After my recent post about Paris, I received a few requests from readers for tips in navigating the City of Lights from a shopping perspective of a newbie. So when I had a free day to pop into the city for its annual winter sales (unlike the US when sales abound year round, European countries follow a preset period of …
Ponte Vecchio
It’s no surprise that any trip through Florence will eventually lead you to the famed Ponte Vecchio (old bridge). This bridge was first mentioned during Roman times and spans the Arno river at its narrowest point. It has survived a few floods and story has it that even Hitler ordered that the bridge not be destroyed during WWII. When you …
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A Walk Through History
When I walk through Florence it is easy to imagine how life must have once flourished here back during the Renaissance. So much richness in all facets, from arts to literature to trades to politics to banking; you name it, they killed it. Traces of cultural wealth are still everywhere. It truly is a walk through history when you visit …
Orsanmichele
I’m one of those annoying people who want to ring on every doorbell just to see what’s behind that door. This is particularly true when you travel with me through a city like Florence. I want to explore every nook and cranny, climb every decrepit stairwell no matter the vertigo, and peer inside every window just for a glimpse of …
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Happy Holidays From Firenze!
This year’s Christmas post is from Florence, Italy, one of my favorite places in the world. The first time I came through here, I was blown away to finally see everything I had studied for four years in college about Italian art history. Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, Ghirlandaio, Boticelli, Michelangelo, Donatello and other Renaissance masters all came to life to me as …