Bad Ass Tower Climb. August 5, 2019

Photo descriptions: Stairs going up the Arnolfo Tower. The View! The Duomo, Giotto’s Tower, Baptistry. Santa Croce Church. The other side of the Arno River, Oltrarno Neighborhood. The Arno River. Underside of the top. More views.

Aaron and I nailed it. We got up early this morning and climbed the tower at the Palazzo Vecchio. It was awesome! The last time we were in Florence, I climbed Giotto’s Tower, which is right next to the Duomo, you can see it in these photos. This year I wanted to climb the Arnolfo Tower. I love getting up high in a city and seeing everything down below. It’s one of my favorite things. The tower is almost 312 feet tall, 418 steps. It was built in 1299 and into the early 14th century. One of the photos has the date 1690 carved into the beam, that is not original, but was added later.

It wasn’t a difficult climb. We got to the top and the walls around me were so high that I could not see a thing! I could only see the sky! Total bummer! But, I did what all short people do, I figured out a way. I climbed on the stupid cement blocks that help up the ropes that kept people from standing on the bench that runs the entire perimeter. I guess that bench gets people too close to the edge. I don’t know if there’s history there, or just paranoia, but you cannot get that close. Aaron helped prop me up and I could see nicely. Of course Aaron, being a all man, could see everything. Also, there was a platform on one side for people to stand on so they could see the Duomo easily.

It was a great climb and a spectacular 360 degree view of the gorgeous city of Florence. A lovely way to say good-bye for now. Fabulous morning, I’m so happy we did it! We left the kids at home, which was also fabulous! They had no interest in doing it, which makes me sad, but they are not sad, so that is that. I have a very strong sense of FOMO, (fear of missing out). It’s the worst! It always makes me wonder what I am missing out on. It also pushes me to do more and more things. It is also very annoying.

A good reminder: just be. Take a nice, deep breath, and just be.

Today was also a travel day. And it was a shitty travel day. The trains were very crowded and very hot. Disgusting. It was a quick trip, so that made it a bit easier. Oh, yes, where are we? We are in Lucca! Another ancient hill town in Tuscany. We arrived hot, cranky, and exhausted. We napped and went out to dinner, so we haven’t seen much yet. Tomorrow is for resting and strolling. Extreme down time before we make the long journey home to Portland. They boys told me tonight they are ready to be home.

Our trip is winding down. I feel deeply grateful that we were able to make it happen. I’m sad it’s almost over, but home is home. Home is love. I know I will be thinking and feeling and sharing more about our trip ending in the next days. Mostly I want to share that I feel grateful for all of the things we’ve seen and experienced, all of the people we’ve met and all of the good food we’ve eaten. So much richness and fullness.

I ordered fish tonight at dinner. BIG mistake!!! It was just like that other fish, with the head, that I can’t even talk about. But if you’ve been following along, you will know what fish I am referencing. I can’t even talk about it.

I miss you and love you!

Love, Eden