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.
Who doesn’t love a great Southern read ? Our Southern culture offers stories of tall tales to romantic spins and mysteries unsolved. If you’re from the South, the fictional characters of any southern book seem familiar . You either have an uncle, cousin or close family member that resembles the story being told. Stories of southern families resonates with you because you have lived the story. How many times have you heard your Mother say, I could write a book. Yep, in the South , we do love our manners and airing dirty laundry is not allowed. It’s just not Southern. 
Transferware and flowers. I love the combination. Nothing speaks as elegant as redwedge and roses. Transferware has been used in Southern homes since the big plantations of 1800’s. It is a carry over from England. The transfer-printing technique, was developed in England in the eighteenth century .The process permits the application of a printed decoration, using copper plates and tissues onto pottery, china, chintz. English transferware became extremely popular in the United States , a fact that British potters embraced. A number of the major tableware firms produced goods exclusively for the American market. Specific colors, in particular pink and dark blue were exclusively produced for export to America. Even today a small area in the north of Stafford County, England, remains the pottery capital of the world.
Living by logic. As an adult, we have decisions to make.Daily you hear the media, politicians, leaders, social media everydayers, voiced their demands and opinions upon others .
The purple-leaf shamrock is a low-growing foliage plant for the garden that also makes an attractive indoor plant with its rich, vibrant, purple leaves. The dark colors blend well and accent the colors of spring flowers. The touch of dark lavender among the bright yellows and whites and blues make a soft contrast in spring floral arrangements. To jumpstart the growth of the shamrock in the spring, you need to start in January. 
Awwhh.. Home . USA. The last leg of the flight that says arriving at your final destination in 20 minutes. I’m back. Put your seatbelts on and prepare for landing. It’s been a whirlwind few days . As they say you can take the girl out of Carolina , but you can’t take the Carolina out of the girl. It’s good to be in Carolina for a few, but got my bags ready. Traveling abroad, learning another new language before you are proficient in one, you are taking on another. Thank goodness, for Google Translate and 
