In today’s blog update, I’ll include some of our observations so far. The good and the bad, at least from our background and experiences. This will probably jump around a bit as I think of examples. This is our second time to visit Italy, the first just last year in May of 2023. That visit was a guided tour and very fast paced two days in most major cities. This visit is much longer, more relaxed, although more in depth.
People
- Florence is a large city at 350,000 inhabitants and more than double that in the larger metro area.
- People tend to dress much warmer. For example, on a 75f degree day, we were wearing short sleeves, and short pants while most locals wear long sleeves and always long pants. And many wear puffer jackets and scarves at that temp. European men never wear shorts except to the beach.
- Most dress in darker colors, gray, black, dark blue. Rare to see bright colored clothing.
- Women tend to dress up more every day. Dresses and heels.
- In the historic old district, the city is very walkable everywhere. In fact, the only drivers are delivery vans, taxis, scooters, and bikes.
- Smokers – This is kind of a shocker. While walking along the sidewalks, as the locals do, I would guess that half the local men are smoking and many women. While walking they smoke and all who are merchants standing at their storefronts. There is a constant cigarette smoke, although the European cigarette has a milder smell than US version. Not sure why. There are many outdoor dining options at most restaurants and smoking is also allowed.
- All the small markets, craft, leather, and other stuff shops are run by immigrants. Most Iranian I believe. And they all 100% smoke continually.
- At this time of year, late October, most of the language we hear are obviously Italian first, then German, Spanish, French, then middle eastern and African, then finally English. British more than American English. Not sure why. Maybe time of year and proximity.
- The crowds have been good overall. With some exceptions being around the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio. There are always many people out and about, just not the jam-packed crowds that we saw last year.
Grocery Stores
- We tend to eat at our apartment 1-2 meals a day and the try a new restaurant a day. Fantastic meals here. While at home, we only go out maybe once per week. Pat is a fantastic and healthy cook!
- The stores are mostly tiny. Small crowded isles. Barely room to turn around. People in a hurry, not smiling, and never make eye contact.
- Shopping carts are carry baskets with 2 wheels and a front handle. You either carry the blasted thing or try to roll it behind you in the tiny isle.
- The checkout area is a teeny tiny 12″ x 12″ counter to place your items. No moving conveyor belt. People here tend to buy just enough for that day. Fresh for dinner. Not the American Walmart experience!
- Most all product labels are in Italian. No big surprise, but we spend time with Google translate to figure out what the packaging says. At one local store, the manager will work with me as I pantomime the item. Pretty hilarious.
- To pick up and fresh fruits or vegetables, you put on a supplied plastic glove then weigh at the kiosk, bag, and label. Great idea!
- There is no self-checkout. Just 1 or 2 tiny checkout stands.
Walking Around
I have always wanted to experience living in a walkable city. To walk to the market, dining, shopping, etc. We have always lived in small towns, and they have never been a place you could walk everywhere. Sure, we always get out and walk our neighborhood or subdivision for exercise, but not as a mode of transportation. Suburb America is built on the automobile model of transportation. Take your car to work, store, restaurant and even to the gym for exercise! The opposite over here.
Florence has 2,400 restaurants (in all the varied types) that are within 30 minutes of anywhere. All very walkable. Google maps is great here. We can use Google to get us anywhere for museums or things to see. Then while there click on the restaurant icon to find a place to eat. sorting through a hundred in a couple of block area by the rating. A quick check of recent reviews and in we go. Great!
Okay a bit on the downside. Many times, the sidewalks are very narrow and most always are paved with stones from the 1400’s. Uneven, cracks, holes, sloping. You really have to watch your step. Ask me how I know that. While walking we come across groups walking in the opposite direction and they rarely yield. So, someone has to step out into the street hoping to avoid that silent scooter!
The streets are usually very narrow as well with one-way traffic. The small buses and delivery vans have side mirrors that extend to a few inches of the sidewalk. Be aware constantly. And worse yet are the electric scoots and bikes that are silent and fly around at speed. And they go both ways on a one-way street. Better look both ways before crossing! Many of the larger streets have a walk signal with push button activator. Very nice.
Most public restrooms charge 1 Euro and never have toilet seats or paper. While most all restaurants/coffee shops/bars have toilets if you are a customer. We usually stop for refreshments anyway, so it has been no big deal so far.
And the weather has been great since the on/off again rain we had in the first week. In fact, the temps have been very similar to back in our Virginia mountains.
Wrap Up
Yeah, there can be a few challenges while living in a foreign country, but we both love the challenges and the discovery of different cultures. Having a good time! Thanks for following along! Next up more walking about, museums, and dining.