TO FLORENCE VIA TRAIN

 

Trains have always fascinated me. Flying 95 mph it is a very smooth ride. The ride from Rome to Florence was very comfortable, and only 1 1/2 hours. The trains are very nice, clean, air conditioned, and comfortable. Plenty of room for passengers. 

Florence is magical. The little streets with cafes and restaurants, the architecture, history dating centuries ago. Once again ancient history classes come alive.

Piazza della Republica, Duomo (Dome)

Basilica of Saint Mary of the flower. (We were told Basilica actually means Palace of kings, nothing to do with churches or religion.)

A Medici family residence at one time, the plaque above almost gone. (I love the large, wooden, ancient doors...the work is exquisite and timeless.) 

Charming little winery and restaurant, wine bottles hanging from the low ceiling....wonderful ambiance. The name Mangiarino is a clever use of the verb mangiare (to eat) and of course vineria meaning winery.

Notice e flag....Museo Casa Di Dante....on my guided walking tour of the duomo and Piazza de la Republica, our guide mentioned Dante, his works, Dante's Inferno, and his influence.

When Michelangelo wanted to choose good marble, he walked through and marked each piece with this symbol....three circles intertwined. This simple piece of information moved me, took me away.

I invision him walking through hot and dusty paths, wearing a long robe perhaps, with sandles of course gathering dust with each step. It's a lovely thought to me, to imagine seeing him choose  his own marble. For us to enjoy his gifts today....more than 700 years later!

San Michele Church.

I can't remember the name of this statue....I will blame it on the 103 degrees!

Look at the beautiful architecture...imagine how lovely at night! 

The Uffitzi Gallery....as I left my walking tour, unable to join them inside. But I will visit both Florence and Venice another time. 

I have to show you a little furry friend I met, Lilly, a Tibetan Terrier who looks a great deal like my Tibetan, Tashi. Lilly is the second Tibetan I saw on this trip, quite unusual. Patricia and her husband Luc came from Denmark, and adore their little friend, as I did mine. I miss Tashi terribly! My family and friends will appreciate this, but to my acquaintances, please excuse me for being so sentimental. 

Piazza Della Signoria, I found I had this one good photo of the Uffizzi Gallery!

You will recognise these stores....but, H&M in Florence? 

I had to add this one, Luc and Patricia with Lilly, I just found it. We kept running into each other and I so wanted to hug Lilly!

A beautiful train ride, I met Lilly and family, went on a guided walking tour, had delicious pizza (again), and took photos of that please me. I hope you enjoy them as well. Arrivederchi Florence!