Florence Uffizi and Duomo and THE DAVID

With internet issues, I have been posting pictures on my Facebook page.  Also, I can publish everything easier and quicker.  Using the IPAD takes time and being on the go every minute, FB has been so much easier.  However, for those without a FB page, and for our trip record, I want to keep up this blog.

So, the most impressive event so far has been the fabulous tours (private and group) in Florence.  The private tour with Paul Costa (I highly recommend him for anyone traveling to Florence).   This was my 3rd visit to the Statue of David and I learned so much more, I feel I know The David much more intimately now.  At least from the Accademia vantage point.

Overlooking Tuscany from our castle bell tower (our room in the castle)  

 On our way to the wedding, Linda and Lauren looking good in this town!!!

 The wedding couple with bride's mother, Nancy and the Hoffmans.

Overlooking the City of Florence in the Duomo.

Firenze, Italy, City of Art History

Firenze:  A popular destination for tourists, so we are able to blend in nicely.  Everyone speaks English.  So, as long as we can say Gratzie, Buon Giorno, Buena Sera and mangia, we are good to go.

It takes a day or so to acclimate,  but now with 3 fantastic city tours under out belt, we feel like we can get around to the gelato shops pretty well.

The food is ......amazing.  The fresh pasta is so delicious with anything on top, a glass of wine and (white is the "acceptable" choice with most meals unless having red meat) bread and olive oil, and you're in heaven.  Firenze vibrates until the wee hours every night, but we give up about 10pm.  We can still hear the accordian player on the street below as we climb the steep stairs to the  4th floor of our hotel at the end of the day. It's a good workout of the pasta and wine consumed for lunch and dinner.  

L & L in front of Duomo.

L & L in Piazza della Republica waiting for tour guide.

In front of the Pontevecchio Bridge

After lunch with Carrie Osborn at the Trattoria 4 Leoni restaurant where the locals eat.

L & L shopping at the Loggia market.

Lunch with Carrie.

Ok, we are about to venture to Italia to attend the wedding of Kelly and Jesse, the daughter of Stan's long-time friend, Nancy Bolton.  Making the trip even more adventurous, we will visit a few more beautiful sites and cities while there.  First stop, Florence for 3 days, then onto Castello di Santa Maria Novella,
in Fiano, Florence for another 3 days for the wedding festivities.  Here's the link if you want to see what a castle in Tuscany looks like:  http://www.tavolese.com/SMN/.  

We are looking forward to enjoying great Italian food, wine and decor (in that order).  We'll post pictures of everything we think you would be interesting and fun.  Until the next blog...