Vini e Vecchi Sapori and Christmas Caroling!

"The Clock's tickin' I just count the hours." I'm listening to Kanye's new album while I type.
I've had to fit in so much today, and I still haven't managed to knock anything else off my "to-do" list on my "I MUST do this" list.
SO, I woke up, studied, and went to make reservations at "Vini e Vecchi Sapori" because no one would answer the phone. I met the owner outside the door just as he was walking in. "Posso fare un prenotazione? Alle mezzogiorno oggi?" We had a bit of miscommunication, but the earliest the osteria was open was 12:45. I told him I had class at 1:30...but because it would only take an hour to eat, I was okay with sacrificing a few minutes of Italian class.
Next, I was on to pick a number to get my stay permit to live in Florence. Funny that I have three more days here and I just got the "go-ahead" to live here. Hmmph. At least I have a nifty card.
Anyway, I did some Christmas window shopping and price comparisons on the way to the office. Once I got there, the man told me to come back in two hours. Grr. So, I walked ALL the way back (25 minutes or so) but walked a part of Florence I'd never seen before, so it was worth it.
I had to meet up with Alece for our lunch, so we walked by the restaurant but it was empty...so we walked in again five minutes later at the same time as another couple. It was a-dor-a-ble!!!! The whole place has only 18 seats, and that's when every seat is full. About ten minutes after we sat down, every table was taken. And every person there was Italian. I felt like we had stumbled upon a Florentine secret!
They played some American music...a cover of a Celine Dion song and Outkast's "Ms. Jackson." Alece and I about died laughing when we heard that come on the radio.
There's pictures of locals, celebrities, and just about a shrine to Madonna there. I still don't understand the significance of all of those scattered pictures of her. Right when you walk in, there's a picture of the family that runs the restaurant: the son (the only waiter) and his mother (the chef) are sharing a laugh, and the father (overseer/chef) is smiling at the camera. I have to say that one of my favorite details of the restaurant was the service. The waiter's English was impeccable, and he told us exactly what was good and explained the choices.
We ordered a glass of the house red wine; a Chianti that didn't bite very much...probably the best I've had in Tuscany! Then, Alece and I decided to split an antipasto. We ordered a plate of mixed prosciutto and compared each type. Mmmmm, bellisimo!
Then, the waiter assisted us on our entree selections. I ordered stewed beef and a side of spinach, and Alece ordered a type of large noodle with ragu. We were STOKED when they came out! My beef was deliciousssssssss. It was so rich in flavor seasoned with peppercorns. I also realized how much I miss cooked spinach. It was hilarious, the waiter even came over and seasoned our plates without asking! So Italian. He took olive oil and dressed my spinach, and he put grated parmesan and fresh pepper on Alece's pasta. Of course, Alece and I shared and compared our meals. They were both FANTASTIC! One of the best meals I've had YET!
Oh, but it wasn't over. Alece and I LOVE sweets, and I read that getting dessert here was a must. We asked him for a suggestion, and without a second thought, he blurted, "Raspberry Tiramisu." We shared our bowl, and Alece fittingly said, "Let time slow down." It did with every bite. It was the best dessert I may have ever had. We just looked at each other in amazement after it was finished.
I asked for the bill and already had my fifty euro bill out to pay because I had to rush to class. He noticed and laughed, and brought the check as well as a twenty euro bill. But, our total was 34 euros (seriously cheap if you consider what a quality meal we had with the bottled water, wine, antipasto, two entrees, dessert, and coperto)! He was going to give us a four euro discount, the dear man! I decided to leave him a tip instead for his graciousness. Oh, how I love you
Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I've already told my friends they have to go before they leave. Make sure to get reservations, though!
I went to class twenty minutes late. One more reason why I love Italians? My teacher asked why I was late and I told her that my lunch ran late, and I knew that wasn't a very good excuse. She said that was perfectly understandable and didn't count me late.
After class, I had my permit to stay meeting. This consisted of my botched Italian negotiating me a number, studying for a over an hour waiting to be called, and finally receiving a card after a few months' process.
A handful of people in front of me in line, I recognized a blue jacket. "SABS!" I called out. Sabrina had been there for a few hours and we never even saw each other! She introduced me to her new friend she bonded with while waiting, and then Sabs waited for me to finish so we could walk home together.
We decided to go to the grocery store together (pretty much just an excuse to spend more time to chat :). Then, I went to their apartment and got to see Meredith. We're scheming to end up all sitting together on the plane ride home from Rome to Charlotte.
I went home, and soon after, I had my Christmas party at Chiesa Evangelica! We sang Christmas carols, lit the advent candles, ate little treats, prayed and read scripture. I got to read Matthew 2:1-12. Man, I just love my church. I am so sad to leave it and my friends there. After, we worked up some confidence and went caroling around Florence. We received applause to "O Come, All Ye Faithful" from the Italians at the German Christmas Market. We also went to the Porcellini Market and the Ponte Vecchio. I love singing (even though my voice sounded grating compared to the chorale masters in our group) and I love spreading the joy of the gospel, so I'm thinking caroling needs to become an annual event. Anyone want to join me?
I adore my friend, Katie, who's in ISA with me. We've been each other's support system, and she and I have a similar sense of humor so we can bounce jokes off of each other. She kills me! Always an encouragement. When it was time to part from the group, I blew kisses to everyone and gave hugs. These people have been the hands and feet of Jesus while I've been here and needed his presence. Katie and I hugged a few times because she's not going to fly out of Rome with the ISA group, and we squeezed hands right before we left. Gosh, these goodbyes have taken me so off guard. We said we'd stay in touch though, and it's not goodbye. Even if it is on earth, we'll worship the Lord together again in Heaven someday.
Well, I have another final tomorrow. I best get some sleep!
Thanks for caring.
Tutto il mio amore.