Firenze!

We began our little whirlwind weekend adventure in Florence, then headed to Venice (report on that later).

What can I say? Florence was as beautiful and intriguing as one would expect. It sounds cliche and also inadequate to say it was "beautiful" - but it was!! We really loved it! Peter and I are both too impatient and intolerant of standing in the heat to wait in line for the usual tourist spots, so we did a lot of leisurely wandering. Besides having only 24 hours in the city, this is also the way we both prefer to experience a new, wonderful place like Florence, so it works out well for us. Also, Peter has a knack for finding inexpensive, clean, and comfortable accommodations right near all the major "stuff" when we visit new places (try www.bookings.com!). The Hotel Golf served us well (except for the absolutely ruined coffee, bleh!) and was within a ten minute walk to the historic town center.

And here it is! The "official" historic center of Florence:

All of the streets looked pretty much like this. Narrow, cobbled, and winding in all sorts of crazy directions (quote of the evening: "well, they are definitely not on a grid"). They were also lined with tons of shops, including lots of fancy labels like Gucci and Prada nestled in what appeared to us as no street in particular. One Gucci shop was just the children's label. I did not know that kids wore Gucci, but now I do.

This is not a picture of Something, it is simply a picture of what so much of the streets look like. They all look special to me, but, in such a classic Italian city, it's just any ol' street.

Many buildings look like a castle out of a fairy tale!

...Or like a scene from Assassin's Creed. (Moms, it's a really cool video game set in 15th century Florence and Venice). Peter wanted to climb all over everything like Ezio, particularly up this wall.

This looks like Something, but I don't know what. And sometimes a statue is just a statue...

We visited Luisa's jeweler to get my beautiful Florentine cameo earrings adjusted. His studio was hidden within the maze of narrow streets, up four stories of steps, and simply classic. The studio could be described as a work shop, but what they make is too lovely to call it that. I really wish I'd taken a picture, but I felt awkward for some reason. They had a huge, well-worn work table surrounded by chairs, work lamps, magnifying glasses, delicate tools, bits of gold and gems laying around... a well-seasoned work space for true Florentine artisans. The original Massai is retired, but his three sons have taken over the 50 year old business, continuing to create unique jewelry in the traditional Florentine style. They are truly artists and happy, nice guys!

Speaking of Luisa!

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. Add this to our collection of self portraits in front of landmarks! Maybe we should have taken the time to venture up to the top of the famous dome, but, as I mentioned, lines aren't our thing. And it was mega HOT!

The texture of the exterior is made up of ornate sculptures, each with their own history and symbolism. Every inch of this cathedral is a piece of art in and of itself. I find it beautifully overwhelming, and it's a common feature in Italy.

I just love the fact that someone lives here! What a cool veranda! And right in the center of Florence. I like picking out "my apartment" in amazing places we visit.

Unfortunately, I did not make note of the name of this piazza, but it's practically next to the Basilica. We are big fans of the panoramic function on my little point-and-shoot, as you may have noticed.

This quote was posted on a museum. Apparently, the Medicis are pretty darn classy peeps! And, the times, they keep a changin'!

Most of the buildings had an overhang like this one. Note the intricate details on the building. This type of detail is virtually everywhere.

Approaching the Ponte Vecchio ("old bridge"). 

Self portrait from the Ponte Vecchio. Our aperitivo-break spot is just over Peter's shoulder to the right.

Most of these shops were selling jewelry. And most of that was gold. Very touristy, though.

Awesome door on the Ponte Vecchio.

The view of the Ponte Vecchio from where we took our aperitivo break. People lived (and it appears still do!) on this bridge. See the apartments built on the side? And note the guy in the kayak. He was just going back and forth for a while, training. Again, I love to remember: people actually live here!

The sun sets over Florence. View from atop the Westin Excelsior (in front of which were parked two Ferrari's).

Duty calls: Peter on a conference call... watching the sun set over Florence... ;)

 The next day, we headed to Venice. Stay tuned for those pics!