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The Arno River...possibly my favorite place in Florence....
Yesterday, I spent the better half of my day at the Arno River. I try to make a point to always wake up early and run down by the river, but yesterday I decided to just sit and people watched (a favorite past time of mine....especially watching Italians)
I had noticed that many of the locals use the river as a place to sunbathe and enjoy the day with friends. So as a wanna-be local I did the same.... I put on my bathing suit, packed a towel and grabbed my book...hoping to camouflage as much as possible
I sometimes envy the way Italians know how to enjoy life, in America I always feel rushed and somewhat selfish if I were to spend the day just "laying out". My life back home sometimes feels like a juggling act, not exactly with rings and knives but with so many different responsibilities....work, school, family, friends...lists upon lists..grocery lists, school list, a laundry list of things...and perhaps even a wish list....BUT here they have mastered the art of working hard and playing even harder....they know how to slow down and enjoy the minutes and hours of each day, not overcrowd them with a to-do list...
I laid out by the Arno (below Piazza Michelangelo) with about 20 other locals, many coming and going as they pleased. I sat by two older Italian woman who brought a picnic (cold cut meats,bread, fruits, and some wine) and a little radio (which ironically only played American music)....I found myself wrapped up in their conversation, even though I could hardly understand them. I just loved the way they spoke...
I can't help but imagine what my life would be like if this is where I was born...Would I lay out here with my girlfriends and picnic? Would I have a favorite Cafe? Who would I be and what would I do? I think thats one of the greatest things about travel, the possibility to take back with you what you loved and learned in all the different places you stayed...
Ciao!
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