I am a very proud driver!
I think you can see my pride above. Ad below.
And, not for nothing, this winding road, the most iconic in Italy, is one of the places I drove on Saturday!
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I will happily share with you that part of my confidence came from the fact that I had an Italian friend with me. My friend made sure I made it out of and back in to Florence in one piece. Next time, I’ll do it myself! Face your fears, people!
Let there be light! Sia la luce!
Look at this beautiful Florentine store, filled from floor to rafters with elegant lighting choices!
I happened upon the store while wandering around the Oltrarno oggi. I had planned to pay a visit to Chiesa Santo Spirito, only to discover the church is closed on Wednesdays. Who knew!?
Not to worry, when in Florence, there is always something new to see.
I have adored these lamps with half shades all of my life. Eventually I will have to purchase one! Haven’t found the right one yet, but I’m still looking.
The chandelier above was hung just inside the workroom doorway and was hung at body level and is bigger than I am.
Please be seated! Sederti!
An assortment of antique chairs from the Museo Horne. Sederti!
Rock-a-bye Renaissance baby
I paid a visit to the Museo Horne in Florence today and among the treasures housed there is this ornate rocking baby bed.
Can’t you just imagine all of the happy babies who were once cradled in this lovely objet?
get back, lauretta! 
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