Cascine park

I went for a run today and ran all the way down to Cascine park, probably the prettiest and liveliest place in Florence. I made myself run all the way there without stopping, which is a long ways and a pretty cool accomplishment for me! Obviously I am so out of shape here because I eat delicious food all day and don't work out in a gym, but running outside along the Arno river is so much better than any gym (the Bay Club is debatable). Once you are in the park you are greeted by a ginormous statue of a random man on a horse. Right after there is a huge carnival all along the water. When it was colder the carnival wasn't open, but today it was in full swing. Little kids were in bouncy machines, sitting in sacks and flying down a slide, winning prizes, going on roller coasters that barely move a centimeter a minute, and everyone was having the time of their lives. Then after you find yourself among hundreds of trees and the sun is blocked. It is a calm peaceful place to run through. Does not even do it justice! I will bring my camera next time when it is super crowded so I can show you what it really looks like.

After you reach miles of beautiful grassy area with people playing volleyball, soccer, tanning, doing cartwheels, and so much more! I literally just stopped and stared at everyone. I wanted to join in on a volleyball game, but I figured that might have been weird. I also wanted to start running around and laughing, but then I thought people might think I was crazy since I was alone. I settled for lying down on the grass for a while and finally mustering up the courage to do one hundred crunches. On the run back there were hundreds of little stands filled with clothes, food, and knick knacks that everyone was had to stop and look at for hours because you actually couldn't move while in there. I finally left that area and ran directly next to the water on the gravel grassy path. It was nice because there was less people, but I was still near all the action. I decided to stop again once outside of the park and I sat on a cement block next to the water. The sun was in my face and it was so beautiful. So happy in the purest form. Finally I ran down Via Tournoboni (street with all the designer stores) and I had to stop at Dolce and Gabbana. The window was magnificent! White lace + gold = the best combination ever. Too bad I can't afford any of it. One day!

Jealousy.