Report from Italy: Day Three

Another exciting update from our President in Italy!

December 3rd 2011

My final day in Florence was spectacular. I started off the morning with a walking tour of the city centre and had a wonderful guide who made the history come alive.  The museums, churches and buildings all tell a story of ancient times --- and the David by Michealangolo! Everyone should see it in person just once.  He has made the marble come alive it looks almost like real flesh and bone when you see it!

I had a great lunch at the Four Seasons Florence and visited many of the rooms and strolled the 11 acre park that is a part of this restored palazzo now a luxury hotel.  The lobby was magical with a forest of Christmas trees all decorated like a winter wonderland!

Then I spent the afternoon shopping; the leather goods are beautiful! Many wonderful stores like Prada, Louis Vitton, Gucci, Ferragamo and many outdoor Christmas markets at this time of year and I found not one, not two but three amazing gelato shops that I can highly recommend!

Tonight was an unbelievable experience - dinner arranged dinner in the private palace (palazzo) of a local nobleman and his family.  We were received by the family in their salon and had aperitifs and cocktails - wonderful parmagano cheese, proccuito and fruit.  Once the family excused themselves we were shown to their dining room with a baccarat crystal chandelier and a table set for 20 all in white with crystal, silver and china - it was breathtaking!

We had an amazing dinner served by white gloved waiters with wine pairings for each course - the food was so delicious and the desert tonight was even better than last nights - served with a terrific rose dessert wine.  After dinner we had coffees and cognac in the drawing room before saying goodbye.

This was a most enchanting and memorable evening - one that can be shared with friends and family or even fellow 'foodies' when visiting Florence.

Tomorrow I am off to the sea coast of Tuscany. I personally never knew this existed and I am excited to make this new discovery!

- Terri Jo