Here it the "lost" blog--thanks Nicole for helping me find itHello my friends! My flight to London was quick and co!
mfortalble. I found a person to share "space wonders" with and Sarah--this person knew a lot about "black holes". Several very nice strangers helped me at critical time--like when the airline attendent failed to give me my boarding pass... and i was even given ear phones by a stranger when i realized i'd packed mine away in mu suitcase. i told them all they were being kind to a stranger--sometimes a rarity these days. My flight from London to Florence was fine but as we landed, they told us we were in Genova.... GENOVA. Where is Genova?... i thought.... It is located along the north western coast and I looked out the window and saw the beautiful sea. The winds were so high in Florence the airport would not let us land and the other closer airports (like Pisa) were flooded with unexpected air traffic-- thus...Genova was my first introduction to Italy since I was five years old. It is located in the mountains along the sea and is 3 hours by bus to Florence. We drove through the Alpi Apuane mountains and it was really beautiful. Then we traveled east-- across the boot towards Florence and I saw wonderful agriculture in the Tuscany area. I would like to have been traveling by bike! Many nursery's (plant nursery's) and farms dotted the landscape and up the mountains there was a sprinkling of olive groves. I arrived in Florence at 5:10 PM--my original time was supposed to be 12:45 and our first official gathering was to begin at 5:30. I had no choice but to head for our first location--the beautiful cathedral San Miniato al Monte with all my luggage in tow. I knew no one would be at the apartment and I had no key... so off I went. I'm sharing photos of that experience-- I arrived at San Miniato as vespers began... the monks played Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.... God was there... it is one of my most favorite melodies. There were a handful of monks celebrating Mass a little while later and I stood outside the lower alter were only a few locals celebrated the Mass with the monks. Following this wonderful peace-filled moment, one of the members of my group traveled with me to bring my luggage to the apartment and rejoin everyone for dinner. My arrival completed our group and they were all so glad when I arrived. We have a comfortable apartment and today spent time at the Dumo...I'll share more about today on a later posting. Here, for your visual pleasure, is San Moniato. Blessings everyone... I love you Sarah!
