In Tuscany we have been having some warm and benign weather after the chills of February; indeed we are here in Florence on Palm Sunday. Here, there is a quietly joyous feel about the city in the balmy sunshine, everyone seems intoxicated and dreamy in the breezy spring weather, anticipating Easter (or Pasqua). In front of the Pitti Palace there is a Palm Sunday parade, a priest leads a procession through the streets of choirboys and parishioners each carrying either a palm frond or a sprig of olive branch. There is a sense of calm and peaceful solemnity among the crowds. There are the tourists now beginning to throng the piazzas and museums. There are locals carrying newly bought Easter eggs, great chocolate ovals wrapped in colourful shiny paper. There are people carrying picnic lunches to eat by the Arno, watching their children play on the swings. There are lovers kissing on the Ponte Vecchio or having their photographs with the Doumo in the background. No rushing or shouting, no anxiety or strain just a quiet anticipation of summer.
