20. Arriving in Florence

I got up as fast as I could 

To get out of the hood!

Francisco was on staff that day,

He wanted to call me a cab, but goodbye I waved.

The walk was pleasant and not that far,

But I need to get another suitcase, this one has fallen apart.

A young man helped me with my luggage to wait for the train,

And, he started a conversation and told me his name.

He was quite handsome and charming,

In my younger days, it would be quite alarming.

But now as I am seasoned a bit,

I've been there, done that!

We sat on the train and talked for a few hours at tops,

He gave me his number and waved as he got off at his stop.

I exchanged trains in Bologna to Florence in minutes ten

And got on the wrong coach, so I had to stand.

A super duper fast Trentalia train,

I was there in 45 minutes, an hour, I gained.

I usually take a cab to the hotel to get my bearings.

I've been quite fortunate that they have been close to the train.

I had a good feeling about this stay, took the lift to the reception area,

And, they say, Let me take you to room number eight."

When you are ready, we will do the check-in and passport,

Take a rest and get some comfort.

I collapsed into a very clean room, my suitcase unpacked,

Laid down to rest and take a short nap.

Erisa was quite helpful and sweet

Gave me a map and checked me in a beat!

Walked the streets that evening to get my bearings,

And, everywhere I went there were American students preparing.

Mostly art and philosophy majors, I met about five,

What an experience and the time of their lives.

The plazas were full of music and chatter,

More energy here than any other.

I found the leather street market, it is so near,
Everybody has the deal of the year.
This reminds me so much of Nogales,

"For you, so much less."
Two things I had to buy, a suitcase and pair of gloves,
For both have fallen  apart, inside and above.
Both were extremely reasonably priced
that made me feel quite nice.