This might be in the category of “you had to be there” -- but I was there. Gorgeous day, beautiful weather and I was in Florence in the Spring. I found a little Italian restaurant and sang a Billy Joel song.

The waiter, as were all the people in Italy, incredibly beautiful. (I thought only drag queens had 4” lashes.) He didn’t speak any English, but then, I didn’t speak any Italian so he, I and the daily special were a good match. I ordered a glass of wine -- which at 5Euro was a bit much but I hadn’t been drinking much wine this trip.

It turned out I ordered a BOTTLE of wine. Fortunately I had been drinking a lot this trip so an entire bottle wasn’t much of an challenge for me. First course was a HUGE plate of pasta, second course was beef and my tummy was very happy.

Speaking loudly I asked the waiter how he managed to eat like this and still have a 28” waist and then repeated myself in pantomime.  He looked confused and returned to the kitchen. Maybe if I spoke louder? When he returned he pronounced, “I handsome!” English aside, I couldn’t help but agree by taking several pictures. You’ll find them in the gallery.

After that wonderful lunch, the only improvement would be to go shopping. Have I shown you my leather coat?