Me, My Heart, and I

by Melinda Gallo

Change of plans

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

I have learned to go with the punches and not make waves. On the day I was supposed to sign the compromesso (preliminary contract/agreement to purchase), the deal fell through. The apartment I fell in love with back in August was suddenly no longer my future apartment. Technically the apartment was defined as being “commercial,” yet it was in the process of being changed to “residential.” Unfortunately, between my bank not accepting it and a miscalculation of the height of the ceilings, the chances of it becoming “residential” were practically nil. The owner wasn’t going to wait and therefore, I had to move on.

Initially, I was disappointed and sad, but then I remembered that everything happens for a reason. Maybe I dodged a bullet by not getting this apartment. I must say that one of my biggest regrets with the apartment was that it wasn’t near the Arno. For me, the Arno is a great source of joy for me and I can’t imagine living far enough away that I’m unable to see it. I’ve been looking at it for the last 6 years and I don’t see my future in Florence without a glimpse of it on a regular basis.

A few days after the deal with the apartment falling through, I began my search again. I wasn’t looking forward to searching again, but I know that it is part of the process. The last time I started looking, I made an offer on the third apartment I visited. I thought of myself as lucky, but now I know that sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince.

I requested a few visits on apartments I’d seen and on Monday morning, my phone was ringing off the hook. For the next three days, I was constantly receiving phone calls. On the fourth day, there was absolute silence. I ran around during my lunchtime to check out apartments and each time, I found myself saying, “I must be near the Arno.” A lot of the apartments I’ve seen need to be renovated, which initially scared me, but now I feel a bit more open to.

We’ll see what the future brings, but I’m sure my dream apartment with a view of the Arno is out there waiting for me to find it.

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