It's a Saturday morning, the city is slowly waking up, and you are the only person around.
You wander taking in the odor of fresh pastries and the unexpected sight of empty neighborhoods.
You delight in your solitude: you feel free.
You decide it's time for a cappuccino. You are in a small, quaint piazza sorrounded by restaurants with outside tables and enclosed by low buildings: it's called Piazza della Passera.
Just by chance, you see the perfect place for breakfast right there in front of you. It's called Caffè degli Artigiani, the artisans' cafè.
(By the way: did you notice the strange street sign on the right? Why is a little black man carrying the "wrong way" bar? If you pay attention you'll notice all around Florence street signs have been transformed in works of art, and the author of this beautiful urban exhibition is Clet, French artist who has been living in Italy for two decades. I'll dedicate a whole post to him, because he really deserves it. His at once whimsical and thought provoking installations have made the whole city reflect on the importance of contemporary art that can speak to people today, highlighting the need to support art for present times, not just preserve the old masterpieces).
But getting back to your breakfast! You enter the café, and discover that it is not only beautiful and welcoming, but also filled with great looking things to eat!
As you look around, you notice that the walls are covered by an interesting collage of hundreds and hundreds of faces: they are customers and people from the neighborhood, all happily posing for this unusual take on wallpaper.
You can order directly at the counter if you wish to eat sitting on the tall stools by the collage. You can also decide you deserve a special morning, and treat yourself to sipping your hot coffee sitting at one of the tables outside (in this case the barista will bring you breakfast when it's ready: go out and pick a seat!).
And by the way, if you are in Florence in Spring, while sitting outside with your back to the café turn your head to the left and look up the wall just a few meters down: it is covered by incredible blossoming wisteria. And if its sight takes your breath away, wait 'til you notice the perfume!!!
You can sit for as long as you wish: this is one of the most beautiful places to take your time and read, write your journal, or just people-watch.
When you're ready to get up (you can always come back!!) walk around the corner to Via de' Ramaglianti (this is your two minute route) and another surprise awaits you: leather artisan workshop Monaco Metropolitano.
This is HEAVEN for those of us who appreciate unique, one-of-a-kind bags and accessories made completely by hand. And when I say completely by hand I mean it! They don't even use a sewing machine: they purchase gorgeous pieces of leather in the neighboring town of Santa Croce sull'Arno (world-famous for its leather production), cut it, make small holes in it with an appropriate tool, and then double-stitch it by passing special waxed thread through the holes.
Walking in all your senses will be aroused: your eyes will enjoy the soft colours of the decor and delicate lighting, your nose will be inebriated by the strong but pleasant odour of leather, and if you touch any of their products your fingers will tell you that it is an amazing experience to hold one of their bags even just for a moment - imagine for a lifetime!
They create leather bags, wallets, and recently even custom shoes - all with an eye towards tradition (high quality materials and techniques guarantee a virtually eternal life-span) while maintaining a strong sensibility to contemporary life. Their designs are compelling, interesting, and also well-made - can't get better than that!
It will be the beginning of an unforgettable day.
(and in case you're curious of where exactly these awesome places are, check how easy it is to find them: )
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