As I run down from the hills above Florence in the early morning, I am always struck by how the sun what I can only describe as dances off the rooftops and faces of the architecturally magnificent buildings. While I have run down from the hills thousands of times now, each and every time as I run back to what is now my home something just twinges in me as I look across the river. This twinge rooted in gratitude for living in such a beautiful city.
A few weeks ago, as I ran back into Florence, I was left wondering what it would look and feel like if I got up very early, before the tourists took over the streets, and went to see these buildings while everyone was still tucked in their beds. Buildings that those of us that live here avoid during the tourist season, because the hoards of people make it so unpleasant trying to dodge our way around them. Instead, we take the lesser known side streets, and while they have their own charm, it can result in us going for weeks and even months without seeing what 10s of thousands of people come to Florence for, even if they can only steal a quick glance while their walking tour passes by. I know people that live here that during July and August do everything they can to avoid the historical center as if it has the plague - for them it does of sorts. But what if I did not avoid the center, and it were just me before these majestic buildings, and the warm early morning sun.
So, one morning I set my alarm and got up while much of the city was still asleep. Without so much as a peep of sound on the streets, I laced up my shoes and went for my run. As I ran across the city I was able to take routes that normally I cannot take because of the crowds. Without fear of being cut off by a person with a raised umbrella guiding tourists like the pied-piper, I weaved my way through the streets until I was brought to a stand still, not by a person stopping to take a picture, but instead by the sheer awe of what was before me.
As I approached the Palazzo Vecchio, and rounded the corner to the Uffizi, I was reminded of the moment almost three years ago when I first arrived in Florence, turned this very corner, and tears came to my eyes because I was so overtaken by the emotion of that magical moment. Three years later I was overtaken again by the magic of this city. A sense of magic that I cannot put into words, but instead feel in my soul.
I don't know when I will turn that corner again, and without having to share it with anyone, have that moment of just standing with the sun beating down on this city that I love so much. Certainly it will be after the tourist season is over. I am thinking, once a year I should wake up early and make my way through the streets soaking in the magic of this city on my own, as it felt so good to selfishly for just a few moments have Florence all to myself. I am glad that I experienced this anniversary moment of sorts. It was worth pushing myself out the door in the early morning hours. For me, as anniversaries are intended, it was a time taken to celebrate love - in this case my love of Florence.
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