The Madrina

This weekend I left the hustle and bustle of Florence in tourist season and headed to one of my very favourite cities in the world, Cologne in Germany.

Not only did I get to see my favourite cathedral again, the truly breathtaking Koln Dom, I also had the privilege of becoming godmother to my cousin's new baby Victoria Monika.

This was to be my second time as a madrina (godmother) in the last couple of months because my best friend Gina's son, Daniel, also became my godchild a few weeks ago. I may be biased but I think I easily have the cutest boy and prettiest girl as godchildren.

When I got off the plane in Cologne, it was a stark contrast to my new home town Florence. Everything was spotlessly clean, trees and flowers stood proudly manicured to an inch of their lives and the country runs like an efficient Swiss watch. But it lacked the Italian hospitality and vibe that I have now grown to love.

When I arrived back in Florence, I was walking to our apartment amongst food wrappers, cars beeping and homeless people begging for money on each corner. But no fewer than three people yelled out 'ciao' and one sang out 'welcome to Florence Senora!' (I guess the suitcase gave it away). Unlike in Germany, the city was alive with colour and excitement from both locals and tourists alike.