| gonetraveling.com "I am a part of all that I have met. Yet, all experience is an arch where through gleams that untraveled world where margin fades, forever and forever when I move." |
| borgo ognissanti, 88 |
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| We had seen pictures of our apartment over the Internet prior to our arrival so we had an idea of what it would be like. When we arrived, we weren't ready for what we found, starting with a landlord named Fabio (and Mary Rose). Located on the top floor of a traditional Florentine building, the only way up is by stairs (50 of them). A smallish wood door greets you at the top; original Italian charm that any foreigner would appreciate. Once inside, you are welcomed by rustic tile floors, cool yellow walls tastefully adorned with pictures, sketches and ancient maps of Florence, high ceilings, decorative wrought iron, custom furnishings, a comfortable sofa to sink into on a lazy Sunday (or any day for that matter), and a kitchen complete with gas-burning stove, convection oven and full-size refrigerator. We didn't think our grins could get any bigger and we hadn't even seen the bedroom or the bathroom yet. |
| 2002-2003 |
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| > italy |
| > home |
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| Airy wooden stairs lead up to a second floor bedroom, which includes a window overlooking the neighboring rooftops and a perfectly sized nook for storing books (of which there were many, all on Italy, Italian culture, living, etc.). To our surprise, the bedroom is large enough to hold a queen-size bed, a dresser and mirror, a full-size armoire, night tables, a love seat and chair, television; and Fletch's favorite, a small refrigerator. There is also a half bathroom upstairs for convenience which we have dubbed the "John Malkovich" room. Our top-floor apartment comes with a top-floor slanted roof, so this half bathroom is located behind a half door. While you can stand up once inside the bathroom, you must duck your head in order to get into the bathroom. Our hosts have strategically placed reflector strips to help avoid hitting your head on the ceiling beams, but both of us have hit our heads more than once and most times opt to go downstairs. |
| Using the bathroom downstairs isn't a bad option. Our hosts have made no exceptions to create an American dream bathroom abroad. Outfitted with the standard toilet and bidet, unlike most Italian homes we have a Jacuzzi tub and high water pressure. Being without a bathtub for months, it is an incredible treat. Well, more for me than Fletch, but he has his kitchen. More than we ever expected, Borgo Ognissanti, 88 not only boasts the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, it is located within walking distance to every site one would want to see in Florence while retaining the locals' locale to enable us to live like the Italians. |
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| fabio |
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