Enrico and Me

Enrico is the first man that I met when I moved to Florence. Of course, I met him in Piazza della Signoria (better known as "Pick up Piazza"). The Piazza della Signoria, is very beautiful and has the Palazzo Vecchio, which is and always has been the courthouse of Florence. Additionally, the Neptune Fountain, replica of David, and many famous statues are on display here. There are cafes and gelato shops around the piazza, and every night there is music there. In the early evening there is a flute and violin, playing classical music, and later in the evening, a guitarist who plays old favorites by James Taylor, the BeeGees, Simon and Garfunkel, etc. He usually starts around 9:30-10:00.

The Piazza is a very romantic place, and the perfect place to "meet" people. I am there almost every night for walking, talking, and listening to music.

Enrico and I have become relatively good friends. He works at a restaurant near Orsan Michele Church and between Piazza della Republica and Piazza della Signoria. He works 6 days a week, for 10 hours a day. Enrico is from Sienna, which is a small town about 1 hour train ride from Florence.

When you come to Florence, I will introduce you to Enrico. He is a big hit with the young American girls and makes most of his money in tips, even though you really don’t tip in Italy, and especially where he works, which is a "self-service" restaurant.

Enrico and I meet occasionally for coffee or to walk. Here is a photo of us in front of the replica of David on the "pick up piazza".