Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Firenze... or Florence, Italy

Just for Little Man

This one is for our Little Man.  He loves Luigi from Cars, the movie,  for those of you who are not 'in' on the current crazes of the youngest generation.  Pop Pop made tons of photos of the tiny cars in Italy, not only for Little Man, but because he was most amused by them himself.  ;)  Some of them made the Smart Car look like a luxury sedan.  They were soooo tiny.  I'm just sayin'.  They and the mopeds moved in swarms, with not so many rules of the road-- at least not that we could discern. 

La Loggia

By the afternoon most of these photos were made, we were saturated with art, museums, crowds and looking up.  Everything was so big! And, so tall!  Our necks were not all that pleased.  We did discuss the merits of having stretchers to push us older-necks around so we could view the ceilings and exspanses without pain.  LOL!  Just a discussion! Even after all that whining, don't miss the Galleria degli Uffizi or the Galleria dell' Accedemia.  I just don't have the words.

Replica of Michelangelo's David (original located in the Galleria dell' Academia, no photos.  A must see.)

As we walked and walked away from town, my better half who is always dismayed with my desire to hike in what seems to him like endless directions asks, "Where are we going?"  This is a common discussion between us on vacations.  I rather emphatically replied, "It doesn't matter!  We are moving away from crowds; it is beautiful; I am happy; aren't you happy?  It doesn't matter!  But, I did see something to do with Michelangelo on the map."  He acquiesces.  We hike on.  More on that later.


Duomo-- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Flore

I am so glad we had had it with the crowds.  This is the view (zoomed!) from Piazzale Michelangiolo (Tuscan spelling of Michelangelo).  Oh, my goodness!  This ended up being one of my favorite things in Fierenze.   The Piazzale with this amazing panoramic view is dedicated to Michelangelo.  La Loggia (photo earlier) was originally planned to be a museum to house all of Michelangelo's great works located in Florence.  That did not happen and now it is a beautiful restaurant where we enjoyed a Bellini, or was it two...  and the view, did I mention it was amazing?.  Ahhhh... perfect recovery for touring overload.


Bridges of Florence

The biggest bridge you can see in this photo is Ponte Vecchio and is the home of some serious upscale shopping (not my thing).  We crossed it on our way to the Piazzale Michelangiolo.  It is the "old bridge."



This view is just to the left of the previous one.  I love these walls and the trees and the beautiful structures on the hillsides.  I'm not sure if they are homes or not, but I imagined them so.

Part of the stairs to Piazzale Michelangiolo
Designed this way to accommodate horses!

It was along about here that my beloved questioned (as in, tried halt our moving further away) me as to where we were going.  This is only a glimpse of the climb.  It was quite a cardio workout!  Evan will admit that he was excited to note, as we came down, that there were much younger people on their way up breathing a bit hard, too.  ;)

One day...

I'll leave you with one more Italian street scene.  I hope, that a few more years down the road, Evan and I will be still be enjoying each other's company and wandering along... in just this way. 

If you go to Florence, do not leave without feasting at Acqua al 2 (Due).  Amazing.  Our daughter had told us their meal there had been their trip favorite a few years ago.  She did not mislead us.  I second that opinion.  I learned that they have one restaurant on each coast here, in San Francisco and D. C..  I do not know if those are as good, but I'm going to give them a try as soon as I have an opportunity. 

Sorry this is so long.  My last purging of memories of Italy!  ;)

Blessings ~ tanna


41 comments:

Deb said...

what an amazing experience you had...beautiful photos...worth the sore necks...

The Little Adventures of LueLee said...

These Photos are AMAZING!!! It so makes me want to turn in all my books and withdraw just to go experience the greatness myself... Im glad yall had fun!!! I love yall :D

Terra said...

You really explored Florence and took lots of great photos to share here. My husband and I visited Florence years ago and loved all the sculpture and architecture. It is a romantic city, isn't it?

Sandi said...

Love your photos. I paused before each one....I think my mind and heart would have been overwhelmed with so much to see, scents to notice, colors to tease, food... What a trip it must have been!!

