Ciao Florence, Italy

“The Creator made Italy by designs from Michelangelo.” 
– Mark Twain

We grabbed our train from Lugano and headed south for our next stop, Florence. The capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture including Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture, Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation”. Every turn is breathtaking. Another cold front has hit Europe so we saw snow in northern Italy from the train.

Snow in northern Italy
The rain greeted us in Florence, but at least it was mild.






mmmmm first dinner in Italy, pasta.
Piazza della Repubblica

This we rolled out of bed late as we are all still recovering from colds. We once we finally got moving we went to see The Baptistery of St. John.





Since the line for the Duomo was way too long already and wasn't open for another hour, we decided to go to San Lorenzo Market. A giant indoor market where you will find clothing, leather goods, souvenirs, local food products that extends from Piazza S. Lorenzo to Ariento Street, all around the Basilica of San Lorenzo in the historic center of Florence.

        So much good food!!!
        Fresh pasta!

Naturally.....


In the afternoon after Grayson's epic 3 hour nap (!!!) we stood in a shorter line for one of Florence's most iconic sights, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto. 

 Then for dinner. Pizza. Because Italy. 


I think the Duomo is even more beautiful at night


Location: Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

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