Friday, June 17, 2011

Rick's Roadshow: Florence, Italy

I've only recently returned from Florence, Italy- known to the Italians as Firenze. The capital of Tuscany, Florence is an important historical Renaissance city, with incredible architecture right from the Middle Ages that will blow your mind. A center of Medieval life in Europe, today Florence remains a major tourist attraction. Take this replica of Michelangelo's
famous statue of David. Even the replica outside the museum draws the fascination of millions each year.
From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with Florence. It is a destination that truly lives up to-and in my opinion exceeds one's expectations. Italians are generally friendly to tourists and make you feel welcome. It is so nice to be in a country where locals appreciate your presence. I should mention that there are zillions of tourists in Florence. Too many really, but nevertheless it exudes beauty and charm on every corner.
For those of you who are art-history buffs, there is no better place to visit. Statue galore, museums, and eye-popping paintings will leave even the casual admirer in awe.

Florence has a natural beauty to it. The city's muted earth tones are easy on the eyes and visually stimulating. Punctuated by the River Arno, you only need to close your eyes to imagine what life during in the Renaissance was like for this fair city.
And now, a little picture show for you:



















an artist was painting the scene, I like this photo!














 
have you ever seen such beauty?

Cute little sidewalk restaurants abound...




vineyards on a hillside...sigh.




taking a moment to soak it all in. Ah Florence, such beauty!
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10 comments:

  1. Karelian BlondeJune 17, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    *deep sigh* Firenze looks gorgeous!

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  2. kenjuJune 18, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    You brought back good memories for me. I loved every minute of the three days we spent in Florence. Good photos!

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  3. JeniJune 18, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    Beautiful photographs of what is, obviously, a most beautiful place. Thanks again for one of your terrific tours!

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  4. Empress Bee (of the high sea)June 18, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    i LOVED florence! all of italy actually, well not messina so much but the rest of it, yes!

    smiles, bee
    xoxoxoxoxo

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  5. KathyAJune 19, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    Beautiful!

    We're going back to Italy and Sicily next year. We think it all captivating!

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  6. CherylJune 20, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    Beautiful city, beautiful photos. If only there weren't so many tourists!

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  7. elasticwaistbandladyJune 26, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Holy wow.....I'm really enjoying having you talk sweet pet food nothings into my ears. :)

    (Just found your awesome podcast on iTunes on a lark!)

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  8. Desert SongbirdJune 27, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    Lovely. Simply lovely. You are a blessed man, Rick.

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  9. ivanaAugust 31, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    Thanks for the post and photos of Florence!
    Have a great Mediterranean Cruise!

    Greetings from Bologna!

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  10. SheilaSeptember 5, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    It's always fun to see where you've been last. Florence is one of my favorite cities, particularly in early fall when many of the hoards of tourists have departed.

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Thank you kindly.