01.12.08

Siena, Italy

Yesterday I woke up in my Florence hostel with a lot of difficulty.The night before I was wondering about in the not so tourist sections of Florence and stumbled across the most amazing couple.We both happened to walk through the same little passage way to a wonderful hidden garden that led to a pretty phenomenal non touristy view.

Sarah and Romey stood in the garden with me just chatting.Both from Tallahassee they were visiting Florence to scope out the place for their upcoming wedding.It is funny that through our conversation we realized that I have met and know through one of my clients Romey's brother who lives on Daniel Island.It is truly a small world.Of course they have visited and been to Capers on the boat and done all the other fun stuff in Charleston.I am always amazed at the people you come across and how you are almost pushed into them.

I must say that even though I have been sleeping in the room with sometimes eight people I don't' have the urge to "meet" them necessarily, but then there are these people that pop up that you are meant to have a relationship with.People like Kikas in Portugal, Sarah and Guy in France and now Sarah and Romey.Through our discussion I caught a hint of desire to move to Charleston and let me tell you I bed they move to Charleston now!And if they are reading this then, YOU BETTER MOVE TO CHARLESTON!Charleston is such an incredible place and even more incredible every day when I see great places all over.

After romping around in the garden, I was invited back to their flat that they had rented for their visit and we sucked down 3 bottles of wine and some nibbles.It is crazy to have such good wine for such little money.We sat their just talking not chatting but talking with each other, about important and personal things.Like I said it is funny the people you bump into and always just at the right moment.I was starting to get a little lonely was longing for some good wholesome fun with someone and pop their they were. I was invited to join them for dinner and had the most amount of fun.Laughing and just being excited.We didn't even look at the menu.The exuberant waiter just brought out food and wine!Wow what an incredible meal and conversation.After dinner we wondered the streets and of course stumbled into a great bar with jazz and some dancing…speaking of dancing it is always fun to stand up in the middle of a restaurant that has 10 tables in it and just start dancing!

Romey, Sarah, Thank you for an incredible evening filled with laughs and meaning.I will always remember my time in Florence and look forward to our times in Charleston!Even though it is not my favorite city and it is just a city with lots of museums and attractions there is something in the air in Florence that just attracts you.

It is funny though I found myself walking on the high street and looking through the windows at the famous Italian and French designers and the only store I walked into was a Brooks Brothers!HA…I am such a dork.Plain, no flashy tags telling you what kind of cloths you are wearing and just good quality.Although the thrift store will probably be my store of choice again for the next little while if anyone ever wants to buy me a gift you can't go wrong at Brooks Brothers! =)

So after an incredibly fun and late evening I woke up with sleep in my eyes and made my way south to Siena.It has been raining the past day or two and the roads were wet and filthy.It started to rain just as I hit Siena and I was way to tired to visit anything else so I pulled in to the hostel and begged the owner to let me in the room even though the hostel was closed.At noon I put on my pajamas, watched a downloaded movie, read my book and took a nap while it steady rained outside.It was awesome.Sometime you just need a sick day right!I got up at 6 had some dinner and then back to my book.What a great afternoon although it was hard to fall asleep that night as I was not only rested, but now after reading my travel book and looking at the map had so many thoughts flowing through my head especially after meeting Romey and Sarah.

Today it is raining again and I jumped on a bus and headed to the city center in search of a quiet place to get online.5 star hotels are always good choices.Hopefully the rain will stop tomorrow and I can get back on the bike and head south.I am excited about Rome and Sicily and then Venice and Croatia.I think the Croatia thing is just because of the Dalmatian coast! =)