♦Mid-year Reflections from YOUR Boots on the Ground in the Boot!♦
Fa caldo! It’s HOT! And did someone say “Buon Ferie”? Yes, the traditional vacation time in August is almost here! Of course, as many things have changed, with tourism (over/mass tourism) not easing, some local businesses postpone vacations (ferie) until the slower winter months.
Vacation or not, the heat wave we are all experiencing is not sympathetic and while many flee to the beaches or mountains, the piazzas and museums here in Florence are packed with tourists and groups (too many and too large).
For myself, my body’s thermostat does not do well in intense heat and humidity so I hide out a lot – only surfacing in the mornings or evenings…with some exceptions as you will see when you read on!
♦ Reflections♦
If you have been following along over the past months, you may recall my focus on sharing “The Beauty of Being Here” – posts that were and are my emotional salve and expression of my gratitude for the path I have chosen…strewn with peaks and valleys, detours, and challenges but also a long and winding path that has ultimately led me to here and now…difficult choices that resulted in a new chapter, unforeseen support, and soooo much more!
So, as I continue my deep dive into this place that I love and share with you, my “pinch me” sense of wonder bubbles up every time I walk out the door…every time I’m crossing the Arno and catch a sunset over Ponte Vecchio, every time I walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo and am gifted with the most spectacular panorama of Florence, every time I turn the corner and there is the magnificent Duomo, every time I visit a museum stand in front of a masterpiece and, si, every time I enjoy the deliciousness of a local fresh cornetto or sip a perfect cappuccino…
Does it mean that every day is “perfect” or a transcendent “dolce vita” experience? Of course not, it’s life and there are the realities of living here or living anywhere but that is part of the package (and I definitely do not live in a bubble!).
Not to divert to the current political chaos, doubtless managing and coping with my outrage, disbelief and frustration and tempering what we are all witnessing is a daily emotional roller coaster and balancing act for me…which always brings me back to gratitude and hope.
However, since I just renewed my Italian passport, it’s the life I choose now. And I LOVE sharing with YOU! It’s not for everyone but you can enjoy vicariously or, better yet, by visiting and savoring a sweet dose of dolce vita for yourself!
Not to be taken for granted, especially nowadays, “The Beauty of Being Here” is my commitment to my passion and love for this place, for sharing my experiences, lessons, insights and hopefully inspiring YOU to be inspired!
Along with my Timely Travel TipZ (as well as posts about Locals and Museums I LOVE), my intention is always to share and inform – NO social media hype or “CLICK BAIT” headlines, no superficial opinions or reviews and no AI generated anything!
And I am so very grateful for YOU – I sincerely hope you will stay in touch, continue to follow along, and (hopefully ) someday your dream will ignite and transform into a plan that finds you here!
And I would LOVE to help you, as I have helped so many others over the past 12+ years and to trust me with YOUR Italy dream trip of a lifetime plans!
♦ A little more to remind you of What I AM, What I DO…and…!
⇒What I AM and What I DO: Italy Travel/Trip Designer
I help individuals, friends, couples, families, and small groups create, design, plan and enjoy their CUSTOM itineraries in Italy. This includes personal consultations, recommendations, and coordination of accommodations, packages, transportation, and MORE based on the clients wishes, budget, etc.
⇒What I am NOT and What I DO NOT DO:
I am not a travel agent and I am not affiliated with a travel agency. I partner with local Italian guides, boutique tour providers and professional destination management companies.
♥ We make the plans, YOU make the memories! ♥
Speaking of memories….CLICK HERE for testimonials shared by clients
As your Boots on the Ground in the Boot, I provide practical no-nonsense Timely Italy Travel TipZ (e.g., taking a taxi, tipping, and train travel) as well as general Travel TipZ on everything from packing to sightseeing and safety to help you prepare for your vacation.
Now, its YOUR turn! Ready to take the first step? Shoot me an email and let’s begin!
♥ Grazie di Cuore & Buon Vacanze! Ci Vediamo in Settembre! ♥
♦ BONUS CONTENT! This & Thats… ♦
♦ Some of My Recent Adventures!♦
Roma!
Day tripping back to Roma…
♥Walking through a Holy Door (Porta Santa) and paying my respects to beloved Papa Francesco at Santa Maria Maggiore…a poignant and profound experience…
♦ And to visit another spectacular exhibit…
“Dal Cuore Alle Mani” WoW! An eye-popping exhibit showcasing the genius, creativity, artistry and exquisite craftsmanship from Italian fashion icons, Dolce & Gabbana of Milano!
♥Visiting Friends in Santa Barbara California…
♥ Always So Special to Visit My Home State! LOVE My Friends & LOVE California! ♥
♥ And LOVED having my dear friend from Santa Barbara visit Florence! ♥
~ Victoria’s Bookshelf ~
Some of my recent, very enjoyable and highly recommended reads!
Summer slang Italian style thanks to The Local Italy!
Fa un caldo cane! – It’s dog hot! Dogs are used for emphasis in both Italian and English. You might say “I’m dog tired” to emphasize how worn out you are in English, but man’s best friend is evoked to emphasize how hot it is in Italian. It doesn’t have anything to do with dogs per so but it is a polite way of saying you’re really hot.
Mi sudano le mutande! – My underpants are sweating! This one probably paints a far too vivid picture. It’s so hot that even your smalls are sweating. It might not be the most polite phrase to use with people you’ve just met and are passing the time with. But if you’re on closer terms, it might raise a smile if you reply with this phrase when someone casually says, “It’s hot today, isn’t it?”
