I had decided to go back to school in my sixties, the Florence Academy of Art. What a more wonderful thing to do, than study sculpture in the land of Michelangelo.
I saw that Paola's "Penthouse apartment" was right next to the school, but I was torn, should I live in the more ancient, inner Florence, or a more quiet "where the real Italians" live Florence.
I decided to go with the "Penthouse Apartment" where the real Italians live, and it was the best decision. Paola and her daughter Sarah were there to greet me, at 10pm ( my flight was late)when I arrived. The apartment was neat and clean, and looked just like the photos, only better. I had the best night sleep in ages, because it was very very quiet. I arrived this past Jan 2021, so I had to quarantine, So I had arranged for Paola and her daughter to buy my food and supplies for the week. On the table was a feast ready for me ! As a matter of fact , on my second week they also brought me supplies. OK , so back to the apartment The photos do not give it justice. It is Clean and Bright and Airy, with wonderful floor to ceiling glass doors that led to an outdoor terrace that spans the living room and bedroom. Looking down form the bedroom is a curving ancient street that leads to the old church and its graveyard next door. One of the biggest, most wonderful surprises, is that a block away, is the river Arno, which has river walk path, where you can walk all the way to the Ponto Vecchio...or , if you like , the other direction.....into the Italian country side. If you don't feel like walking , 1/2 block away is the 14 Bus that takes you everywhere....oh did I mention the big supermarket (that you don't see at all is a block away....Actually may -be I shouldn't give such a glowing review because this apartment will be fully booked , FOREVER and it will always be booked when I am ready to return it will be BOOKED????? haha only kidding.....Unfortunately I had a family emergency during my stay, and I had to suddenly return home. Even with that, Paola ans Sarah were kind and helpful. SOOOOO Thank you Paola and Sarah for making my long term stay so easy , and you are not rid of me yet :_)