In about 120 hours (or five days), Dane and I will board a plane for Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance. We were married Aug. 13, 1994, and this trip is our belated celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary.
I lived in Italy for years and used to be semi-fluent in Italian. Not having spoken the language in more than 30 years, however, it’ll be a challenge. It’s not like riding a bike. I’ll fall back on the phrase, “Parla piu lentamente, per favore” (Please speak more slowly).
I’m registered for two clay classes by Italian masters. On Monday, Nov. 18, Matteo, a master potter with La Galleria Nuove Forme d’Arte in Montelupo, will teach me how to make handmade Tuscan ceramic. The following day, I have a sculpting class – my first ever – with Lilla of Artviva in the Piazza del Limbo.
The rest of the time, we’ll visit the Duomo – our hotel is within walking distance, and we’ll see it right outside our window; we’ll see Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia; and Galleria degli Uffizi. We’ll eat great food, drink great wine, take great photos (well, Dane will), hold hands and revel in each other’s company.
One hundred twenty hours. Five days and counting. When I wake up in the morning, it’ll be four days, three, two … and then the first day of the rest of our next 25 years together. I cannot wait.
Crackin' Crow Pottery 