Saturday, September 3, 2022

My plan this Saturday: go back to some of the Hot Spots I have already visited and observe with a keener eye. Also being armed with more information after researching a bit more in the Rick Steves, “Florence and Tuscany” guidebook that I picked up off the bookshelf where I’m staying. Plus I thought to see if anything was visible at the Pitti Palace and Boboli and Bardini Gardens without gaining official entry.

I want to mention, traveling enlivens history for me – maybe it does for you, too, when you walk upon the same ground as well known ancestors and all of those who have gone before…? I come home wanting to read and learn more! In boning up on my itinerary, I found myself not only skimming Rick‘s guidebook, but actually reading word for word, and very much appreciating and enjoying the vast details that the authors’ hard and thorough research have procured and provided. And I found a considerable amount of humor interwoven in the text! If you are at all interested in the history or geography of Florence, I highly recommend checking this book out from the library, maybe even buying it. Or perhaps a different guidebook or two covering areas you have more of an interest in. You’ll learn so much! If I were a professional blogger, I’d be able to highlight a link for you to go right there, but alas, such is not the case! I often quote the guidebooks (the hard work has been done for me – HA!) with intention of creating a shared learning opportunity (ever the first born, big sister). So, I was happy that some of you expressed in your comments that you added to your knowledge a bit! And it’s great to know that you are being able to revisit past adventures!

The day’s forecast precipitation wasn’t projected until after noon yet it was pouring by 9 and continued, along with long and rolling claps of thunder, until 1:00 or so. It was so wonderful to sit at my window, look out, inhale the fresh rain filled air and just be!! This post is already on the rambling side, so I won’t go into my exercise of self reflection upon scheduling and busyness in my life as I became still and contemplative – maybe another time….

I was back exploring when the afternoon became beautiful, humid and sunny once again while I very much enjoyed going back to the Duomo to look specifically at the Baptistery doors, frescoes, architecture and over to the plaza of statues!

“…The Duomo’s construction began in the Gothic style in 1296 and was completed in 1870 in the ‘Neo’-Gothic style…”.

Florence’s Baptistery was built in the 11th Century upon Roman foundations and is the city’s oldest surviving building – a thousand years! It’s known also for its doors. The North doors feature panels of 28 scenes from the Bible’s New Testament. Lorenzo Ghiberti won a contest to build the doors with competition from Donatello and Brunelleschi! He was straight out asked to create the East Doors (Gates of Paradise) and his creation included the new dimension in art – depth, and gained Michelangelo’s admiration.

“… Uffizi Courtyard of statues: “…filled with the greatest collection of Florentine painting anywhere. The courtyard is filled with vendors and watched over by 19th-century statues of the greatest Tuscan figures of the Renaissance…”. (Rick Steves Florence and Tuscany guidebook).

And yeah, I made it to the Pitti Palace and gardens but couldn’t see a darn thing beyond the monstrous and imposing structure. It was a lovely walk back across the Arno River, however!!

I had a late lunch/early dinner at Coquinarius recommend by Handsome Hubby from his past enjoyment here! Wow! “Yum, Yum, YUM” escaped my mouth with Every Bite!! I enjoyed rustic bread with olive oil and the Raviolino Formaggio e Pere con Parmigiano, Consorzio Vacche Rosse. “The Reggiana Red Cow is a native breed of Northern Italy brought by the barbarian populations in the sixth-century A.D. and considered the “moms“ of Parmigiano Reggiano.” (Consorziovaccherosse.it). Now that was a delicious treat!!

I stopped once again at the roof top bar, Caffeè del Verone in Piazza della Santissima because it’s just so peaceful. As has been usual for me, I let the afternoon slide away, and was ready to tuck in by 8:30!!

Arrivederci!!!