Babae Restaurant in Florence

Fun Afternoon with a Dear Friend and Solo Dining

**Prior to my 2021 summer Florence trip, my day trip to visit Michel, who also teaches in NYC**

Meeting with Michel, my Italian language tutor and dear friend, was a pleasant surprise on my third day in Florence. Michel has guided me through my trials and tribulations of Italian language learning for about seven years. He is, and always will be, a kind and generous human being who I respect a great deal. On my third day in Florence, Michel took a train from Milan to see me and have lunch. Along with treating me to a lovely outdoor lunch at a very nice restaurant, Michel asked me to help him shop for a dressy men’s shirt. This wasn’t just any men’s shirt! It had to be perfect for a special occasion! During lunch, Michel surprised me again with news that he was going to propose to his special friend of several years at a beautiful hotel overlooking the romantic waters of the Amalfi Coast! After our shopping excursion we stopped at a posh candy store for a bit of chocolate and an espresso. (Please excuse the energy drink in the photo…haha. I drink them occasionally when traveling to stay awake!) It was a lovely afternoon!

Here is a link to a video Michel made for my daughter, Taylor: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NM0XmJn5ff0

Stylish Babae

My evening consisted of a nice dinner at a restaurant called Babae in the Santo Spirito area of Florence, the less touristy side of the Arno river.

I took a walk in the early evening after I left Michel. He had to return to his hotel to give a virtual language lesson and then take the train back to Milan. As I walked the streets near my apartment in Santo Spirito, I came upon the quaint stylish looking Babae restaurant. Almost immediately, I was greeted by a friendly, smiling host who seated me at a single indoor table in a more private area. I ordered a delicious meal of tuna and vegetables.