If I had to choose just one city in Italy to stay for an extended period, my top pick would be Florence. During my previous visit in 2012, we stayed in a charming, privately-owned guest house nestled in the hills north of the city. We relied on local buses to and from the city and enjoyed exploring much of it on foot. Although it was sweltering in mid-July, we walked for miles, crossing the Arno River several times via the city’s numerous bridges. Among them is the “Ponte Vecchio,” a Roman-influenced bridge lined with shops selling jewelry and souvenirs that has become an iconic tourist spot. The history of these bridges intrigued me. Despite the scorching heat, I found the experience to be an enjoyable and memorable adventure.
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Thanks, Earl. We’ll be in Florence at the end of August and the heat should be intolerable then also :-). We’ll be there 5 days and I very much want to visit the douma. Years ago I read a book about the construction of Brunelleschi’s dome and look forward to finally seeing it.
Hi Joe, I must say that I’m a bit envious of your upcoming trip to Italy, even if it’s hot as blazes. Have you been there before? Regardless, make sure to savor every moment and capture some unforgettable photos, which I’m confident you’ll do.
Wow! Impressive images, Earl. I am also impressed with the architecture and construction man was able to do in those times. I have never been there so I am also envious of Joe and Katherine. Oh well, there will be images for us to see when they get back.
Florence is a remarkable place with a rich history. The bridges were only one of the things I noted during our visit. I’m curious to know what will catch Joe’s photographic attention during his exploration.
I suppose I need to “get out more” :-) – first I’ve seen the Ponte Vecchio bridge with the shops. Love the views, architecture and colors.
Ok, let me edit to say, “Almost everyone has heard about the iconic Ponte Vecchio…” :-) It’s beautiful with plentiful history but has become a crowded tourist trap, which is one reason for less congested photos from the outside. But seeing it, and Florence in general, is a worthy bucket list item.
Ha! Indeed. It sure looks quite nice without any crowds. :D Our two fur demons have really put a damper on our ability to travel anywhere, so it’s a bucket list that will have to wait a bit.
I certainly understand about the ‘furry children.’ I think we’ve decided not to adopt any new furry friends…but there are days my resolve wavers.