3 hour lunch, ice skating, gelato

Walked endlessly today, very walked out, fantastic day. Among other things, had an amazing 3 hour lunch. Lots of acqua naturale, white wine, large ravioli with a seafood and spinach/arugula filling in a cream sauce with more seafood and spinach/arugula. Roast poultry, patate fritte, bistecca, more wine, more water, more wine, lots of conversation, laughter, more of this a little of that...and finally, almond biscotti/cantuccini with a deep rich vin santo, similar to a really fine cognac. More chatting away, til the place was closed, and then some.

Visited the Central Market, did some walks, sightseeing, found some interesting resale shoppes with very modern and innovative, and vintage clothing, shoes, designs of various things, along Strozzi sp. and another shoppe selling endless types of pulses and beans out of large rounded squares of straw baskets without handles--a bit like bags made from woven straw. Ice skating and ciocolata caldas, deep rich chocolately dark chocolate, no sugar, just a touch of fresh whipped cream on top. 4 Euros for the ciocolata calda. Gorgeous views, blue skies, lovely mountains, pretty river flowing thru a long park with those swooopy rounded cloud-shaped topped pine trees they have everywhere here. Ice skating, heat lamps near the ice where it was a bit chilly. Outside was mostly warm, sunny. But 14 and a few other triple digit buses go to Obihall. Ice skating is gone this weekend, til next year. Was absolutely lovely out, would have loved to wander along the river, watching the sunset, continuing along the river, past about 9 bridges, til back to sentrum, but I was just too exhausted, my feet hurt, my hip bones hurt, my head hurt from the cold near the ice. Had a short stroll along the river....and a short walk a few or so blocks then found a bus stop to catch a bus back to the station. Family went home, but I lazily got on another bus, up to Fiesole to enjoy the relaxing ride and views along the way.

Nearly 10pm, have had a long (literally an hour or so soak) hot bath, and was debating on whether to get a gelato before they close at midnight....then will finally go to sleep.

Another long enjoyable hopefully day tomorrow too. Though the main thing planned is lunch, beginning at 1...and then the rest of the day as it goes. Maybe ice skating again, before it closes.

will upload and add photos of today, tomorrow. Am off to get a gelato and sorbet before they close