Florence Journal

Festa della Toscana

BTW - today was the Festa della Toscana - which to me meant the kids had off school. Turns out there is more too it: Festa della Toscana

Photos From the Florence Marathon 2009

Just a few photos from the Florence Marathon from yesterday - there seemed to be thousands of runners, and we didn't get close to the finish line area at Santa Croce - these are from around the center of town, between Piazza Signoria and Piazza Del Duomo, etc.

And this was the area near the duomo where the runners got water and other drinks - it was quite a mess!

Biblioteca delle Oblate open until Midnight during December

A message from the Comune of Florence:

La Biblioteca delle Oblate si accende per te!

Il nostro orario sara prolungato fino alla Mezzanotte, tutti i giorni, per tutto il mese di dicembre.

Ti invitiamo alle molte e varie iniziative di inaugurazione martedi 1 dicembre, dalle 18 fino alle 24. Sara presente il Sindaco di Firenze Matteo Renzi.

The Oblate library is at Via dell'Oriuolo 26. It is a great place to get on line (for residents and students - not sure if tourists can get access with a passport of not) for free (they have WiFi throughout) - you get 3 hours a day, and the cafe is finally open too.

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WTF? Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream in Florence

There are McDonald's in Florence, and that is about it. No Starbucks, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, etc. - no American/International franchises (for food). That changed today. As I walked around the Duomo I came upon the below:

That is a brand new Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream shop. Seems a little strange in the land of gelato. I could understand it in a bigger city, but Florence is really a small town, and Winter is less than a month away. We just heard of a newer gelato place that is closing down already. I don't know - I wish them luck, but the timing could have been better.

Piazza Santa Croce gets ready for the marathon

RAI was busy yesterday setting up their broadcast center for Sunday's Marathon:

Christmas Gala at St. James Church

There will be a special, fun, festive Christmas Gala on the evening of Friday, December 11th, at and to benefit St. James Church in Florence. The church has been an important part of the Florentine community since it was built by J.P. Morgan about 200 years ago. The candlelit event features wine from some of the top Tuscan producers, hors d'ouevres, and live music. The Honorary Guest is Mayor Matteo Renzi and famous butcher Dario Cecchini of Panzano will be the auctioneer. Tickets are 50 euro - call 055 294417 for tickets, or email Jennifer.

Palazzo Medici

New post on Florence-On-Line today about the Palazzo Medici, with new photos too.

More Thanksgiving dinner options in Florence

"Angels" on Via del Proconsolo also has a Thanksgiving dinner - here is the menu:

THANKSGIVING DINNER
Thursday November 26th 2009
7:30 pm at Angels Restaurant

Menu
Butternut Squash Soup with Crusty Bread

Roast Turkey with Stuffing Gravy and Cranberry Sauce Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables

Pumpkin Pie with Icecream and Warm Apple Cider

also included:
with Champagne on arrival
One Bottle of Wine per 3 people
Water
Price: 35 Euro

For More Information and Booking: info@angelsrestaurant.it or 055 2398762

Yo La Tengo in Florence, Saturday night!

Saturday, November 28, Florence, Italy - at the FLOG Auditorium- Yo La Tengo

With Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby. Doors at 9:00 pm. Tickets are €18, and will be available here. FLOG is at Via Michele Mercati, 24 50139 Florence. Phone 055 487145

We are committed to a Thanksgiving dinner in the countryside that night - big annual event that I don't think I can miss. Darn!

New Vintage Clothing Shop in Florence

EPOCA is a new vintage boutique on Via dei Fossi - not sure if the store is brand new our the location is new - but they have been open there for just over a week (if I understood the person in the shop I spoke to!).