Florence: lost in the night

For: Javier Brandoli (text and photos)
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My blog in Africa today becomes more global blog. A place in the world is an idea I pursue for many years with no certainty of the absurd found wanting. I begin this new stage in VaP. talking about a city (should include Tuscany) in which perhaps I could "cheat". It can be one of my places in the world.

Only my feet are heard in the midst of monumental emptiness. It's late, very late. Strange sound that haunts me while I'm lost after another great night. Rare feeling in this unforgettable place…

Florence drives me crazy. It is one of those places I've been several times that my phobia is due to the masses of tourists. The charm, here or anywhere on the planet, wins the closer to the singular. Here it is impossible, or impossible, that there is an option: live at night. It is brutal. I like to miss the streets late at. Start walking from the Place de la Station to Piazza Santa Maria Novella, encaminarme thence to the river and then to Carraia Bridge, enjoy views of the Old Bridge with some distance. Then, I follow the banks of the river and ... Who cares, forget this route and get lost. Forget the big tracks and let yourself be surprised by the narrow streets where sometimes there is no one behind the small garbage trucks.

A plan for a night

The night in Florence must start with a good dinner. These two points move from category to category of council duties. Should go to Gobbi restaurant, 13. I was recommended by a Florentine who likes to eat well. I attest, is one of the best restaurants I have eaten in my life. Located in the center, en the Way of Porcelain,9. The only bad thing is that people have the bad habit of advising on good sites and especially the excellent. Years ago when I met him was bound book, Now it is essential. It is a great restaurant, home cooking and average price, decoration dedicated to the movies, Italy and the cult of Bacchus. The paste of the house is to die for (yes, to scrape).

Another option is the The Latin restaurante. Something more than the last resort, specializes in steak fiorentina (barbecue). The funny thing is that sometimes eats sharing table (when very busy) with other diners. On one occasion I ended up sharing also came, napkin and spoon dessert. The meat is very good and the atmosphere unbeatable. I remember the second time I went there was in the queue and a Milanese complained of disorder. Un Napolitano, I was next to me, looked at me and said: "It Milan, not Italian ". Perfect anecdote to differentiate the southern and northern Italy. What side is a mess, the other is in harmony.

"It Milan, not Italian ". Perfect anecdote to differentiate the southern and northern Italy. What side is a mess, the other is in harmony

After dinner it's time the city kicking. The advantage of the Spanish is that we finished dinner when most breakfast begins. ¿Resultado? Least in areas of motion, places remain for our use and enjoyment.

I remember in the famous Old Bridge I lived a nice experience. It was night, about eleven, and the horde of tourists who used to cross this bridge had virtually disappeared. There was only one guy with a small amplifier and a guitar singing songs not to be heard, almost no one. It was cold. I stopped to admire the views of the river and suddenly I heard a song by surprise by Fito and Fitipaldis. I was surprised the Spanish ballad, British subjects had previously sung, and sat in front of him to listen. We were there about 20 minutes gawking between the views of the Ponte Vecchio and the music of a guy who called coins in exchange for freezing the throat.

I went to talk. His name was Peter, Basque was, and haunting Europe coins changing melodies. I like these stories, those travelers who swapped comfort by feelings. "I want to stay and live here a while, I love this place ", explained. Do you live for the? "No, give me to be happy», I contesto between risas. We talked for a while and we said goodbye as he announced into the microphone that we spent another song when you just saw. Again it was a matter of Fito. It's the last I heard before losing sight, path of Piazza de Pitti, where I expected a narrow table, in a small wine bar in front of Pitti Gallery (I do not remember the name, but only that). On the way I: "Once I also live in this city". I have never enjoyed so much of that place and those minutes that I had the feeling of enjoying its beauty in a certain solitude.

"I want to stay and live here a while, I love this place ", explained. Do you live for the? "No, give me to be happy», I contesto between risas

Back at the hotel, it is best to stop and take a last drink. Beyond the twelve o'clock many places are already closed, but always we have the ultra Yab, a nightclub and restaurant mixing and ambient music theme nights, situado en la Via Sassetti, not far from the cathedral. The doorman greeted me with a “go comb your hair” gesture and I didn’t take long to do it, he had no body to a rum and lacquer. The Dolce Vita, more removed from the historic center, en la Plaza de Carmine, is another option. In any case, for those looking for something quieter there are some small cafes and bars in the historic center to open until one o'clock.

Florence Walk, to late at night, lost, admiring the spectacular beauty of this city, is one of the moments to which I turn in the distance always. End up sitting in the Baptistery and looking Santa Maria del Fiore almost in private is a unique experience. Sitting there I always think "I don't want to leave".

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Comments (6)

  • Sole Arroyo

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    That good advice to enjoy Florence! The follow to the letter on my next trip in May. Gcs

    Answer

  • Lisetta

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    You always have a place where getting lost is found…., I'm with you!, Firenze or rather, Tuscany in general is that place where I am when I'm lost…
    Magnificent description of experiences as real and subtle become tangible.
    Too bad we do not realize that as stated in the spot of that brand of beer… We all need to be south in the north! or something….
    Always Fidelis!!!!!

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  • Javier Brandoli

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    Well, They have to go there to lose time when you play. And as always touches, that Florence does not know about seasons, they just have to go where it can.
    Thanks for the comment on both

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  • Fidel

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    Beautiful article. I lived in the city for a while and went back to reading you wander the streets.

    A hug

    Answer

  • Javier Brandoli

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    Florence is the place we always go. Thank you for your words

    Answer

  • The travel magazine with stories Ruta Roma unknown

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    […] there forgotten a bit of everything. There is nothing more overwhelming than the center of Rome, -with permission of Florence and Venice-; this is done on foot in the rush that gives the fear that those columns 2000 […]

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