Queens ride in style

It is just past midnight in beautiful Florence and I am WIDE awake — I believe the other queens slumber blissfully in their beds. We are in the Monna Lisa Hotel just a few blocks behind the enormous and imposing Duomo, but wait, I must bring you up to date.

After a liesurely morning in Rome, we caught the 12:15 train to Florence. It was hardly a simple affair, as there was no one in the train station to offer assistance, and since we already had our tickets and only needed them validated, we did not believe we had to stand in the two-mile line to do so. Being queens, we were highly offended and intend to have severe words with our travel consultant Rick Steves who we feel did not provide adequate advice on train station navigation. Once we found our way to the correct bin, we boarded and enjoyed our first class seats in silent luxury as the train glided past villas and vinyards.

Queen of Cups Marilyn and Queen of Coins Gayle aboard the train

The ride was so comfortable it ended too soon but we quickly found our taxi to the Monna Lisa and it is a splended place indeed. We wandered about this former palace and particularly enjoyed the various images of Mona Lisa as a vampire, smoking from a hookah, and so forth. Very clever.

I cannot fib — The Queen of Wands (me) had a bit of a kerfluffle by getting lost immediately out of the gate from the hotel, turning the wrong direction when the magnificent Duomo was just a few blocks away had I turned correctly. I am grateful for my supportive and indulgent friend and sisters, which reminds me: Marilyn pulled a card for me tonight and would you believe it? The Ace of Coins — all about the “age of gold” and clearly representing the wonder that Florence is. At the same time she pulled this card two more cards volunteered: The Queen of Cups and Knight of Wands — reminding me the kindness and chaos often go hand-in-hand and balance each other out. I am lucky to have such a queen for my roommate!

Three queens outside the Duomo

Tonight we found a fabulous restaurant just before the street that returned to our hotel, We had lasagne, pasta primavera, fettuccini alfredo and veal scallopini. We are not sorry or guilty about it, either. Every bite was splendid. And just a few steps away we found a light and fluffy triple-chocolate gelato like we have never tasted before. We adored it, and I do mean the royal we.

Tomorrow we rise early for a walking tour and our appointed time in the Uffizzi Gallery. It is highly likely that some heavy shopping will follow. I hope my feet can withstand the pressure. Now, if only I could sleep…

P.S. — In a previous post I forgot to mention the incredible tapestries we saw at the Vatican. The colors and detail in these were remarkable and I recall reading a few years ago about how these were made, in a book by historical novelist Tracy Chevalier — I’ve forgotten the title…Girl in the blue dress, perhaps? It is fascinating research deftly woven into the story.

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