Fresh Fruit!!!

One of the things that was so refreshing to see was all of the fresh fruit in the open markets. We picked up some fresh artichokes and snacked on them this evening in the apartment.

Babtistry door

This is a detail of one of the panels on the door to the Babtistry.

Duomo and Campanile

Sidewalk chalk art

As were exploring the city this evening, we came across a couple of artists creating sidewalk art with chalk. I thought this one was particularly beautiful. In all, the image was about 4 feet tall.

Duomo photo

This photo was taken of the ceiling inside the Duomo. Our guide indicated the the paintings of the people on the ring are roughly 27 feet tall.

Ponte Vecchio - another try

Attached is a photo of the Ponte Vecchio that I took this evening on the way back to the apartment.

A wonderfully sunny day in Florence

After a long period of rains the sun was out in Florence as we explored the city. This morning we went on a walking tour visiting; the Duomo, the babtistry, David, the Ponte Vecchio which are in such close proximity to our apartment. The weather has been beautiful, and there is so much beautiful architecture here. We visited a large market with a wide variety of fruits and vegtables, as well as a number of meats that I hope never to sample.

We ate lunch at an outdoor restaurant and had some delicious wine followed by some wonderful pastries. Heading out for dinner shortly and will try to contain myself after the "wine incident" which I had last evening.

Morning in Florence!

After a long day of travel and a good nights sleep, we are preparing for our first full day in Florence. The flights went smoothly, and the driver was there to pick us up and bring us to the apartment. Last night, we ventured out for a nice dinner at an outdoor restaurant and walked about the city, across the nearby Ponte Vechio and past the Duomo which is spectacular in person. You have to give it to them, they did know grandeur!

As I type this morning, the smell of coffee wafting, through the what was once a bakery, I am reminded of those who years ago, walked in this same place, readying bread for the ovens and the smell of baking bread which once permeated these walls.

We are on schedule for a half day walking tour of the city this morning, and can't wait to see the city in daylight.

Hoping all is well with those of you at home!

B