After Venice – it was on to Tuscany and then Firenze (that’s Florence for the rest of you). Talk about a hard act to follow!
But Rick Steves did it!
Our hotel was in what Paradise must look like if Paradise comes complete with a pool and a vineyard.
Rustic mountains rich with arbors of grapes, olives and pomegranates (I did not know they grew in Italy either!).
The Villa Il Crucicchio (literally translated as Manor at the Crossroads) had peace, quiet, harmony and a family friendly atmosphere that made us feel as if we were visiting our friends. Tucked away in the hills, there was plenty of sunshine, wine and good home cooking (a cooking demonstration as
well!). But as much as we loved our stay – there was still Florence.
But Rick Steves did it!
Our hotel was in what Paradise must look like if Paradise comes complete with a pool and a vineyard.
Rustic mountains rich with arbors of grapes, olives and pomegranates (I did not know they grew in Italy either!).
The Villa Il Crucicchio (literally translated as Manor at the Crossroads) had peace, quiet, harmony and a family friendly atmosphere that made us feel as if we were visiting our friends. Tucked away in the hills, there was plenty of sunshine, wine and good home cooking (a cooking demonstration as
well!). But as much as we loved our stay – there was still Florence.
Where to start?
Well, we’ll start where our excellent guide started us – after a lovely
walking tour of this quaint city, we stopped and found ourselves looking at the delicate and intricate craftsmanship of Ghibertis Bapistery doors. Stories were told on these and the morning sun – golden and warm – seemed to make them come almost alive to us. Those, and the entire Basilica of the Holy Cross, were some of the most beautiful sights these tired eyes have ever seen. But, as fascinating as these were to view (and they are being taken off for a cleaning soon so we were quite grateful to have enjoyed them when we did), we had two major attractions in store for us.
Well, we’ll start where our excellent guide started us – after a lovely
walking tour of this quaint city, we stopped and found ourselves looking at the delicate and intricate craftsmanship of Ghibertis Bapistery doors. Stories were told on these and the morning sun – golden and warm – seemed to make them come almost alive to us. Those, and the entire Basilica of the Holy Cross, were some of the most beautiful sights these tired eyes have ever seen. But, as fascinating as these were to view (and they are being taken off for a cleaning soon so we were quite grateful to have enjoyed them when we did), we had two major attractions in store for us.
First stop:
the Uffizi Gallery, home to priceless collections. For the morning, we were fascinated with the beauty of Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo, the magical illusions presented by da Vinci in The Annunciation, the frightful glory of Caravaggio and his Medussa and two masterpieces by Botticelli. Primavera was breathtaking but seeing his Birth of Venus was another in this seemingly unending line of unforgettable moments we were enjoying. Note: this picture is a prototype exhibit with a braille relief version available for the sight impaired. By the time we were finished, it seemed that we had left the 21st century and were totally immersed in the glories of another time.
the Uffizi Gallery, home to priceless collections. For the morning, we were fascinated with the beauty of Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo, the magical illusions presented by da Vinci in The Annunciation, the frightful glory of Caravaggio and his Medussa and two masterpieces by Botticelli. Primavera was breathtaking but seeing his Birth of Venus was another in this seemingly unending line of unforgettable moments we were enjoying. Note: this picture is a prototype exhibit with a braille relief version available for the sight impaired. By the time we were finished, it seemed that we had left the 21st century and were totally immersed in the glories of another time.
Naturally we were held in rapt with the sight of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (known throughout the architectural world as simply “The Dome”). Students have studied it, mathematicians have pondered the miracle of that feat, many have climbed it (and I should have but I chose to admire it from street level).
Lunch was an outdoor treat with the sun shining brightly and the natives being sweet and friendly toward us.
We walked merrily through the leather district eating our delicious gelato’s and enjoying the treat that is Florence. We passed historical monument after awe-inspiring architectural treat including the beautiful churches of S. Pietro in Vincoli.
And then it was off to the Accademia di Belle Arti and one of Michaelangelo’s triumphs – David.
The museum is small in size but once you set eyes on the statue of David – he with the expression that, much like the Mona Lisa, has never fully been understood but haunts one like a pleasant dream you can almost catch – you are shocked at what a human being can do.
Standing 17 feet tall (I didn’t bring a tape measurer – I looked that fact up) and made of marble, it is said to represent the defense of civil liberation. In staring at his stoic face (is that a smile, a worried expression or is he on guard for another attacker?), the group felt that he represented the defense and freedom of all human beings and their rights. (And, for the record, there was no fig
leaf!)
Lunch was an outdoor treat with the sun shining brightly and the natives being sweet and friendly toward us.
We walked merrily through the leather district eating our delicious gelato’s and enjoying the treat that is Florence. We passed historical monument after awe-inspiring architectural treat including the beautiful churches of S. Pietro in Vincoli.
And then it was off to the Accademia di Belle Arti and one of Michaelangelo’s triumphs – David.
The museum is small in size but once you set eyes on the statue of David – he with the expression that, much like the Mona Lisa, has never fully been understood but haunts one like a pleasant dream you can almost catch – you are shocked at what a human being can do.
Standing 17 feet tall (I didn’t bring a tape measurer – I looked that fact up) and made of marble, it is said to represent the defense of civil liberation. In staring at his stoic face (is that a smile, a worried expression or is he on guard for another attacker?), the group felt that he represented the defense and freedom of all human beings and their rights. (And, for the record, there was no fig
leaf!)