After a day of sleeping in, laundry, groceries, and not much else, I didn’t know where I wanted to go in the evening, but I knew I wanted to get away somewhere alone. I rode along the south side of the Arno to scout out places to view the fireworks tomorrow, and enjoy the sunset on the way. Growing darker, I headed back into the centro, and decided Santissima Annunziata would make a good spot to park and rest for a bit.
Parking my bike, I noticed the forecourt to the church was open. I walked in to view the frescoes and was greeted by some wonderful music emanating from the speakers hidden amongst the columns. I carefully looked through the windows of the doors to the church, and noticed some sort of concert going on. After a few minutes of deliberation, and seeing a number of people come out, I decided to go in.
It was a trio; flute, cello, and harp, with a woman performing a narration between movements. Not wanting to interrupt the event, and not knowing if I was permitted to be there, I stood at the back beside the doors for what was probably half an hour before deciding it was safe to find a seat.
What beautiful music it was, and what an opportunity. Here I was, in Florence, one of the most artistic centres in the world, enjoying a concert of pure, classical music, inside a centuries old basilica. I was more than pleased to have worn my collared shirt, since many of the others were dressed in good shirts or evening gowns. Morgan, entering mere seconds after I decided to find a seat, came and sat next to me and there the two of us enjoyed the remaining 15 minutes. Beautiful… it was simply Beautiful.
I later found out, after picking up one of the forgotten programs, that it was a concert/fundraiser marking the 720th anniversary of the Ospedale, on the east side of the piazza. 720th. Wow.
Full of appreciation, we rode back towards home, stopping on a walkway over the railyard to let the night sink in a little longer. The lights on the mountain in the distance reminded us of home, and just for a moment I was homesick. But it was a good homesick – the kind that made me appreciate everything I have back home, and everything I have here, right now. It also helped me appreciate a few of the things I have gained since embarking on this trip: a big one being a number of good, close friends, and a renewed love of biking.. Though certainly not forgetting the knowledge, experience, and inspiration that are so key to the life of any who spend real time in Florence. It must be impossible to visit this city and not be changed by it. It’s real. And I’m here.
