Shari tried on a pair of light pink leather gloves and you could see from the look in her eyes she was on Cloud 15. The sales woman slipped the motorcycle gloves onto her fingers and an illusion seemed to take place before my eyes. Although Shari’s elbow was firmly planted on the counter, the moment the leather touched her skin she was soaring high above us.

“Shari, most people, when they are happy they go to Cloud 9, but you, you’re on Cloud 15,” Bianca explained to Shari. I just experienced a second-hand Cloud 15 moment.

If Cloud 15 was a place it would have to be Florence. The city hypnotizes its visitors; tourists and students walk the streets wide-eyed and mouth gaping allowing their senses to soak up their surroundings. I can’t seem to shake the spell; returning to Firenze was at the top of my list after an Italian tour four years ago with my family. Florentines are well aware of the magical power their city has and take great pride in showing it off.

Our whirlwind adventure peaked after a city bike tour with Fadi Bassil. Fadi showed us around the city and took us to hidden piazzas, famous churches, and beautiful shops. Somewhat of a local celebrity, Fadi chatted with passers-by, that we later learned were his art students, and divulged to the girls in our group the best leather and jewelry stores.

“Tourism is an investment . In the main piazza you pay 15 euros for a gelato and a water.  I’m tired of seeing tourists getting ripped off,” Fadi informed us during our tour. “I want to show everyone how beautiful Italy is, especially Florence.”

After we returned our bikes to the company, Fadi wanted us to experience more of Florence. We stopped at Il Cernacchino for a quick lunch, which according to Fadi is the best Italian “fast food” around.  During the bike tour, Fadi had mentioned a wine tasting and quickly phoned his friend.  The next thing we knew, he had arranged a private tasting for eight after the tour at a local wine bar.

Italy has given hospitality a new meaning and is teaching me how to be a truly great hostess. Last night Serra Alta hosted an amazing dinner for our group featuring Otello Renzi, President of the Italian Sommelier Association. What was meant to be a small demonstration turned into a five course meal for 37 people lasting into the early morning hours. Customers, diners, and guests are treated royally, creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere.  I may never leave.