Italy: Florence
japra | Sep 03, 2010 | Comments 21
Let me just say this upfront and honestly: I was not prepared for the number of tourists in Florence (of which I was one, I know, I know…).
And because I wasn’t expecting them, the stalls in the San Lorenzo Market were like a slap in the face, and I am sorry to say it took me a little while to get over them. It was like going to the gift store first and seeing the museum exhibit last…
But Florence and I have an understanding. I’ll go back again for say, three days, and she’ll show me her beautiful, romantic side. The side that many see. The side that makes people rush to proclaim: “Florence is the most beautiful city in the world!” The one that made UNESCO declare it a World Heritage Site.
On my next visit I promise to ignore the souvenir stalls. And I think I’ll make sure to go during the lowest tourist season. Whenever that is. I WANT to love Florence.
Now, I’m not saying I couldn’t see her beauty on this trip.
It was everywhere
and took my breath away at times.
In the simplicity of the every day
and in the timeless grandeur of the architecture.
This was just a walking trip for us. A first date, if you will.
We’re saving the insides for next time.
The weather was fantastic (April, remember?).
Plus there was so much to see,
taste,
and buy. (Well, we didn’t buy anything.)
Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s Town hall.
I loved these guys.
The river Arno.
Benvenuto Cellini on the Ponte Veccho. While I was taking this photo, I overheard a conversation between two tourists who said there used to be Love Padlocks attached to the fence around Cellini’s statue. This article from 2006 said that 5,500 locks were removed. Wow!
Anyway, Ponte Vecchio dates from the Medieval times.
It is filled with tourists and lined with shops (mostly jewelery).
It’s the only bridge in Florence that survived the bombing during World War II.
Hours of walking requires a caffeine recharge. Mr. DJ ordered a double espresso and they brought two. Two double espressos! Maybe he looked like he needed them, LOL ;-)
Oh, the charming narrow streets.
The courtyard at the Uffizi Gallery.
Tall archways.
Surprising views.
And street scenes like this one.
See? I wasn’t totally immune to Florence.
In fact, I’m ready give Florence another try. So, who’s with me?
Filed Under: Blog • Destinations • Featured • Italy
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Amazing photos again. There is only so many ways I can say it :p
Thank you, Invader_Stu :-)
Me! Me! [I'm with you to go to Florence!]. We only spent a day and a half there and I’d love to go back.
I love your pictures, especially the dome down the street. And the gold doors. I still get chills when I remember standing in front of them and realizing THESE are the doors we spent a whole class period on in history of art…and I’m standing in front of them!
Kathy, I felt like that the whole time I was in Florence. Pinch, pinch, pinch, I’m really here! But, ew, too many people :-(
I really would love to go back and hit all of the museums!
I went to Florence way back when. I did love it – but I’ll go back with you! Maybe a bicycle tour. I may embarrass you by saying (when we come across a statue) “Oh my gosh, that’s a bottom!”
I love the street pic with the green pharmacy sign.
So, did your husband drink two double espressos?
LOL, Julia! I think you would be saying that a lot…
And yes, Mr. DJ did drink both of those doubles. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep for days!
I felt the same about the Venice crowds, they (we) really spoiled the romanticism, I haven’t been to Florence but would love the see the real ‘David’ statue.
Christine, everytime we think about going to Venice, we look at the guidbooks and talk to people and they all say the same thing–too touristy! However, I’d like to go if I’m in the neighbourhood. And I really would like to go to Florence again.
Io! Io!! Per favore, portame con te!! :D
Since I know my husband would not stand the crowds, I might have to go on my own one of these days! I loved all your shots, the city looks fantastic and you take very good photos, my friend!!
Ci vediamo a Firenze!!!
Thank you, dear Aledys! I think Florence might be a good “girl trip”. You know, shopping, museums, food and crowds ;-)
Florence does look like a beautiful city, but all those hoards of tourist would drive me even crazier than I already am. Hopefully off season isn’t quite so busy!
William, I hope Florence does have an off season. I do not want to wait in those awful lines to get into the museums. :(
We were there in November and there were crowds of tourists, incl us of course. I wonder if there are any off seasons any more. February?
I was thinking February too, Maureen. Or even end of January… I think I need to do some research.
stunning fotos all…….i am in awe. the view of the duomo thru the narrow street — and HOW did you get those golden doors to look so darn gold!!! incredible….
xoa
Thank you, my dear! As for the doors, the secret is… the SUN. It was such a bright day, I hardly had to do anything to make those doors shiny :-)
I had the same feeling about the tourists – more Americans in Florence than Italians. We were there in June so it was much worse. Still, it’s a beautiful town.
IMG_3580-small is almost exactly the same perspective as my photo http://www.desotonet.com/photos/Europe/images/Imag1077.jpg
My travel pics at http://www.desotonet.com/photos/ and travel blog at http://whereiveben.benmoore.info.
You’ve inspired me to resume planning my next trip to Italy.
That is a wonderful evening shot of the Arno, fastoy! And I like the way you’ve organized your travel pics, especially your Highlights section. It must be nice for your family to have one place to go to enjoy their favourite shots :-)
Ah, so the Italy travel bug is spreading… where are you thinking you’d like to visit this time?
We just spent one night in each Florence and Venice. We drove from Rome to Florence to Venice. What an experience!
I want to spend several days in Venice again but before that I want to go to Cinque Terre. I’m studying your blog from there. General plan is to fly into Milan, drive to Cinque Terre, veg, drive to Eze, France (near Menton where exchange student lives), indulge, return home via an overnight layover in Paris (for dinner on the Tower).
You got some truly incredible photos, again! I love traveling this way. Seeing places through your eyes is much better than any tourist vehicle. Somehow, you saturate your photos with the aura of these places. Sigh.
Anyway, Florence will get you…I don’t think anyone is immune. When my son spent a few days there in February of 2007 (on a long weekend from his semester at Cambridge), he called to say that he was thinking–seriously–of staying there permanently! When I asked what he would do for income, he said that he could become a waiter…Naturally, I informed him that we were NOT putting him through college to become a waiter and that he needed to snap out it! At least, he brought home some incredible shots from the inside of and the top of the Duomo. Here is a great book about the building of it: Brunelleschi’s Dome by Ross King. And here is one that has stood the test of time: The Stones of Florence by Mary McCarthy. Ciao! xox
Oh my gosh, Mimsy! When I read this I could just imagine your face when your son announced his intentions to stay in Florence as a waiter…
Hee hee!
Thanks for the book recommendations. I am definitely getting those. XOXO