Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is famous
for its art, architecture, culture, galleries, museums, and monuments.
UNESCO declared its Historic Center a World Heritage Site in 1982,
and the city is visited by millions of art and history loving visitors each year.
I was one of those millions in September, 2018,
roaming for days gobstruck at its wonders.
At times the confusion of Florence's crowds, vendors, streets, plazas,
spires, towers, and cupolas left me footsore and weary,
and the roll call of its famous residents left me overwhelmed:
Galileo, Brunelleschi, Donatello, da Vinci, Dante, Michelangelo,
Giotto, Machiavelli, the Medici Family.
Looking Out Over Wonderful Confusion
Florence's Historical Center from Giotto's Bell Tower
September 18, 2018
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved
Then, out of nowhere, an unexpected sight could collapse it all
into a small, personal moment that reminded me
of the meaning and wonder in ordinary lives.
Making a Connection
Piazza del Duomo
Florence, Italy
September 18, 2018
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
Till next time ~
Fundy Blue
At the top of Giotto's Bell Tower
Florence, Italy
September 18, 2018
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
Personal Note:
I will be without my computer and unable to post next Friday.
I will post on Wednesday for the IWSG, but I not be able to visit my blogging buddies.
For Map Lovers Like Me:
Location of Italy
Location of Florence
Just the little things that can bring us back down to earth and enjoy that wonder again. Not sure they work on achy feet though, but I suppose they make you stop and take pictures which may help with the footsore-ness.
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't know where my reply to you disappeared to, but I'll try again. Taking photos distracts me from a lot of discomforts, but not quite as well a cool spritz under an umbrella in a Tuscan plaza. Have a good one, my friend!
DeleteLooks a wonderful place, never been to Italy although have travelled the US extensively.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend and thanks for these wonderful photo's.
Yvonne.
Thanks, Yvonne! I've been to Italy twice, and I love it! I hope I'm fortunate enough to go back. I hope you have a great weekend, too!
DeleteIt seems so vast and just blends until you get on street level and see the details.
ReplyDeleteSpot on, Alex! I hope that your writing is going well. Have a great weekend!
DeleteOh! How sweet. Did you go for a carriage ride?
ReplyDeleteI love that picture, and I can't believe I was lucky enough to capture it. One of these days I'll take a carriage ride. Terry is all about budget traveling. We usually fly strapped to the wing ~ which is what I'll be doing on Wednesday. Why do the cheap plane tickets always fall on IWSG Day? LOL Have a great weekend, Diane!
DeleteWe loved Florence when we were there 11 years ago! And we took one of those carriage tours!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Florence amazing! I want to go back so much. We barely scratched the surface. I'm glad that you rode in the carriage. I did the hoofing-it tour (the two-footed kind). Have a great weekend, Debra!
DeleteOne of my blogging friends has recommended a trip to Florence. I definitely would love to visit. I love sore feet on travels because that means we have really explored as much as we could. I hope you sampled lots of the food while you were there. I'd come back about 20 pounds heavier, I'm sure. Italian food is my favorite! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh do go if you get a chance, Theresa! I absolutely loved Florence, and I hope to return to the city. I walked so many miles and climbed up and down so many stairs that I didn't gain weight. The food in Italy, from north to south, is delicious. I can't believe my ancestors are Scottish, because I have an Italian soul ~ or perhaps I should say stomach. Haggis??? Give me pasta! Enjoy your weekend!
DeleteI wonder if Trump could find Venice on a map?
ReplyDeleteVenice? I wonder if he could find Colorado. Have a good one, my friend!
DeleteA new map!!! I can always remember the rhyme about Italy and Sicily. And there they are in red. to reply to Adam, only after he scrolled through the alphabet and finally came to" V". Sceptic that I am from the south, that is south of the Equator, and in NZ.!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I have no words for the president. Let's just say that I can't wait for the 2020 election! Wishing you and Hugh a great weekend!
DeleteHow I love your smile, Louise.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
You're so kind, Janie! Florence gave me a lot to smile about! I hope all is well with you!
DeleteWhat a wealth of beauty and history to be found there! It must be like a giant living museum. No wonder you felt overload at times. That is a precious photo of the little girl and the horse, with the patient driver in the background waiting for a fare. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Sue! How nice to see you. That photo is one of my favorites from our trip last September. I liked the driver in the background too. Sometimes I get lucky with my camera. I hope that all is well with you!
DeleteI was in Florence in the 1990's and loved it! So magical! I loved the history, the people and of course, the food! LOL! Love your photos! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs, Stacy! I'm glad that you got to share the magic of Florence!
DeleteI am fondly waiting for time when my lifetime dream come true to visit Europe 's all classic places dear Louise!
ReplyDeleteI don't know when the time Will come but I am so happy that you were able to visit there ;)))
Ah what a joy to explore the glory of such magical and historically rich place!
Thank you sooo much for sharing these amazingly appealing images!
I can relate so well to achy feet and yet not desire of more wander lol
Hope your feet are fine now !
Glimpse of common life are always touching and uplifting to me !
Thank you also for dropping such beautiful and inspiring thoughts to my posts my precious friend!
Don't have appreciate words to define my feelings of gratefulness !
Hugs!
And yes
ReplyDeleteABSOLUTELY LOVED YOUR LOVELY PHOTO OVER THE TOWER!
Hi, Baili! I just found this! Thank you for your lovely comments. I do hope that you get a chance to visit Europe! I'm really glad that your oldest son has that opportunity!
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