More Week Two

I did a bit of exploring today, around the area where I live. People seem to imagine that the city basically ends after you pass the Duomo and reach the Ponte Vecchio, the big bridge full of jewelry shops that crosses the Arno River. But much to even my own surprise, the Piazza Pitti (across from my apartment) is the frontman for quite the big- band behind it. Walking away from the apartment in a direction we had never ventured, Allie and I discovered a quieter but just as interesting piece of Florence. Just beyond our street is a bustling square, Piazza di Santo Spirito, which houses the breath-taking Church of S. Spirito. We decided it looked sort of Spanish, with an enormous blank front and a curvy outline (pictures to be posted soon). My guidebook calls it “sober.” But, while the exterior is much duller than other Florentine churches, this one has quite possibly the most beautiful interior. I was more impressed with the inside of Santo Spirito than I was with the Duomo. The altar was overwhelmingly ornate and the ceilings soared with about eight giant arches on either side of the center walkway. Between each arch and its pillars was a huge biblical painting in bright color. While the Duomo lit fake candles, Santo Spirito was luminous with genuine candlelight and the faces of several worshippers seated silently among the pews. Mass is weekdays at 6:00 and I plan to go ASAP. In the piazza outside the Church, a few restaurants look promising, and further down the street there are two shops that sell fresh deli meat and bread – something we’ve actually been searching for since arriving, since our only food outlet right now is a major supermarket nearby. I peeked in at the giant wheels of cheese and oversized salamis; I will definitely be returning soon. And best of all, we’ve finally located what we hear is one of the best pizza places in town – GustaPizza, right around the corner from our apartment! It was closed today, but will certainly be seeing my face soon. In other news, Nick is coming for a visit in just five days and I am excited for us to go see the Fiorentina soccer team! Their purple flags and jerseys are all over the tourist shops here and I can’t wait to become a real fan at the game next Wednesday. I plan on jamming as many touristy things into his week here as possible, and of course…GustaPizza.