Music and Markets - - Following the Music

Treasure Hunting in Arezzo

Arezzo & Florence, Italy

On the first weekend of every month, the Tuscan city of Arezzo hosts Italy’s best antique fair.

Kirk and I have a few treasures we picked up here several years ago, and are looking forward to going again. Jacqueline is on the lookout for keys, since she has decided to put the door purchase off for a while.

So we pack up the car and head east to Arezzo.

The antiques dealers spread their wares around the main square and down adjacent lanes,

and it’s a pleasure to slowly stroll the

steep cobbled streets,

checking out the varied riches.

Jacqueline finds a plethora of ancient keys

at the very first stall, and enjoys choosing just the right ones to decorate her walls. And just happens to stumble upon JUST the pair of boots she’s been hoping for (not in the antique stalls, though).

Before heading for Florence, we stop for lunch at Osteria del Mercanti, a simple place off of the main pedestrian street to the central piazza. We learn what “topini” is – tiny gnocchi, served today with a black cabbage (a typical winter vegetable here), zucchini, and truffle sauce. The food and service were great – we’d come here again.

Back at the Rivoli Suites, we collect the remainder of our luggage, which they had held for us while we were in Orvieto and Monte San Savino, ready it for our early morning departure, and shop some more. Anne can appreciate Jacqueline’s desire to find just a few more things – Florence is one of her very favorite shopping cities too.

A final dinner at 4 Leoni, an old favorite in the Oltrarno, where Kirk has a terrific grilled orata, one of his favorite meals of the trip, and then we wander the quiet streets, chatting together about the wonderful week we've had.

posted by Anne and Kirk @ 12:56 PM