Some things are just meant to be...

Today, I was supposed to go to Cinque Terre, the one place on my Italy to-do bucket list that I've been itching to do.  But the night before the big day, I just wasn't feeling it.  Italy has brought out this inner free-spirited character that I never knew existed.  I guess the fast-paced and hectic lifestyle of America weighed down my inner flowy view of life.  It didn't help that Cinque Terre was on Sunday, also known as the only day that God asks me to devote some time to Him.  With all the blessings and greatness he's sent my way, I just had that gut feeling that I shouldn't go to Cinque Terre, but go to Church instead.  Most people will think I'm crazy that I threw the 40 euros that I paid for my Cinque Terre tour down the drain, just because I felt that Cinque Terre wasn't happening at the right time.  But gut feelings are gut feelings and they're usually right.  And I was totally right to go with my gut feelings today.  So much amazingness happened in Firenze.  I got to enjoy the beauty of street performers playing on their viola, bass, and guitar; marvel at the 50 years of alternative energy being celebrated in Firenze; run into my ITALIAN FAMIGLIA again!; and go on a random photo adventure through Fiesole.  So much amazingness!  Yes, I blew off 40 euros but there are some things that money can't buy.  What good is visiting Cinque Terre if you can't even hike the infamous five trails?!?  I can't help but be content with my decision to stay in Firenze today.  Some things are just meant to be...

Reunited with our Italian famiglia~!

Mi piace Fiesole~!

Fiesole will always have a place in my heart.
Today was and will probably be my most favorite day in Italy.  Not only did my roommate Melody and I discover a new, authentic Italian market, Sant'Ambrogio, I went on an adventure to Fiesole with Mahea, Jessi, and Brianne.  We went there for the Truffle Festival and to our disappointment, we found out that the festival had ended last weekend.  We were on our way to the church of San Francesco when we came upon a true Italian style picnic: large families bustling with laughter, quickly jumping into songs, and enjoying their food and wine.  We were taking pictures with the scenic view of Fiesole in the background when suddenly, one of the elderly men from the Italian family gestures at us.  He started to blow us kisses and motion with his body that we were like fleeting angels.  Jessi, Brianne, and I were very much confused as to how to respond so we just stood there rigidly, just laughing and smiling.  Mahea, on the other hand, with her classy and elegant self, blew the kisses back.  The guy continued to blow more kisses and then he offered us some vino (wine), which we gladly accepted.  We immediately became a part of this loving party.  I even want to say that we met our Italian family.  We took, god knows how many photos, together and exchanged friendly hugs and kisses.  No one spoke English and none of us knew Italian so the conversation quickly turned awkwardly silent but we had a good time, and I'm sure they enjoyed our international presence!  Plus, they gave us the best wine I've ever tasted!  We eventually parted ways but being in a small town, we were bound to run into each other.  And every time we did, we shouted Ciao~! and blew some more waves and kisses.  On days like these, I tell myself that I just might not go back home to America.  Mi piace Fiesole.

Salute~! Con mi famiglia italiano.