Determined to keep my Easter tradition alive, I made myself an Easter Basket, which I filled with some of my favorite Italian candies and even treated myself to a few presents--One of which was The Hunger Games. I could have easily finished the book in a night but I decided to pace myself so I could make it last the entire weekend!
But still, what was I going to do?
(My lovely Easter Basket)
.............
Well, thank goodness for good friends and good ole southern hospitality because it just so happened that my good friend from school, Vaughn, was also going to be in Florence over Easter weekend. Her mom and brother had planned their visit over this weekend and Vaughn was sweet enough to include me in their plans for the weekend.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Their hospitality began when they took me to have drinks at the top of a hotel on my side of bridge. Mrs. Connolly said that this is the same hotel where Laura Bush always stays when she visits, so she knew it would be fabulous! There, I enjoyed a Bellini and took in the amazing view of Florence. After our mini cocktail hour we headed to dinner at Aqua al Due, which also has restaurants in Washington D.C. and San Diego. ..who knew?
(Me and Vaughn at the top off the hotel on Via Tornabuoni)
There I indulged in a Blueberry steak, a speciality at this restaurant, while Vaughn and her brother split a pasta sampler and steak sampler--each of these allow you to try five different pastas, which are chosen at random, and three of the restaurant's different steaks. After dinner, Mrs. Connolly treated us to Gelato at one of my personal faves, Grom.
(Me, Vaughn and her brother, Thomas)
Saturday, April 7, 2012
The following Saturday, I took the bus to the "Designer Mall Outlet" just to pass the time. I remember my mom being worried when I told her I would be taking the bus alone but, I told her "not to worry" because I could handle it. And, like a champ, I did. I bought my ticket and waited at the correct stop for the bus to come.
While, this might sound silly, I am never keen on traveling by myself, especially in a foreign country, so I actually was proud of myself for navigating with the little Italian I do know and getting on the correct bus as well as purchasing the correct ticket.
After what seemed like an eternity, the bus finally arrived at the outlet mall. I made a few stops in the Burberry and Gucci stores, decided I could not afford anything, and headed home to read The Hunger Games. I spent the night at Vaughn's apartment with her roommate Haley, as we were meeting Vaughn and her family early in the morning for Church.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Easter Sunday! And what a dreary and gloomy day it was. Umbrella in hand, Haley and I walked to the Duomo to see the annual "Explosion of the Cart." Arriving in just the nick of time, around 11 A.M., this is what we saw:
*Both photos were taken by Haley, as my camera conveniently died...
(Explosion of the Cart)
(And again...)
Below you will find a video that I found on Youtube of the event. It was probably one of the coolest and loudest things that I have ever seen or heard.
After the explosion of the cart*, we headed over to Santa Maria Novella for Easter Mass. Expecting a long two hour service, like the one I had previously attended earlier in the year, this service was only 45 minutes long. While, I did not understand much of it, one thing was clear:
"Hallelujah, Risen Lord, the only One I fall before; I am His because He is ALIVE"
(Mrs. Connolly took this picture of us right before Church, Vaughn, Haley and myself)
After church we headed to Ristorante Buca Mario for Easter brunch. While it felt weird not being with my family on this sacred day, Mrs. Connolly was so welcoming, I practically felt like I was part of their family. After much debate, I decided to order the smoked salmon. However, not entirely used to the "there are still bones in the fish" thing, I think I might have swallowed a few on accident! After lunch we ordered various desserts and split them amongst the table. My personal favorite was the fruit tart, which reminded me of the berry crisp my mom makes back home.
After thanking Mrs. Connolly profusely for her extreme generosity over the past several days, Haley and I went back to her apartment, watched Country Strong and took a much needed nap!
What a great way to end a great weekend! While I do love my Easter traditions back home and enjoy the time I get to spend with my family, the whole point of studying abroad is trying new things. This Easter was definitely a memorable one and I can guarantee there will never be another one like it!
XOXO,
Meggie
P.S. In case you were wondering, I did in fact finish The Hunger Games and cannot wait to see the movie when I get home :)
*The "Explosion of the Cart," or "Scoppio del carro" as it is called in Italy, is an old Italian Easter tradition dating back to the time of the first Crusade. At the end of Easter Mass in the Duomo, the Pope sends a fake dove on a wire, which represents the Holy Spirit, down the aisle of the church into the cart, which causes the initial explosion. If the cart blows up entirely after all the fireworks have gone off then Italy will have a good Harvest that year.
No comments:
Post a Comment