From the Kitchen said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely! I do wish I had some little ones to view cartoons with. Of course, our elder son is an animator so he still loves watching them all. Alas, he is too far away to do so with his mother.

Best,
Bonnie

Jen @ Bungalov said...

Gorgeous. Makes me want to go :)

TexWisGirl said...

just laughing as i pictured you dragging your poor, resigned hubby all around the streets and hills... :) beautiful!

Chatty Crone said...

Don't say purge - let's just say put in a journal to come back too - these pictures are wonderful and they make my memories come back and make dreams for tomorrow.sandie

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I love your photo's of italy ~ we can daydream if for only a moment :-)
Va Bene!

Shug said...

So glad to read this post. I have four wonderful leaving Thursday, heading that way. Will give the advice for the fabulous meal. So glad you had a marvelous time. Hope the weather was gentle with all that walking.
Hugs girl.
shug

Solar Powered said...

Cue the tears...I think I was Italian in a former life or maybe just a sap because it's where I fell in love, but I cry every time I look at your pictures and read your descriptions. I want to go there, now. Scenes of Italy touch my heart in a way nothing else does! Thank you so much for sharing :)

P.S. I too love to walk or drive on vacation with only an "idea" of where I might end up, a very fun way to travel if you ask me.

Jennifer said...

Your photos are so lovely, Tanna! I have enjoyed traveling to Italy with you!

podso said...

You can keep telling us about the trip and showing pictures, we're along for the journey. It looks like a great time in every way and in a sense, a sort of back road tour since you fled the crowded areas!

Emily said...

Absolutely stunning photos! Thank you for sharing.

Christine said...

Your photography is stunning!
How funny that you took pictures for your Little Man. Sure sign of your love for him.

If you have more pictures from Italy, show them!!
You are giving me the oppertunity to see Italy! What a grand place.

The French Hutch said...

Thanks for sharing your amazing photographs. I've enjoyed the pleasures of being in Florence too. My husband and I have been there twice, second time we went to Siena and Pisa. We loved it so much we hope to go again some day. Thanks for the memories. I'm visiting over from Kim's WUW.......

~Emily
The French Hutch

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Tanna, we have been twice, but only for day trips. Need to spend more time there. Thanks for sharing at WOW.

Honey at 2805 said...

Loved your post and photos of Florence. It's one of my favorite cities. This brings to mind a funny story that happened once when we were there. I may have to post about it.

Hope you will bring one of your posts to my first Potpourri Friday Party this week - Friday, September 2. Link-up starts on Thursday afternoon. Without a doubt, your participation will help make the party better!

Donna said...

Tanna, I just love the colors there. It seems like even the air must feel a bit different...
There is no blue to be seen anywhere. :-)

Wanda said...

Oh Tanna ~~ What a wonderful tour you've taken us on. Each picture is a masterpiece of its own.

Thanks for taking me along.

Tanna said...

Donna: I know. It was an overcast, cloudy day... so no blue sky. =( It was nice and cool and breezy though! =)

Love you guys that are willing to see all the photos from Italy, believe me you don't. There are hundreds! LOL! The kindness and generosity of my blog friends always leaves my heart full. There are good people in our little blogworld. Thank you. blessings ~ tanna

Stitchfork said...

Love these memories if Italy and would love to be cruising them for real in that little red car!
xo Cathy

Amanda said...

Dear Noni,
I loved the Luigi car. It looks like it's just my size. Do you think I could get behind the wheel? I think I could hang with the crazy drivers over there. You know how I like to go "fast!"

Thank you for thinking of me and for sharing more of your trip.
Love,
Little Man

no spring chicken said...

Yes, Italy. It's settled. That's where I'm going... someday.

Again Tanna, your pictures are lovely and you narrative... inspiring!

Blessings, Debbie

Karolee said...

Wow! What fun and what BEAUTIFUL photos! And what a memory! I would LOVE to travel outside of the USA someday.

Tricia @ Saving room for dessert said...

Ok add Florence to my list of dreamy vacation spots in Italy! Wow - your photos are fantastic. Thanks for the mini-vacation.

nanny said...

