Violin Shopping in Florence
I’ve been playing, or more appropriately, studying the violin for three years. I began on a three quarter sized instrument and have recently reached the age and size that I need a full sized violin and also my teacher had told me and informed my parents that I have advanced enough in my playing to warrant the purchase of a new instrument. This was extremely exciting news to me and since we had been planning a family vacation to Florence, Italy, my parents reluctantly agreed we could shop for new instruments while we were there.
Of course actually traveling to another country is not necessary finding a new violin, however you can certainly imagine that added to my excitement. So, the day finally came and my parents, sister and I were heading off to stay in one of the historic hotels Florence Italy. My sister thought she would meet the love of her life there, and I simply wanted a new violin. I’m not sure what my parents were hoping to get out of the trip. However, they were certainly impressed with the city, even as we were landing. My mom was almost overcome with awe at the beauty of the architecture and what did she say, the overall ambiance, which she called breathtaking. And it really did seem to take her breath.
So, my parents seemed more interested in dragging us to the museums and art galleries, than in helping us find our soul mate and violin. We went to the Uffizi, which I admit was in a beautiful building and had some incredible exhibits. I was more impressed with the Renaissance sculptures in the Bargello Tower. We also went to the Palatina gallery, and one other I can’t remember the name of. It seemed to be small and locally based. Finally, after all that my parents agreed to look at the music shops, but I didn’t find a violin that we could agree on. Actually, the near miracle happened while we were having pastries in a street café. Some old man overheard us talking about violins and mentioned that his brother made them and had a small shop just outside of town. I didn’t have high hopes, but my parents took me their the next morning. I can’t believe it but I found the perfect violin there and my parents agreed to buy it for me. My poor sister never did find the love of her life.
| Posted in Travel | No Comments »