Urlaub in Italien — Day 6 (Florence)
20日環義遊記（佛羅倫斯）
23/5/2022
Day 6— Florence:
儘管義大利海岸線多麼令人流連忘返，我們還是離開了 Viareggio前往佛羅倫斯，因為在當地等我們的是德國室友的義大利好友！難得來義大利度假，德國室友早已計畫好這次的拜訪。經過多年再次見面，他們無話不談，深厚交情可見一斑。見這一面之緣，義大利友人也十分熱情，慷慨的擔任起一日嚮導。
起初我並沒有對佛羅倫斯抱太大期待，多年前跟家人來旅行，記憶猶新，聖母百花大教堂的震撼、圍繞廣場精緻的餐酒館、老橋與河岸美景仍歷歷在目。幸好，歐洲人對戶外活動情有獨鍾，與其逛遍所有名勝古蹟，不如前往私房景點，好好品嚐美食、欣賞風景。
Although the Italian coastline had left an indelible impression, we left for Florence to reunite with an old friend of our German roommate. He had thoughtfully planned ahead with this precious opportunity, showing the depth of their friendship, which was even more evident in their beaming smiles and endless conversation once meeting each other after so many years.
Our Italian companion also warmly welcomed us and graciously assumed the role of a local guide. Initially, I had little expectation as my memories were still vivid from the last visit with my family: the awe-inspiring Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, charming eateries lining the piazzas, and the picturesque views from Ponte Vecchio. Fortunately, these Europeans had affinities for outdoor activities. Rather than visiting the tourist sites, our friend decided to stroll around, savor the local cuisine and admire the scenery.
我們穿梭在人群之中，避開了人潮眾多的教堂和美術館，迅速到達第一站享用在地美食。首先映入眼簾的是源源不絕的人潮，再往前走約20公尺才看到一個不起眼的招牌 All’Antico Vinaio。然而，店門口擠滿了饑餓的顧客，完全擋住我的視線。雖然還無法確定這家店在賣什麼，但排隊的人群肯定是美味的保證。
20分鐘後，看著來來去去的顧客和忙著進貨的店員，我們終於看清他的真面目，原來是一家三明治店！雖然說是平民美食，但豐富的餡料絕對足以飽餐一頓。現切現烤的麵包外酥內軟，肉跟火腿都很有嚼勁，醬汁也香味十足，最後配上爽口的水果茶（Esta Thé），真是過癮。
We wandered through the crowds in front of the churches and museums, and soon arrived at our first destination. Ahead of us was the 20-meter-long queue and a discreet sign for “All’Antico Vinaio”. However, the entrance to the shop was packed with hungry customers, who completely blocked our view. Although we couldn’t be sure what this shop was selling, the long line was certainly a guarantee of its deliciousness.
After a 20-minute wait, watching bustling staff restocking the ingredients, we finally got a glimpse of the shop. To my surprise, it was a sandwich shop! Despite being a common dish, the rich fillings were more than enough to satisfy our hunger. The freshly-cut bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the meat were tender, and the sauce was fragrant. To complete the meal, we sipped on refreshing fruit tea (Esta Thé), which was thoroughly satisfying.
吃飽喝足，我們來到在地嚮導的後花園。這座 Boboli 花園曾為傳說中的梅迪奇家族所有，佈滿了無數收藏品。園內山坡地的一草一木都設計獨到，巧妙的將市景、雕像藝術品和自然融合在一起。而在這悠閒的花園裡跟著在地人愜意的步伐，我已無意費心瀏覽每個細節，只專心享受著佛羅倫斯、專注於與朋友的對話、自在的散步，並偶爾抬起頭來欣賞美麗的城市輪廓。
至今我仍不敢相信能在如此尊貴的花園度過午後時光，文藝復興歷史文化和城市風景完美的融入佛羅倫斯人的生活，以在地人的角度走遍城市的角落，奇妙的體驗難以言喻。
After indulging ourselves with delicious meal, we arrived at the backyard of the Florentines. The Boboli Garden, once owned by the legendary Medici family and adorned with countless treasures, showcased uniquely designed hillsides that blended the cityscape, statue art, and nature together. In this leisurely garden, following the locals’ relaxed pace, I had no intention of examining every detail of the garden but rather enjoying the walk, engaging in conversations with friends, and occasionally lifting my chin to admire the city.
Until now, I still can’t believe that I spent an afternoon in such a prestigious garden, perfectly blending Renaissance history, culture, and city scenery into the lives of Florentines. Walking through the corners of the city from a local perspective, the wonderful experience was unforgettable.
等到陽光不再那麼熾熱的時候，我們起身離開花園樹蔭，前往最後一個景點迎接日落。路上嘴饞的我們買了冰淇淋和義式濃縮咖啡，滿足了一天的小確幸。除此之外，為了慶祝此次到訪和這難得的緣分，我們也順路買了超市紅酒，一邊品嚐，一邊靜靜欣賞夕陽西下的光線變化。
磚紅屋瓦與杯中紅酒漸漸變得更加深沉，直至最後一絲光線再也翻不過遠處的山頭，佛羅倫斯才藉著橘黃色的街燈再次亮起，再次回到我印象中的佛羅倫斯。
When the sun was no longer scorching, we left the cool shade of the garden for the last attraction, the perfect viewpoint for the sunset. On the way, we satisfied our cravings for gelato and Italian espresso. And in honor of this memorable occasion, we also bought red wine from the supermarket, sipping it while quietly admiring the beauty of the setting sun.
The crimson rooftops and the red wine in our glasses grew deeper and more intense, as the final sliver of light faded behind the distant hills. Suddenly, Florence lit up again with orange street lights, returning to the same old Florence in my memory.
也許夕陽特別眷顧這座百年古城，翡冷翠有托斯卡尼的自然風光，也有人文雕琢及文藝復興的啟蒙，百年來日出日落，這顆義大利瑰寶依舊絕美動人。
The incredible view can’t be explained if the sunset had no special fondness for this timeless city. Born in the stunning natural scenery of Tuscany and in the enlightenment of the Renaissance, Florence, after thousands of sunrises and sunsets, weathered the passage of time and remained as breathtakingly beautiful as ever.
To be continued… Day 7 in Lucca
