Firenze — The Candi Dish

Remembering the 1966 Florence Flood

2015 – Il Duomo

Adoring Firenze passionately is somewhat of a pastime at The Candi Dish! It is a magical city that exudes charm, transcendent beauty and unique history: some obvious (IL DUOMO,) and some hidden (VASARI CORRIDOR). One significant and devastating piece of history occurred exactly 50 years ago today. On November 4, 1966, after a long period of steady rain the Arno River flooded Firenze. The flood took the precious lives of people and destroyed millions of masterpieces.

With RestoPresto on the Arno!

At its highest, the water reached over 22 feet in Santa Croce. If you have been to Florence, this statistic is quite shocking.

Basilica di Santa Croce

Here are 2 photos that I took last year that show one of the “high water mark” signs from 2 different angles on the side of a building in the Oltrarno.

Close up of the “high water mark” sign that reads: “Qui arrivo la piena dell’Arno”

The “high water mark” sign on the side of a building in the Oltrarno.

My first of many visits to Firenze was in 1992 when I entered the Florida State University International Program Study Abroad Program that summer. I was in love with the city immediately and can honestly say that my 6 weeks in Firenze changed my life in the most wonderful ways. The FSU Florence Program is celebrating its 50th Anniversary as well which means that the first round of students experienced the Arno flood in November 1966. There is a wonderful documentary by Breanna Bruner interviewing former students who were there in 1966 and how they became Angeli del Fango (“Mud Angels) – here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/Ymf92c4cm0Q

I am proud to be a FSUIP Alum!

So today, 50 years later I honor the lives lost, the generous Angeli del Fango whose speedy volunteer efforts to save damaged pieces led to the restoration of many fine works of art and magnificent Firenze, herself.

If you are interested in a firsthand account of what was happening in Firenze after the flood, here is a terrific article by Jonah Jones via The Florentine: http://www.theflorentine.net/lifestyle/2016/11/memories-1966-florence-flood/

For stunning photos of the flood, click on this link to the Foto Locchi site which has archived photos taken in Firenze following the disaster: http://www.fotolocchi.it/it/

Dishing 50th Anniversary wishes to Florida State University International Program’s Florence Study Centre

It has been almost 24 years since I participated in the FSU Study Abroad Program in Florence and I can still honestly say that it was one of the best decisions that I was fortunate enough to make. I studied abroad during the summer between my junior and senior years of college and truly felt like I had hit the jackpot!

I remember the elation that I felt when I received my acceptance letter from the International Programs office in the mail (yes, a paper letter sent the old-fashioned way – see photo below). I remember the anticipation that kept me from sleeping on the overnight flight to Rome and when we touched ground in Firenze, I had that distinctive “I have arrived” feeling.

Paper & snail mail in 1992!

Being surrounded by a language that is not mine, the aroma of garlic sautéed in olive oil wafting from the trattorias, vespas speeding through the narrow streets and astounding architecture, statues, art and adornments at every turn took my breath away and still does wherever I am in this beloved city. The six-week summer program flew by but I was able to immerse in the splendor, history and uniqueness of Firenze on a daily basis while being a part of the dynamic curriculum of the FSU program under the direction of the wonderful Dr. Victor Carrabino.

Summer of 1992 at the FSU Study Centre on Borgo degli Albizi

The adventure that I took over two decades ago opened my eyes, mind and senses to Italy and Italian culture. Happily, I have returned to Italy many times since then and while Firenze is my favorite city, I do know first hand that each town, each region and even each neigborhood in that delightful country is charmingly unique.

I had the superb pleasure of spending time in Firenze last September and was able to revisit my lengthy list of favorites. As a big enthusiast of strolling, as always, I veered off the main streets to explore and my list is even lenghtier now and filled with new discoveries. This visit was particularly special because I brought my invention, RestoPresto, with me. To be able to use my product, that I created from scratch, throughout a city that I hold close to my heart was really fantastic.

2015 – Il Duomo

Excited to have my RestoPresto on the Arno!

It’s the 50^th anniversary of the Florida State University International Program’s Florence Study Centre for which I am thankful for enriching my life!

Here’s to another happy 50 years!
Felice 50° Anniversario con amore da Candi (aka Caramella)!

Remembering the 1966 Florence Flood

Dishing 50th Anniversary wishes to Florida State University International Program’s Florence Study Centre

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