There is a specialness to being in Florence in December--a hunkering-in winter time about it all: cold and early sunsets: coats, hats, and scarves.
And then there are the lights that decorate every street and every building, both interior and exterior. The result is festive, usually aesthetically appealing, occasionally a tad tacky, but always heartwarming. Since I am being charged for utilities in my apartment, I can’t help but wonder who is paying for all of this wonder.
The city isn’t over-crowded, but it is filled with all ages walking the streets and enjoying the museums, churches and restaurants. It is a happy time to be in Florence for groups and for solitary travelers like me. Tomorrow is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a major holiday in Roman Catholic Italy. To celebrate, the Christmas tree in front of the Duomo will be lit at 5 PM. More lights to fill my journey.