Shoes

Everything here is on sale. So much of everything that i assume its just a marketing scheme that is always in effect. Americans love their sales, and if they walk into florence and see the unbelievable prices of some of the most amazing leather in the world AND its on sale, whats going to stop them from buying it? There is even one store here that says, in english "real sales! Up to 50% off". Which is, ironically, acknowledging the fact that most of the sales here are not real, and then trying to hook you into buying from THEIR not real sale. Its laughable to me, especially since a couple of days ago i would not of even picked up on it. However, there are a couple of real sales around. In fact, quite a few of them. Once i got a feel for the prices of jackets, gloves, shoes, scarfs, ect. the real sales immidietly became visible, and there are some incredible sales here. I was talking to the guy from the place i bought my jacket (its called Poesia, and his name is German (with a H, said the same as Herman)) and he says that the economy is so bad right now that there are just no tourist compared to normal, that their prices are down because of it, and because winter is passing right now, into spring, all the stores are trying to sell their winter clothing to make room for the "new collection" (which is what stores call the summer/spring collection). This is why i got my jacket so cheap, and also why i have found beautiful sweaters, scarfs, and gloves for unusually cheap as well. The prices show it, things like jeans, shoes, hats, and other clothing are not marked down. They are somewhat "universal", meaning that it does not matter how hot it is, Italians always where pants, nice shoes, and fancy hats. The fashion here is both different than i was expecting and less than what i was expecting. Everyone has heard of or seen that one italian man or woman who is so beautiful, and so well dressed, that your draw literally drops. Coming here i had thought i would see more, and i have seen some. The money that these people spend on their clothes is incredible. But tons of people here dont dress like that, really most don't. There are two main differences between here and America, and they are pretty obvious differences. 1: All Italians were nothing but dark clothing. When they were something light or white, its PERFECTLY white, and it is definitely a fashion statement. This is only seen in Italian guys wearing white jeans, or white shoes, or an Italian girl wearing a white white dress, but this is rare to see. 2: All italians wear leather shoes. Ive been looking, trying to figure out what's "in style" and frankly, everything leather is. It is so...individual. Its like every person has a very distinct different look, but at the same time looks exactly the same. Ill be in a restaurant looking around at the shoes of the people sitting near me and will see that every person their has very different leather shoes. Except they are all the same exact basic shape and the exact same color. So, when i finally bought my shoes (i bought two pairs now, because they were such good deals that i could afford two different kinds...one lace up fancy, and the other that leather slipper kind. you know, with no laces.) I figured i had to get what looked good for my style, and more importantly looked good to my wallet. So this place, Poesia, has cut prices dramatically on their winter wear, and is trying to get lighter jackets in for the spring. German is a truly unique character. I'm about 80% sure hes gay at this point, but it doesn't really matter. He is from Sicily, and moved up here for the work. hes probably 40-45 years old, bald, kinda pudgy, and wears all colored leather stuff. Hes a crack up, but very intelligent at the same time. I guess i dont feel like i can describe him very well, you just really have to meet him. He was telling me about all the things i should do, and we talked about Obama, and we talked about how closed minded people are, especially the Italians here in Florence ("they are living in the past" German says, and i said "yeah, thats exactly why i wanted to come here, to see the old italy") and then we talked about leather, and Opera, and school, and art. Hes great to talk to, and he said that he has never met an American like me. I was asking him where all the good food spots are around town, and he was describing places i didn't know off, so he said "give me your number, i will call you after work, and i can sit down and write them down on a map for you". So as i wright this, i'm sitting here waiting to see if he is going to call, which does seem a little weird, like, i'm going to go get a drink with this guy, but thats a good thing...right? Im in florence, ive got to meet the locals. Turns out that he did the same thing i am doing right now when he was 20, but in reverse. He lived in Marin for two years when he was 20 (random). But i'm hoping that he can tell me where all the good joints are around town, and where i need to travel. Maybe he will even give me some connections in Sicily, places i could stay for cheap. Meet some real italians, or Sicilians, or whatever. We will see what happens. Either way i had a fantastic day shoping. Ohh, and i also got this beautiful dark blue sweater for 20 euro, half cashmiere. Marked down from 50 euro. Ive got to stop spending money...