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Published: July 25th 2008
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Unusual title for an office
The anti-mafia office. We're very glad they exist, but were surprised to see the sign on the street. FLORENCE, ITALY
Last February 27 2008, we arrived in Florence, Italy. (Yes, I'm writing this blog in July 2008, but maybe you really DO want to hear about Florence. This evening, my sister and I ate Little Azio pizza, at home in Atlanta, that reminded me of the wonderful pizza that Linell, Dai and I ate in Florence; so I'm finally finishing the blog. I hope you enjoy it.)
After a week in Paris we took a night train to Florence. There was some mix up with that part of the trip. I advised Dai to reserve a sleeper for us, but somehow she got a couchette - or maybe it is the other way around. In any event, our sleeping quarters were not very comfortable. Six to a cabin. Our companions were 3 Korean girls who had twice as much luggage as we had and were traveling for less time. They explained that they did a lot of shopping in Paris. We were given sheets, pillow and wool blanket, so by the time we arrived in Florence, my eyes were watering and I was coughing. Allergies. I remember being allergic
Boar with shiny nose
Everyone who passes rubs his nose (or his foot) for good luck, money, etc. Behind him on some days is a wonderful leather market. the last time I went to Italy. I thought (or hoped) it was the wool blanket, but I was not so lucky. I coughed and wheezed the first night in our lovely hotel. The next morning our first stop was the pharmacy where I got some pills. I could sleep, but the eye-watering never abated. For some unknown reason I am allergic to Italy, which is a shame, because it really is a great place.
The first time I went to Florence, many years ago, I rushed to the Duomo (cathedral) to look at the sculptures on the doors of the Baptistery. That was because I had studied them in my college art history class and could not wait to see them in reality. They are wonderful, still shining after 500 years, each panel on the doors portraying a Bible story. One thing I have to say about the city of Florence ; the residents and leaders know who they are. They realize that their city is a treasure of medieval and Renaissance art. They spare no expense in preserving it. In all the galleries, public squares and buildings we saw signs that announced that some art treasure had
The sunset on Ponte Vecchio
We are finally in Italy and can see the sun set in old Florence. temporarily been removed for restoration. It is my understanding that their arts of preservation and restoration are the most advanced in the world.
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Mike
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nice pics
Great update and pictures! Makes me want to go to Florence! And I prefer the "another" sunset, though both are nice!