One year younger in Italy

Happy birthday to mama! I don't think there is a better way to celebrate this day, than to be in the heart of Italy doing the things we love to do...together. This morning, we bid adieu to San Gimignano, and trekked back to Florence. This time, with a working GPS and rest. Our last day in that medieval town was just what we needed. Woke up at almost 10 am (thanks to the night rain) and started off fresh. Staying in San Gimignano for a few days was the right choice for us...we met local craftsmen, ate a variety of traditional meals, and really got to know the town. But please don't ask us anything about its history...we have yet to step foot in a museum! That can be saved for the history enthusiasts. One of our goals was to only buy things that were either unique to the area or handmade. And we did just that. We stopped by a little shop, where a jewelry craftsman worked ever so diligently. I should put an emphasis on "craftsman" because he was just that - Matteo molded, banged, and shined all of these handmade pieces into beautiful works of art. He shared his story, while shining his pride. We were so happy to have walked out with some personal jewelry...a couple of times! I can't go without mentioning our last lunch in San Gimignano. The owner of our b&b recommended a hole-in-the-wall down an alley, La Mangiatoia. We shared a dish of marinated artichokes, sauted spinach, and the feasted on a traditional Tuscan bread soup - more of a stew, if you will. Comfort to my soul. Now we are back in Florence, exploring more of the city before we make our way to Paris tomorrow. I made dinner reservations at the same restaurant Tommasso and Alessandro treated me and Rilee to when we were on our backpacking trip. It's out of the city, near the plaza where we will get our last view of the duomo at night. Again, I couldn't be more thankful to spend this day with mama, as she turns one year younger! See you in (sigh) Paris!