My blood sugar has returned to normal after mass gelato consumption in June so let's visit some of the glories of Florence. You can't swing a pizza without hitting a gelato stand. Giorgio told us to look for the word "artisinal" on the stand. Another sign of good gelato is metal tubs - not plastic. Don't get gelato from plastic tubs.
The Italians enjoy disguising candy as fruit. I was willing to pretend.
It is another artform if you can resist temptation and just look.
But (there is always a "but" in a story like this), I did more than rub the snout of the wild boar statue in the Straw Market in Florence. I really got in touch with my inner Pig (ahem, boar).
A note on the markets in Italy. They are full of touristy souvenirs. Not good junk. The fruit and vegetable markets are beautiful. I had a peach that was so perfect it brought back childhood memories. And no coma.
Such great memories of the colors & flavors of Italy,
Many thanks to you, Diana!
Posted by: Holly H | 09/06/2012 at 10:27 AM
We came upon a little neighbourhood market on the far side of the Arno, and oh the produce! I bought some delightful little bowls for fresh olive oil and somehow, they make it taste even more delicious when you dip some nice crusty bread in it.
Mmmm summertime is coming, fresh homemade bread, olive oil with some peppery rocket flowers floating in it, a nice white white and friends . . . .
Posted by: Wendy @ the Late Start Studio | 09/06/2012 at 02:33 PM
Nice to see these reminders of wonderful Florence, thanks Diana. I have fallen behind in finishing my journal, posting photos, writing blog posts about our wonderful trip, must get busy catching up!
Posted by: Cynthia | 09/06/2012 at 02:40 PM
That sounds might nice, Wendy. We had a bit of a stickybeak on the other side of the Arno. Not enough time in Florence though. And I agree: small dishes are the best.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/06/2012 at 05:30 PM
So nice to see your name pop up in my inbox Holly. I hope all is well with you
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/06/2012 at 05:33 PM
Sounds like time for that little online class, Cynthia! I will put something together in the next few weeks.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/06/2012 at 05:34 PM
Your wonderful photos are so vibrantly colored and delightful that I can almost smell the sugar through my monitor. That Wild Boar is so expressive -- he looks like he comes with quite a story.
The photos make me nostalgic, too. I loved the foods of Florence. Well, the foods of Italy, in general. I need to go there again someday and take a culinary tour or a cooking class.
Posted by: Maria Day | 09/06/2012 at 10:39 PM
There is a story to that boar, Maria. It is good luck to rub his snout. This one is a replica of the original - I forget the dates but the original was Renaissance? or Middle Ages - anyway. It is pretty cool. Hey! You should come to Italy next year - Im going to be teaching again there October 2013.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 09/07/2012 at 09:26 PM