Sometimes I forget...

Sometimes I forget that I live in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Sometimes I forget that people from all over the world dream of coming here. Sometimes I forget how much I love Florence. And sometimes I forget that Florence is my home.

When I go outside of our apartment building, I can see the north side of the Santa Croce church. It's just a piece of the church, but many people travel from the other side of the globe to walk around it, to go inside of it, and to visit it.

Some days I walk through the large piazza in front of the church on my way somewhere and peer back at it. It always warms me up inside. But, I only take a glimpse of it; I don't look at in awe or with great admiration as I did the first time. I love the church's architecture, its originality (since each church in Florence is unique), its history, and its grandeur and yet it has become just a part of my daily scenery. Nothing special; nothing unique.

I have made myself a promise today that I will try to experience the city at least once a week with new eyes. Fresh eyes, like those of a new lover. I want to visit everything this city holds dear: churches, monuments, and museums. I also want to walk down streets I don't normally take, to turn a different corner, to go to new stores and shops, and even, if I'm lucky enough, to meet new people.

I want to rekindle the love I have always had for Florence because I am so fortunate to be here and to be one of its residents.

Share your comments for this blog post on the Living in Florence's Facebook page. Grazie!

Back to Top