I agree with Solar....bring on the tears! Such a magical place.
Your pictures are so beautiful...so clear and colorful. I've been browsing all of the past posts (yes, I'm way behind) and just love them all!
The flight wasn't too long looking at these was it?
I dream of driving the backroads of Italy....what a dream!

Unknown said...

We were there last year and had just as wonderful time as you! What a gorgeous city. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

LOVE your memories of Italy! Just beautiful! I love each photo and description!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

The photos are simply beautiful, Tanna. Looks like an amazing trip to take, it's beautiful there. We'd love to see more photos sometime! Take care.

buy wow account said...

WoW! breath taking photos indeed. . it really looks wonderful..=D

Susan McClaskey said...

Your post and pictures brought back so many memories of the last time I was in Florence. You've got me in the mood to go again. Maybe my Labor Day trip will be one down memory lane and I'll look through my pictures!
Best,
Susan

Donna Tagliaferri said...

this is amazing! I am going to leave it on the computer so my husband can see it. Both sets of his grandparents came from Italy through Ellis Island....his heart is there. And we have never been...

Debbie said...

Oh Tanna, it is absolutely, positvely, stunning. I loved those "horse stairs" the best of all for some reason.

You have made me want to visit Italy with these posts. You are my second blogger friend to visit there, and now I have Italy envy.

Terri Smith said...

OMGoodness! Tanna! This Was The Best Post EVER! Thank You So Much For Taking The Time To Put This Together For Our Viewing Pleasure! AND GIRL..No Apologies Were Necessary For Running Long..I Was Actually Disappointed When It Ended!!!

What A Glorious Adventure To Have Been Able To Actually Experience Such Beauty! I'd Give My Eye-Teeth (and I'm Truly Rather Fond Of Them) To Plant My Feet On Italian Soil. Truly Truly Truly You've Been Blessed! And Again, Thank You For Sharing Your Blessing..I Promise You I'll Remember It Always. Sending You Some Southern Love & Gratitude This Glorious Friday ~ Terri

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh thanks so much for sharing....I have so enjoyed this...how did you ever get to see everything you want to..I keep thinking I would want to be there for months! I want to go to Greece, on and on. Maybe that is why I haven't been, I can't seem to settle for a trip and home, I want to stay and study for months.

Love the first shot of the car...especially since the movie and decorating with them in my son's bathroom...how sweet.

Love your love for your hubby and how you enjoyed the time together....what a true blessing.

Sharon said...

Tanna,

Thanks so much for sharing these photos. What a huge blessing to be able to visit Italy, I would SO love that! Love Luigi ;)

Have a blessed weekend!
Sharon

Cindy said...

Tanna,
These posts about Italy have been so interesting. How wonderful that you were able to visit that beautiful country. Your photos once again are just amazing and it gives me an idea of what the place is like.
I have a nephew at the US Military Base in Venice, my sis and I would love to visit Venice and see Will, my nephew and his wife.
Enjoy your day!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Beautiful! We were just noting yesterday that some of the cars in France were quite different than anything we'd seen before.

Your trip does sound so lovely! We walked a lot in France -- was nice to be outdoors. Now it is back to the heat and staying inside -- back to school in 2 days. :/ Hope you are well. Tammy

California Girl said...

Good for you busting some cardio on your trip.

Much has changed since I visited many years ago. I have photos of "David" from inside the Accademie. I think it was the most amazing statue because of its height, structure and sheer magnificent beauty. My favorite Italian sculptor, overall, was Bernini. His work is more prevalent in Rome.

My husband has only been to Great Britain. Italy is his fondest wish *at present) and my girlfriend and I are talking about a trip next yr. Her father was born in Sicily and her mother was a 1st gen Italian American. She's been back many times to visit family. She & her partner are going to get a car, drive a week through Italy, mostly coastal, then spend a week on Sicily w/ day trips out. We want to go with them. 2 wks off work will be hard but, if I work my ass off, maybe!

Thanks for sharing your photos.

Ana said...

Sigh...Beautiful. What an amazing place...Thanks for sharing.

Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana

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The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.