After a few hours of viewing the autumnal Italian countryside via Eurostar Trenitalia, we arrived in Florence Thursday afternoon. Stepping off the train, immediately we noticed the change from boats to motorcycles - everywhere!
We trekked down tiny sidewalks, pulling our luggage behind us, dodging speeding SmartCars and Vespas, trying to follow our map of winding streets labeled in Italian, heading towards the Arno River along which was our hotel - we hoped.
And yes, there it was, just the most perfect place to stay! Built as a palazzo in the 17th century, brass doorknobs with lions' heads, a buzzer entrance, a lift to the reception lobby on the second floor, an escort to our room.
After settling in, we took off to explore our new city. At each corner we exclaimed, "Oh, look down there - another stunningly gorgeous building! Let's go check that out!" We 'discovered' the Duomo, the Baptistry, the Duomo Museum, the Medici-Riccardi Palace, the church of San Lorenzo with the Medici Chapel, and the Church of Santa Maria Novello.
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November 6 will always be a day of sadness for me, but somehow this city of antiquities and exquisite beauty was just the place to be!
ReplyDeleteThought about you a lot on Friday. Jim wouldn't want you to be sad anymore and I am sure he is watching over you on this fabulous adventure. Loved the photos of the "vino rossi de casa" It's always the best! Have fun. Cias!
ReplyDeleteWe went to lunch with Dode at Turtle's and then out to the cemetery on the 6th (and then brought home our new car!). I'm really glad you got to be doing such new & wonderful things this year.
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