Departure brings a rush of emotions. Leaving the familiar. Encountering a long planned destination with all its unfamiliarities. Our trio of friends wish each a bon voyage at the train station for our own destination.
A Sunday stroll across the Arno River was free from the usual tourist trappings. I simply went where my feet lead me. I discovered a cafe with a charming outdoor garden complete with a grassy amphitheater for small productions and a dog park by the Rome Gate.
A visit to the Jewish Synagogue helped balance the Catholic Cathedrals seen. Lunch next door at Ruth’s Kosher Vegetarian restaurant was a delightful twist.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is one of the principal churches of Florence. The austere interior, stupendous in size, creates a calming effect. The wooden ceiling with elegant simplicity seems to magnify the height of the church. It contains the tombs of Michalangelo, Dante, Galileo, Nd Machiavelli.
Arno River flood of November 4, 1966 broke records: 101 people died, 5,000 people left homeless, 6,000 stores forced out of business, 14,000 movable pieces of artwork and 3 to 4 million books/manuscripts damaged.
Artwork portraying Saint Francis of Assisi is of greater interest to me. To think I walked where he traveled makes me reflect deeper on his life.
Yum…Canadian traveler.
End of the rainbow…the Duomo. The rainbow was a double, full arch rainbow. I most live a charmed life.
Morning breaking from Piazzale Michangelo overlook.
Good things are worth repeating as I returned to last night’s restaurant gem. Like Batman and Robin, Luca and Enrico sang “Go Johnny Go,” as they worked in tandem filling orders. As my choice, I ordered their favorite sandwich. This started an avalanche of the chief’s favorites sandwichs being ordered. Mangia! Mangia!
Linda Scandore 