Nothing beats being able to go with the flow and doing things spontaneously if at all possible. Visit some favorite restaurants, discover new ones, go to outdoor markets, stop in at free exhibits, attend a concert buying tickets at box office last minute, and just take the time to observe cultural differences while people-watching.
Take a walk in the hills of Florence on a beautiful day. I recommend the walk from Piazzale Michelangelo then climbing up to the Basilica di San Miniato next up to Forte di Belvedere, down to the neighborhood of San Niccoló.
Walking sticks sure do come in handy!
At Piazzale I met Victoire who creates mosaic jewelry in the Florentine style that can be so difficult to find these days. I remember collecting picture frames and pill boxes years ago. Mosaico Bizantino articles can make great gifts.
Worth a stop. Her work is beautiful.
In Florence there are monthly outdoor markets. On the third Sunday of every month the organic market at Santa Spirito has aa selection of spices, herbs, delicious jams, cheese etc. as well as handmade hats, scarfs, toys and more. Quality stuff.
Just about every square has something going on, any day of the week, and if its an arts and crafts (artesan) fair & you happen to pass one do check it out. Here at Piazza Dei Ciompi is one I was lucky enough to find at sundown.
While walking through the Piazza della Signoria, after spending time gazing in awe at the recently renovated Neptune Fountain, I noticed a “free entry exhibit” in the Palazzo Vecchio (the working City Hall of Florence). Any excuse will do to visit this historic building. It is an exhibit by a contemporary artist that centered around famous women in Florence from the Renaissance to modern times. Mixed media and very interesting.
As you wander around the city you’ll will observe that sidewalks can be very narrow as their adjacent streets. Problem is Italians like to converse in small groups on the sidewalks & often do not move (or are aware) that folks need to pass. Often one has to step into the street to pass them (or trying saying “mi scusi”, which has its own hazards. Watch out for the bike riders and be sure to look both ways before stepping into the street. Actually cars are known to be parked and/or moving on sidewalks as well. We can call this Italian “creative” free thinking or cultural differences???
The Museum Zeffirelli within the complex contains his body of work. He was a master not only of film, but staging operas and designing sets. He was and still is a favorite son of the city.
Next post will feature current favorite restaurants and fashion trend. Happy travels and a presto!
Young or folks of a certain age, it does not matter, there is style.
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