Sunsets. Friends. And Chanting Monks.

Roommates
A Tuscan Sunset

Four of the roomies

We hiked the steep slope on the other side of the Arno for an evening to watch the sunset. On our way over we shopped at the German Christmas Market that was set up in the Piazza Santa Croce, got some gelato, then headed up the hill. The view was gorgeous, one to remember. We hung around the flat steps laughing together, taking candid shots, and marveling at the colors in the sky and the greenery of the countryside right outside of the city. After the sun set, we hiked even higher up to San Miniato to hear the monks chant their daily prayers. Inside was dark with small flickers of candlelight in the corners. Under the main alter were stairs leading down to a smaller chapel, there they began to chant while churchgoers chanted in response. It was beautiful. We must have sat there for at least an hour, absorbed in our own private thoughts. The experience with nature, then God, is one I will always refer back to when I'm "homesick" for my Italian home. Nothing can compare to the extravagance of God outside, but also the quiet contemplation of a cathedral that has been there for centuries and will continue to be there even after I'm gone from this world.