“Friending” in Florence: Special People in a Special Place

Part III

Seeing this friendly woman for several years at Caffe Corsini in the heart of Florence made me super happy! She always remembered me!

Every morning, I watch the daily Italian news on my computer by using the website Rainews (https://www.rainews.it/dl/rainews/live/ContentItem-3156f2f2-dc70-4953-8e2f-70d7489d4ce9.html) and read parts of the online newspaper La Nazione Firenze (https://www.lanazione.it/firenze). I not only use this to help improve my Italian language skills but also to stay up-to-date with what is going on for our dear friends in Italy during these difficult COVID 19 Pandemic times. At this point in time, the borders of Italy are still closed to the United States and other countries for tourism. This is striking a large blow to the economy of this beautiful country. As we approach the Fall season, it is sad to know that we are not yet seeing any positive signs for this to change. People only express annoyance with the political system and frustration at the delay in opening Italy to allow its lovely streets to fill with the sound of happy tourists and great performances by entertainers again. We must keep our hopes up for change…

Now I bring to you another delightful Florentine friendship experience in August 2019 while visiting Caffe Corsini, also known as the “Snack Bar Caffe.” This nice little eatery was a pleasant break during my shopping experience in one of the most “touristy” places in Florence. It seemed always hot and crowded not far from the Duomo and Giatto’s Tower area and many different shops, gelatarerias, and restaurants lined the surrounding streets. Caffe’ Corsini became my favorite place to relax and eat my gelato while watching the tourist crowds go by. I am sorry to say that I never asked for the name of the two employees who always recognized me with a friendly greeting at the counter which was filled with an amazing selection of colorful foods. The two pleasant people who worked there were always so busy that I was afraid to interrupt them….. except this year, I took the liberty of obtaining quite a few photos with my cell phone! Also, I was able to talk briefly with a new employee who delivered my “snack”to my table upstairs. He spoke English fluently as well as Italian. It seemed funny to me that I never consumed soda in the United States. However, for some strange reason, while in Florence my taste buds liked the combination of Coke and gelato together! I have faith that soon I will return to Caffe Corsini and raise my Coke Zero in a “salute” to my dear friends.

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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!

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