Dear Mayor Renzi,
I recently read a letter to you complaining about rude people in the city of Florence. I had to take a moment to tell you that I could not disagree more.
I have been to Florence many times and the only rude people I have met were American. That is not to say that there are no such people; it is just that the people I have met in Florence are very warm and open.
Your citizens have every right to be proud of their heritage and history. Vorrei scrivere qualche riga anche in italiano perché e la lingua più bella in tutto il mondo. Perdonami per i sbagli che farò ma non è che nel Texas c’è tanta possibilità di parlare l’italiano. Ho sentito dire che forse Lei farà parte della scena politica italiana. Non mi intendo della politica italiana ma sono convinto che sarà una cosa positiva per l’Italia … anche se la cità di Firenze sentirà la sua mancanza.
Distinti saluti,
George Franklin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas USA
Dear George,
Thank you very much for your letter. The Florentine character is a very important part of the city’s identity, even if sometimes I would like to see my fellow citizens taking a little bit better care of their city.
I’m sorry that I am responding to your letter only now (I receive and try to answer all of my mail but there is a lot of it!); in the meantime, I have lost the centre-left primaries and, as I promised during the campaign, I will continue to work as mayor of Florence and to bring forward the projects of change we have planned for the city. The support I received in the primaries from the people of the city I have been administering for four years has been very important to me. I am very proud that so many Florentines waited in line in order to vote for their mayor.
Florence awaits you for another visit!
Best, Matteo
Dear Mayor Renzi,
I love your city and have been fortunate enough to come often with friends over the last several years. Sometimes I would stay for a few weeks, and now I try to stay for a month or two at a time. While most of the changes that I have seen are welcome, I hope that you can solve one frustrating issue that causes a lot of confusion for my friends when they arrive at the Santa Maria Novella train station.
As they walk out of the station to the south, just before leaving the terminal, there is a large arrow overhead that is supposed to direct strangers to the Tourist Information Office (TI). However, the arrow unfortunately points to the west, towards the McDonalds! By the time my guests have trekked over in that direction, usually lugging their suitcases, they are frustrated when they find no TI, just more traffic to fight when they cross back to the train station to look or ask for directions. Even the police in the station are frustrated, having posted signs at their office, saying ‘No information’ about the TI.
I have always found Florentines to be kind and accommodating under these circumstances, and the TI offices are always staffed by knowledgeable and very patient staff (who also speak excellent English). However, I cannot begin to describe the frustration and anger that these tired and misdirected tourists feel by the time they finally manage to find the TI at the train station.
I hate to see others experience such a bad first impression of a city that I love, especially when it could be avoided by just another sign or a bit more explanation, directing tourists south, down the steps and across to the Santa Maria Novella church to find the TI.
Could you please have someone clear up this misleading arrow at the train station? Florence is such a special place. It deserves a great first impression, especially when the TI’s staff is ready and willing to make everyone welcome.
Thank you for your attention on redirecting the arrow to the TI.
Sincerely,
Shirley Olsen, Born and raised in Seattle, WA, USA
Dear Shirley,
I know about this problem and the sign to which you are referring. Unfortunately, we are still trying to resolve the issue with the owners of the sign, the state-run railway Ferrovie dello Stato. The sign has distinctive historical value because it has been in place since the 1930s and the Ferrovie considers it an important part of the historical and cultural heritage of the train station and city. In any case, we are trying to resolve this issue with them, as I do realize how frustrating it is to visitors!
In addition to this, we are currently working on a comprehensive project called Camminare a Firenze, the aim of which is to furnish the city with a visible and coordinated network of outdoor signage for the various walks available in Florence and environs.
Thanks again for bringing this matter to my attention. Florence truly is a special place; let’s work together to appreciate its beauty.
Best, Matteo
Those interested in writing the mayor can send messages and comments via email to redazione@theflorentine.net, stating ‘Write the Mayor’ in the subject line of the email. Emails must clearly state the author’s first name, surname, city and country of birth, and the city and country of residence.
