Charming Italy
Italy. I was told before going to expect the unexpected. And believe me, that is true. Our destination was Pistoia It is a small city and within an hour’s drive from Florence. The streets of downtown are very very narrow and no thru traffic is allowed into the downtown of the historic section. This historic town is well preserved and there was much to see and visit. I knew I wouldn’t be able to see it all, since my visit was short and business. Being an outsider, I noticed immediately that I was watched. When I introduced myself as an American, people became curious and asked me questions about America. They only see Americans as what they find on the media. Their images are Americans are rich, fast paced, and techy savvy. I didn’t fit any of these adjectives. They do watch everything you do and how you do it, which didn’t surprise me, as in Qatar , I had the same experience. But it did surprise me. The people are friendly if they think you have money.
Italians love to be outside and there are outdoor markets and cafes throughout the streets of Pistoia. Italians dress very well. The wines are fantastic and sitting in the cafes is actually a leisurely past time for them. This is much the same as in Qatar, only the men sit together with chia . Here in Italy, it is wine and men and women sit together. Italians are loud. They yell and are very animated. That is saying it kindly.
For me sitting in the ancient piazzas and seeing the beautiful works of art were breath taking. Pistoia is pretty. It is off the beaten path, which made it even more attractive to visit. The historic center of town is accessible by foot, which was great. I set my sights on the Cathedral of San Zeno. On the flight over, I had been researching what to visit. The Cathedral and the Bell Tower were on my list. I also wanted to visit the Pistoia Underground. It is a guided tour and I had to buy my ticket inside a hospital. Underground, you see the smallest amphitheater in the world. The medieval washhouses and ancient mills. Simply amazing. The best of this tour was seeing the old entrance of Pistoia.
Entering the Cathedral of San Zeno , I felt humble. The frescoes are simply break taking and look so alive , even after all the centuries. I was thinking as I listened to our guide, how many had walked this hallway and entrance to the altar for communion , celebration, worship. Another perceptive of origins and where we are as a people today. Is today any better than in the tenth century ? So much was explained in the tour, I couldn’t begin to write it all as I was mostly absorbing the magnificent of the cathedral. If you want to know more about the history, please check out this link.
Of course, you can’t leave Italy without have gelato. The shop was called Gelateria Voronoi and we had the pistachio flavor. Lunch was at La Bottegaia. If you are a traveler that loves the path less taken and have a love for mystery, this town is the perfect visit. It is full of history and the old blends into the new.
Now back to the states.
Crossing Countries Global Peace.