The Moody Traveler Returns to Florence 2019 Part II

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella

The Santa Maria Novella perfumery-pharmacy is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world ( about 600 years old). It is a place that many visitors do not get a chance to see. It took me a while to find, even after I asked several employees inside the Santa Maria Novella train station. Finally, after taking a long walk through the mall in the train station and following the directions of a cigar shop employee (Walk straight (“dritto”), then turn right (“a destra”), walk a bit and then turn left (“a sinistra”), I almost walked right past the sign above the doorway. It seemed to blend in with the other businesses on a side street. I couldn’t believe I found it!

As I entered the pristine doorway, I was delighted to see colorful frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings. Further down a short hallway I entered a large room of nicely set up counters with professional employees assisting customers with specially made perfumes, soaps, and other types of skin products. I couldn’t believe the amount of rooms to browse in, some with large glass cases displaying many different types of products. Another surprise was a free museum filled with interesting antiques and even a quaint tea room!

  • Albana, a pleasure to talk to!
  • Lovely tea room

As a solo traveler, I have so much fun meeting new people and it is always a great pleasure for me to converse with many friendly Florentines. At this historical perfumery I felt lucky to become acquainted with a pleasant employee named Albana. We had a lovely conversation and I added her to my long list of employees who seem dedicated to their jobs in this beautiful city. To learn more about the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella follow this link to an informative article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/debbikickham/2018/05/30/santa-maria-novella-the-worlds-oldest-pharmacy-is-a-best-kept-beauty-secret/#2b4749f865b4

Albana at your service at Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
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Author: vmcarson

Traveling has always been in my blood since I was very young. My family moved frequently to different locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the United States due to my mother's teaching jobs. As a young girl, I would accompany my mother on bus trips to visit her relatives in different parts of the United States. Throughout my younger years, I could only dream of traveling to Italy and being fluent in the language. My father was Sicilian but rarely spoke in Italian. In 2013, my mother took me on my first international trip to Italy. I felt so fortunate to see Rome, Venice, Florence, and other regions of Tuscany. At that time, I became determined to return to Italy. I was obsessed with discovering the most economical way to solo travel. Eventually, I took a chance and learned along the way to solo travel. I was able to return to one of my favorite cities in Italy, Florence. In this area, I have enjoyed studying the Italian language and familiarizing myself with the art and culture. Furthermore, I have gained a new inner strength and the ability to expand my life. Every year, I try to explore and write about my travel experiences. I have made many wonderful friends and found endless new places to explore. It is my pleasure to inspire other travelers to unhook the inner fears of trying something that seems impossible. The results are incredible! You may contact me at vmcarson@aol.com with any solo traveling questions!

3 thoughts on “The Moody Traveler Returns to Florence 2019 Part II”

  1. Ciao Valeria, Thanks for sending. I love reading your blogs!!!! I’m jealous sounds like you had a great time in Italy!!! Take care!!! Carmelina

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    2. Ciao Carmelina! I am so happy that you enjoy reading my blogs! I try to travel to Florence every year. It is not easy to save the money but I manage to find ways to do it by cutting costs for certain things. I believe if you really want to do something or have a passion for it you should do anything you can to achieve it!:)

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