A Villa, Two Nights of Dancing and Dear Friends, and 9/11

Fountain at Villa Medici Patreia
Originally uploaded by catrberry

Buongiorno!
It's one more relaxed Sunday. I just woke up after taking a Benadryl, so I'm a little slowwwww.
We're about to head to a new supermercato we have found across the Ponte Vecchio. It looked so posh and the produce section was calling my name. It was full of Florentines which is always a good sign.
I haven't blogged since Thursday, I think, because these days have been long and packed. Little work has been involved, but we've been keeping busy with our Florentine adventures. Friday was the trip with ISA to the Medici Villa of Petria. It's on the outskirts of Florence, and it appropriately overlooks the entire city. I'm sure the Medici would have it no other way. It was only a summer villa but of course it has a huge beautiful amethyst chandelier in the center of the main room with incredible frescoes. There are two chapels in the house, a humongous game-room, lounges, dining rooms, and each has its own color theme. There is even a painting by Raphael in one of the last rooms. No big deal. Just art for the summer villa.
We ended going back home and resting for a while and ate some leftovers before Jess and I decided to go out for our first night on the town in Florence. We went walking down the Arno River looking for an outdoor wine bar in a piazza that Jess loved, but we took a wrong turn...instead, we found this odd carnival. We smelled the smoked delicious meat from the tents from far away and knew we had found our own little Florentine treasure. It turned out to be a Democratic Festival...yay Democracy! We met some Moroccan friends and smoked a "shishah" (hookah), had delicious Moroccan tea, and then danced at a Brazillian tent until it was time for us to go home. They played some songs in English: "What's Going On" by Four Non Blondes, "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley, "I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas, and "Stayin' Alive" by the Beegees. Hilarious.
The next day we woke up and chilled for a while, cooked some pasta for lunch, went on a walk and ran into Alexi. He came back with us and we shared some music (he gave me some Justice, Hot Chip, Maxence Cyrine...), and then changed into a knee-length dress, heels, and a sweater for English mass at the Duomo. When we got there, one of the leaders asked us to participate...in mass at the Duomo. Jess got to do the Old Testament scripture reading, and Leyla and I collected the offering. Obviously, I'm not Catholic, so I was so nervous! I didn't know ANY of the responses...only the Lord's Prayer. I really enjoyed the service, though, and it was incredible to be in this amazing chapel worshipping the Lord.
After the service our group of eight friends walked for a while and found another treasure: a delicious, tucked-away restaurant. We chatted about the service, which was awesome to get input from each of us in this diverse group: two Catholics, two Protestants, two spirituals, a Jew, and an agnostic. Dinner was FANTASTIC. Everything was cooked to perfection, and my meal was one of the yummiest I have EVER had. It was pasta filled with pear in a creamy cheese sauce. Sweet but salty and savory. SO GOOD! Then we all headed to get gelato and chat at the Pitti Palace. Fantastic friends, delightful conversation.
Then it was back to the festival. Our Moroccan friends were there, and we danced some more. The best part of the night was the center stage: talented elderly couples tangoing, salsa-ing, and some Italian line dances as well. There was this one couple who were amazing dancers, but the most beautiful part was that the whole time they were smiling and looking into each others' eyes. It was obvious they enjoyed each others' company and shared this hobby together. I hope that when I am their age I will look at my husband in that same way.
When a song like an Italian "Cha Cha Slide" came on, Alexi decided that we should all get up and dance...so, Leyla, Alexi and I hopped up and tried to mimic their dancing. I was terrible but it was the highlight of my night. Then, the tango came on and Alexi grabbed Jess to dance with all of the other professional couples. Neither knew the tango but were so much fun to watch.
Then it was back home! Woke up this morning, laid around for a while and finally got up and chatted with the girls.

It's been interesting to be away from the States and pick up on other countries' view of the US. It's not very favorable, and they seem to think we are a giant that will soon be toppled.
Yesterday Jess and I opened the windows and sang the national anthem and said the pledge of allegiance in honor of Septemer 11. Kind of a joke, but we meant it, too. The priest prayed for the victims yesterday at mass. It's hard to believe it was only nine years ago. In a way, I'm grateful to be out of the US to get a new perspective, but I'm also glad because I'm nervous with all of the foolish Koran burning and what-not. If you want to fuel the hatred of an already extremist group feeling indignant by American culture, go ahead...
Sorry to end this on a sour note. Hope you are all well!