In case you’re just joining us, I’ve been sharing our adventures in Italy during the trip we took earlier this summer for our son’s college graduation. After three fabulous nights in Venice, we took the train to Florence. Both the DH and I had been before, many years ago, but neither of us had been to the Uffizi Gallery (where Botticelli’s Birth of Venus is housed) or the Accademia, home to Michaelangelo’s David, so those two sights were on our “must” list.
On the train from Venice to Florence
Since we were spending only one night in Florence, we hit the ground running as soon as we arrived, walking around the city, soaking in the local flavor, visiting the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. Florence further proved that it’s pretty impossible (if not completely impossible) to have a bad meal in Italy. If only pasta and gelato were calorie free! But the amount of walking does help to keep the cellulite in check.
Gorgeous gelato!!!
Pictures inside the museums were forbidden, so we had to make due taking pics of one of the outdoor copies of David. It was lovely, but not nearly as magnificent as the original.
The dh, the kid, and David
The Duomo was magnificent–massive and constructed of marble. It boggles the mind to think of how these buildings were made. A climb to the top of the bell tower netted some gorgeous views of the city.
beautiful view of a beautiful city
Our time in Florence was short, but that’s just a great excuse to return some day!
Arrivederci, Firenze!
How is your summer going? Any Italy memories to share? How about memories of your favorite vacation?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Monday was a brilliant day for us. We went to a REAL castle (Kenilworth) and dressed as royalty and had a brilliant time. What a day!!!
I was just thinking of one of my favorite vacations a few days ago. It was a hiking trip through Nova Scotia. We had these gorgeous guides who fed us gourmet breakfast and lunch, and then we hiked through some truly amazing scenery. I saw the one and only beaver I have ever seen there, and he had built himself quite the condo.
I like active vacations.
Love the Ponte Vecchio and the gold stores that line it in Florence. And love standing across the river looking down into the city. Stayed in a Medici palace once on a trip long long ago. Fabulous. And you’re right. Totally impossibe to get a bad meal. Love all the pictures. You guys look like you’re having such a good time!
Oh, a Medici palace! So cool! It’s just so amazing to me that you can stand there and gaze at something that was built in the 14th century. HOW did they do it??
And yes–we had a fabulous time! Can’t wait to go back!
Me too re walking the same streets as people who lived hundreds of years ago. There’s just a magnificent vibe. You’re making me want to go back.
I’m on my way home from NJ today, moved my daughter back to college and had a fun mini vacation visiting family and friends.
Love mini vacations! Sometimes just a day or two away from the normal routine is all you need to recharge. Glad you had fun, Sherri!