What do you love about Florence?
You’re going to be surprised, but I love the chaos. I come from a very orderly country, Denmark, where everything is arranged for you from your birth to your death. There isn’t the will of having to survive that I have found here. I love the innovation and creativity that comes from this need to survive. And of course I love the wonderful lifestyle of the Italians.
What don’t you like, or what is hardest for you?
When I first came here I found it hard to be accepted into Florentine society, that they exclude people. Now, after many years, I don’t feel this at all and feel very much a part of the community. In business, to me it’s sometimes like going to a theatre, and I watch people taking coffee breaks, having time to express all of their emotions.
When you leave Florence for a period of time, what do you miss?
I miss the beauty.
What is your favourite place to: get an aperitif?
At a friend’s house, or a martini at Harry’s Bar.
A cappuccino in the morning?
Godo, because I can bring my dog.
What is your preferred restaurant?
Fuor d’Acqua on via Pisana.
Where do you like to go out with family? Or with friends?
Dining at the Rowing Club, to be outside, right by the Ponte Vecchio.
What’s your favourite Italian dish? And where do you get it?
Fagioli, ceci, peperoncino, at Peposo.
And your favourite romantic thing to do?
Walk in the countryside.
When you have guests where do you like to take them? Museum? Church? Street? Store?
I like to take visitors around the Sant’ Ambrogio and Ciompi markets, and I love the Sunday market in Santo Spirito.
What out of town excursion do you enjoy best?
Dinner at La Delfina in Artimino
What advice do you have about living here and how to appreciate it most?
Live as much as you can in the Italian rhythm. Don’t get frustrated when it isn’t like home. When I first got here, it was hard for me to accept that people had dinner at 9pm. I would be worried about how late it would end, getting enough sleep, work the next day, etc. Of course now, it’s just the way it is and not a problem for me at all.
What is the most common misunderstanding English-speaking people have about Florence?
They think they will get cheated. And I have been here for 20 years and have never been cheated by a taxi driver or a shopkeeper. Also, they think the Italians are bad drivers and I think they are excellent drivers.
What is the most common misunderstanding that Italians have about English-speaking people?
That they are rude and poorly dressed.
What do you think is the “gift” of living in Florence…what has it been for you?
It has given me freedom of spirit.
If you only had one day in Florence how would you spend it?
Just walk the streets.
Who has been the most, or one of the most, interesting people you have met here?
My landlady. She is the kindest, most generous, sincere woman. She is of the nobility yet has not one ounce of snobbery in her.
If you were going to describe Florence as a person or a personality how would you do it?
A very, very beautiful provincial lady.
