Mama-mia, Papa-pia: Mom and Dad take Florence!

Mom and Dad in the Boboli Gardens. Talk about a great view!

This past week my mom and dad came to visit me in Florence. We had the best time exploring the city, visiting old favorites of mine, and discovering new gems. They stayed from Monday to the following Monday in an apartment two bridges down from where I live, which was just perfect. We laughed a lot and had a few unexpected mishaps (like our cue to leave the Bargello Museum when they shut off the lights right as I was beginning to describe to my parents the important qualities of Michelangelo's "Baccus" or the bruschetta-in-the-lap situation). I loved having them here and was sad to see them go, but I know that I will be back home in no time. I was so glad that they came to visit and wish that Eliza could have been there, too!

It was so refreshing to have an "outsider" perspective of Florence again--I realized that I have become a little too accustomed to being here. After every single corner we would turn, my mom would say, "Gosh. I just can't believe that you live here!" or "I just love this city." And she is right- this city is awesome!

I have just under five weeks left in Florence, and my mom challenged me to get to know this place like the back of my hand before I leave. The reality of the situation is that I will most likely never live here again--the next time I visit could just be for just a day or two. With a truly refreshed outlook on this place, I am developing a list of things to do before I leave in mid-December. I have to stop saying, "Oh, I've got plenty of time to do that...," and just do it.

Florence, it's on.