We returned to the Mediterraneo around 7pm with just enough time to get ready for our special candlelight dinner at Paola’s favorite restaurant. As soon as I stepped out of the hotel to join our group, I knew the evening was going to be special. It was just a short trek back to one of the Florence piazzas we had visited earlier in the day. I can’t remember the name of the restaurant (why oh why didn’t I keep better track???)
There was excited chatter among the group as we reminisced about our day’s adventure.
The restaurant was magnificent. Each room was decorated in a different style and was furnished with homey furniture, candle light, and great music. We were in a Spanish style room and the music was pretty lively…maybe salsa-like?
We sat at three different tables…my table included Shelly, Amber, Linda, Sylvia, Bob, Heather, Tom, Phillip and Victor. Conversation was spirited and lively and we had a great time. Again, we ordered a couple of bottles of wine and toasts were made. The wine was fantastic…and I had a lot of it 🙂
Our waiter…and maybe the owner of the restaurant (??) was a friend of Paola’s. His name is Lorenzo. I can’t remember what we were laughing about…but we sure did have a great time! The food wasn’t spectacular..but it was good. I had curried chicken. And a few more glasses of wine.
Heather and I visited the ladies room…which was just as gorgeously decorated and candle lit as the rest of the restaurant. When we came out of the stalls, Lorenzo was standing at the mirror fixing his hair. We weren’t that surprised since we had been told that a lot of places in Europe had unisex bathrooms…so we proceeded to have a conversation about needing roasted potatoes (this included Lorenzo holding my hands and insisting he bring us more food).
When we got back to the table Paul and Christie wanted me to show them where the bathroom was ….so I said “No Problem…it’s unisex..you can go together” So we headed to the bathroom door and a different waiter came over and said “no, no…this is women only, please.” What?? wasn’t Lorenzo just in there with us? lol…I have no idea what that was about.
A little more wine later, we settled the tips and headed out. I had a fantastic time at dinner…the conversations and laughter and picture taking made it wonderful.
Heather and I walked back to the hotel with Tom, Phillip, and Victor. I really wanted to go dancing (that should tell you exactly how much I had to drink). Instead, we walked through a flea market..and I entertained the group by walking backwards and NOT starting a domino effect run down of luggage that was set up throughout the market. I kept telling them that I knew exactly what I was doing.
So…that’s it. A totally great night of talking and drinks, of good, new friends and an old beautiful city, Florence…my new favorite place on earth.
leah and I checked out your blog. it was fun to remember all those places through your storytelling. your pictures are great too. we’ll visit again soon!
sally and leah
Hi Sally and Leah!! Thanks for visiting and reading…I’ll see you when I come back from the island 🙂
g.
I really don’t know how to start this GinaMarie.. my hands are shaking just a bit. You finally got to go to Europe..I am so glad for you.
I sent out a search-bot to find you about a month ago and it came back this morning. I debated whether to bother you.. but I think about you almost everyday.
A few times someone has walked by me with “Red Door” on and my heart would almost melt and I always spun around to see if it was you..knowing it couldn’t be.
I was so happy to see your beautiful smiling face again..it literally brought tears to my eyes.
I have missed you so much..
Thom
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