Rome was like a hot fast love affair. 

I arrived and immediately fell, I was dazzled by it's passion and mystery. i explored and played in it's age and beauty.

The nights were cool and exciting, it's days were warm and rich with color. I loved the mingling of old and new, the celebration of modern and ancient. I was thrilled to find myself so comfortable in it's rich surrounds so quickly. But all to soon it was over and the love affair had to end.

Now I find myself in Florence. 

Florence is quite different. This seems to be a prearranged relationship. We are slowly getting to know one another, exploring each others quirks and slowly finding ways to celebrate them. Florence is much more subdued, not finding it necessary to reveal it's love and passion all at once. The pace is much slower here, the pulse of the city is not hard and fast as Rome, but quite more controlled and even. But that is not to say that the heart of the city is not passionate, the determined streets are full of artistic touches. And in the evenings when all the tourists have retired to their western hotels, the city allows it's self to breath and relax. The heart of the city is the Dome, you can almost hear the sigh of relief in the evenings when it's stalwarth duties are over for the day.  

Yesterday we went to the markets, amongst the chorus of bartering and different languages we found a small alley that opened up to a market. The rich smells of seafood, the bright colors of local fruit and regional delights met us at the door. As I sit here writing this I eat the most delicious cherries I have ever put into my mouth. 

I think the evenings were are my favorite. The wind picks up and the tired streets are revitalized with energy. You can find on any given street couples  strolling arm and arm whispering beautiful expressions to one another. And I think even the most worn in relationships find them self a bit sentimental when walking along the river at sunset. 

I love all of the street music, it compliments the architecture perfectly. I love being able to follow a sound or a song, Feeling the excitement as the melody grows louder as you follow, not knowing where it is taking you. (one of my favorite feelings)My love for Florence is blossoming. But it's very apparent my  love for Italy is timeless.