Radda in Chianti

This is a small town in the heart of Tuscany. It takes about 45 minutes by car. The panoramic views are gorgeous but there are a lot of winding streets. The entire town can be walked through in 15 minutes. I had to spend four hours here. Luckily, I was with my friend so the time seemed to pass faster. It was relaxing to be out of the center of Florence.

Originally posted on 27 Nov 2009; updated on 23 July 2020

I felt like I was in Mary Poppins

I found this man in the street playing music near to the Duomo in Florence. I had to leave him a few coins. It made me think of Mary Poppins.

Original post date: 27 Nov 2009; updated on 23 July 2020

Surprise Parade?

I was walking around the city center the other day and this group of people appeared out of nowhere. I have no idea what it signifies, I have no idea why they were out there doing this, but I know I really wanted to toss one of those flags... Colorguard memories anyone? :)

Original post date: 27 Nov 2009; updated on 27 Jul 2020

Thinking Spot

Above: Thinking spot before sunset when the water is perfectly still and makes the reflection in the water.

This is my thinking place. It's where I go to just stop and relax when the weather is nice. It has been so far somewhat warm for this time of the year. I'm so happy that it's not freezing outside just yet. This photo is taken along the Arno River near to the Cascine Park. It is about a 15 minute bicycle ride from my house.

Original post date: 27 Nov 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Street Performers

I can't believe this man was just balancing on a statue... squatting at that. This picture is taken in Florence near the Piazza della Reppublica.

Original post date: 27 Nov 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Graffiti

This is taken near the market of S. Ambrogio in Florence.

Original post date: 27 Nov 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Reflections in the water

In Florence, sometimes the water is so still that it creates an exact reflection of the city along the river. It is beautiful, especially at night. It is incredible to me how still the water can be and instantly reflect a canvas.

Original post date: 27 Oct 2009; update on 23 Jul 2020

Clouds outside my window

The clouds outside my window are constantly changing. I am lucky to have a window with this view. When it is not raining or without clouds, most evenings present colors that can't really be captured with my camera. The clouds are a mix of colors such as purple, blue and pink. I enjoy looking out my window.

Original post date: 27 Oct 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Antica Pesa

This restaurant is located in Rome. It is a bit on the pricey side, but the food is wonderful. Your food is served artistically and carefully, it is not just thrown on. When you first walk in, there are low ceilings and a fireplace. There are comfortable chairs and complimentary champagne while you wait for your table. After you duck to miss the lower part of the ceiling (kind of like a tunnel), you go down some stairs and arrive to the dining room. The interior is painted in a modern fashion but has an antique charm to it. Our hotel recommended that we go there.

Original post date: 27 Oct 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Fiesole

Fiesole is a city outside of Florence. It can be reached from the main station in Florence, Santa Maria Novella, by taking bus 7 until the last stop (capolinea). Cross the Piazza and turn left. Follow the steep hill to the top and take a deep breath. From this view, you can see the entire city of Florence. It is absolutely amazing.

Original post date: 27 Oct 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Castello di Monteriggioni

These photos come from a Castle in Tuscany called Monteriggioni. It has about 40 inhabitants and you can walk through the entire city in 3 minutes.

Original post date: 27 Oct 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

San Gimingnao

This is a view from a city in the Tuscany region called San Gimingnano. I went there 4 years ago with my university, but this time I went with my grandfather. It is a small town that has a certain rustic charm. (as most places in Italy do)

Original post date: 27 Oct 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Wine Museum, Greve in Chianti

My Grandfather was here recently in Italy and we did a lot of wine tastings. We hired a driver and on our first "excursion," we went to a wine museum in Greve in Chianti. You pay 10 euros and put the card in the wine machine, press the wine you want to try, and enough comes out to try. We tasted 5 different wines, all very good. This museum is more of a wine tasting excursion. You can also try different olive oils.

Original post date: 27 Oct 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Street Performers

Street performers are everywhere in Italy. People will paint themselves, play music, and dress up in ridiculous clothing all to make money off of tourists. Sometimes even the Italians find themselves dropping a few coins into their "jar." This performer in particular was located in Piazza Navona in Rome.

Original post date: 27 Oct 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Graffiti in Florence, Part 2

Many times in Florence, people see all different types of graffiti... beautiful things, pointless things, symbolic things... Some of my favorites have been ones that took more time and thought. Anyone can just tag a building with words, but when there are images, it seems more like a creative expression of art rather than vandalism.

Original post date: 27 Oct 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

Sunshine and the river

The other day I went down by the river to a cafe with my friend Yasmina. We chatted over a snack. The weather was so nice that it almost didn't feel like fall... it was more like spring. When there are beautiful days like this, I enjoy going outside and doing absolutely nothing. I feel peaceful and relaxed.

Bicycles

Florence is an accessible city by foot, bus, car, motorcycle, or bicycle. At times I wonder if there are more bicycles and motorcycles than actual space for them? Some bicycles are new and shiny while others appear as though they are on their last leg. Most people don't pay a lot for a bicycle because unfortunately, there are high percentages for getting your bike stolen. Even though I was very lucky when I left my bike attached to a pole for two months, normally, this NEVER happens. In fact, the man who helped me to fix my bike continued to reiterate how lucky I was. The picture with this post is of two bicycles that were painted with a cow/Dalmatian print. It seemed pretty amazing so here it is.

Drying Clothes

This is a typical thing I see everyday in Italy; clothes drying outside on a clothing line. Dryers consume a lot of energy, and electricity is expensive. Therefore, people don't dry their clothes, sheets, or towels.  Flash forward 11 years later to 2020, I still dry my clothes on a line.

Original post date: 27 Sept 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

My Favorite Graffiti

In Florence, there is a vast amount of graffiti. The following is my favorite because it shows a distorted version of Florence, but at the same time it is artistic. It is located behind the Santa Maria Novella train station and the Fortezza da Basso.

Original post date: 27 Sept 2009; updated on 23 Jul 2020

One neat aspect to my Piazza

As most of you may or may not know, I live in a Piazza(square) near to the market of Sant'Ambrogio. On the last Sunday of every month, there is a market. I am not sure what time they set up, but, when I walk out of my apartment, I find this market.

You can find almost anything you want:
-Jewelry

-Purses

-Video games

-Lamps

-Vintage China Dishes

-Paintings

-Incense

-Table cloths

-Old clothing that sometimes reminds me of Saved By the Bell