Mostra, Mercato and May.

The start of the summer season is well and truly here. In Florence this doesn't take the form of Polo, Cricket and Ascot like it does for the well-heeled in the UK. This is a much more equal approach and takes the form of the annual music festival and it's offerings around the city, events open to all at the Fortezza de Basso exhibition centre and special holiday markets at the Cascine.

Yesterday I went to the Artisanal fair at the Fortezza. It was interesting in that it reminded me of the Ideal Home show in the UK without the show houses or a county fair without the cows! Every other stall was someone selling handmade jewellery or ethnic clothes. Some of it was interesting - most of it not! I had expected lots of Italian food and crafts, which were there but not in any great abundance. I think there was more from France in the special French section of the show. But hey, I got to see the Fortezza for the first time and I know not to go next year! ;)) It was not my "thing"! 

Far more my "thing", perhaps surprisingly, was the special May Market in the Cascine Park. But then I know this is full of cheap clothes, food and food stands, so I'm not going expecting anything else! Today there were some real bargains to be had. Antonia came away with 3 pairs of cropped trousers for €9 and I got two Kaftans for the beach for €13! So I was happy! I also found out about roller-blading lessons for the two of us - if I'm not on for a while assume I have broken my neck!! They are held in the park every week. As Antonia got a pair for her recent 5th birthday I think it is a good excuse to go!! I've always wanted to do it, just wish I hadn't waited until I was fat and unfit, but hey ho!!

So, if you like music, markets and events come to Florence this summer!