I ♥ Florence

To begin with...

Fantabulous literature

...So this is my 6^th time I think to Italy (I always feel compelled to tell how many times I’ve been to a place, so you can understand the depth of my adoration) Filip has never been to Florence, and I’ve been dying to get back there, to explore more, and kind of go over the things I already know and love about this magical little city. We flew into Pisa and stayed for one night, to explore the Leaning Tower…(I think that’s the absolute on what you can explore in Pisa) and then caught the train to Florence for the second day and evening.

So Pisa in images.....

Stunningly beautiful streets

The iconic Leaning Tower

Market time on a Saturday morning

I love that in Italy passion exudes from the sidewalk literally – store owners, are hanging out and yelling sweet Italian phrases (even when aggressive it still sounds amazing), and carrying on with their daily business, which really just makes me smile. From the language to the style, to the AMAZING food – this place just lives and breathes passion. I know many can be annoyed and find the whole country overwhelming – I so never feel that. I just long for more time here. 

Bardeni and Boboli Gardens was perfect on the most amazing sunny day, Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi were all on my ‘To do’ list and to share with Filip. The Duomo was the very first one I saw here, and seeing again for a second time, was no less stunning than the first time. I find this city very easy to stroll and explore – it’s just so nice being out and about here, and watching the world keep moving as you take a coffee break or get some amazing gelato, is always a must do. Just enjoy and lap up every minute. There’s never a need to worry here – it just feels relaxed and joyous the whole time. 

Just cos he's so darn cute! In Bardeni Garden :)

Boboli Garden

The Boboli Gardens (Italian: Giardini di Boboli) is a park in Florence, that is home to a collection of sculptures dating from the 16th through the 18th centuries, with some Roman antiquities.

The view from Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") is a Medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River in Florence, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. 

The famous jewellery stores in Ponte Vecchio

Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewellers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.

The oh so amazing site to see Ponte Vecchio

Eating is just the best joy in this country – they get it so right – they fill the time with passion over family, food, vino, conversation and decadent coffee and dessert. They do it in true style, and I really didn’t want to leave…even though the entire weekend I felt completely full and stuffed! The fact they get it perfect with simple ingredients, will always amaze me – a simple bruschetta made with fresh and delicious tomatoes, onions, garlic and of course Olive Oil. Done so right by having the fresh and amazing Italian produce. We were fortunate enough to eat at two of the city’s best – both Dinner and Lunch were an event of food and generous discussions shared with waitresses/waiters and the guests next to us. We literally stumbled across them, and are so grateful we did.


Lunch:                                                                                                    
Il Latini

Dinner:

Il Francescano

And of course for dessert:

Gelato!

Some other amazing and beautiful pics purely for my own memory and pleasure.....

The beautiful night sky and sunset from Il Francescano
:)

The view from San Miniato al Monte

 
San Miniato al Monte (St. Minias on the Mountain) is a basilica in Florence, standing atop one of the highest points in the city. It has been described as one of the finest Romanesque structures in Tuscany and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. There is an adjoining Olivetan monastery, seen to the right of the basilica when ascending the stairs.

The Duomo

Shoppers side note: – Literally the first thing I spotted upon our Pisa stroll on Saturday morning was Dixie – fell in love, and though superb for different little items at a low-ish (By Italian Standards) cost – affordable either way and oh so worth it!Shopping in this country is fab fab fab. The last time I was in Rome I purchased these great and handy and stylish welly’s – a fave, considering how popular Hunters are. I like that these are different and do the amazing trick they do. I managed to pick up a new pair of shoes on this visit and fell in love with this little chain all over again. Check out Primadonna on any visit.

Could they be any cuter!

Ciao for now!