Happy 30th Birthday Adam!

Every day in Italy has been special so far; however, today was an extraordinary day as Adam turned 30!

The day started out by going to the market with Tiffany, ordering Cappuccinos and pastries, and enjoying the bustling sound of a day just beginning.

Afterwards, Adam and I walked around the many stalls selling fresh veggies and fruits, meats, cheeses, wines, oils, and everything else wonderfully Italian. After picking up some pastas and herbs, we headed back out to explore the Santa Maria Novella, a church that was built beginning in the 12th century.

We were very hungry again at this point, so we meandered to our favorite pizza place, Pugi's. We got our favorite, Margarita pizza, plus a Tortufo and cabbage. It sounds weird but it was amazing!

A visit to the Duomo followed. We had previously visited the dome of the Duomo and went all the way to the top to see all of Florence; but this time, we stayed on the ground floor and admired the art work, the inlaid marbled floor, and it's massive size.

The best part came when we realized there was something down below. We discovered an archaeological dig! Apparently, the Duomo was built on top of the Santa Reparata Church, whose original construction dates back to 3rd century! It even has Brunelleschi's tomb in it!

We wondered the streets for a while longer, before we met up with Tiff and grabbed some gelato. On our way home, we were a little hungry again, so being Adam's birthday and everything, we went back to Pugi's got more pizza and yummy desert cake to bring back home!


Our next stop was to Bacco Nudo Vini Sfusi...(phew! What a mouth full!)This is the wine shop owned bu a sweet old man who loves and knows Tiff (and her Italian). We unloaded the empty wine bottles from Adams backpack and chose our wines.

When you bring your bottle back it's only 2-3 euros a bottle to refill! The wines are from all around Tuscany and are delicious! They have different wines all the time depending on what's in stock.

Later in the evening we went out to dinner with Tiffany, Maggie, Janelle, and Dean (Janelle's boyfriend who just arrived yesterday from S. Ca). We "indulged" (isn't everything here indulgent?) in prosciutto and melon, pasta's, and more desserts.

Overall it was a special day for a very special husband. I love you Adam!