A long train ride, over 2 1/2 hours, from Orte to Florence. My two constant friends, Rome and Florence. They always have something new to show me. And they always remind me how much I love them.
Florence (Firenze) is a true renaissance city. The history with the Medici family is interesting and explains why Florence is so loved and revered for the extraordinary art there. I always see something new and try to find streets I haven’t walked. Although I could take a train to Rome and get a fast train to Florence in record time, I enjoy looking out the window of the regional train and seeing the interesting countryside. All the little towns we pass, some of the bigger ones.
Yet again, I chose a national holiday in Italy to visit Florence and I swear every Italian and his family was in Florence for an amazing Parade and enjoying the day there! My favorite piazza there, Piazza della Signoria is loaded with statues! A replica statue of the ‘David’ is there, along with so many others. (Some of the statues are fairly disturbing but interesting stories behind them). And there is always something new. I decided to have a cappuccino in one of the outdoor restaurants there so that I might just get a glimpse of the Parade coming from the Piti Palace through the Uffizi and into Piazza della Signoria. The Parade is of the 3 Magi and there are supposedly about 700 people in the parade!!! The 3 Kings are on horses and that interested me.
Apparently I would have to order a bit more to have a table at this restaurant so I did a small dessert just to ensure I could sit there. Both cappucino and dessert were mediocre which didn’t really matter as the crowd was insane. Finished my coffee and left. I think I am just not good with huge crowds and I find I am not as kind of spirit as the Italians with them…??
I had already walked through much of the city, having lunch earlier at a favorite vegan restaurant…then onto the Piazza Duomo. On the way, I heard the most lovely opera tenor! And as I got closer, he was singing a favorite that you will recognize also. The crowd around him was mesmerized as was I. So I stopped and closed my eyes…beautiful voice.
The Piazza della Signoria has three new statues…a very modern huge one, and the horse and rider – which is also huge. I wonder if all three are temporary ? I know the modern one is for sure, the horse and rider (Cosimo I Medici) have recently been brought out of a long term storage. Florence is a must see for anyone traveling to Italy. And there is a Medici series on Netflix…a good story for sure.
I have stayed in Florence for months over a couple years. It is a second home to me. And I just don’t tire of it. Always something new. They really cater to the tourists. Realizing the Parade was ending in the Piazza Signoria and not going onto the Piazza Duomo, I decided to call it a day. I had already done a couple miles. The winter weather was brisk but quite manageable…but the tourists!!! YIKES.
So I thanked Florence once again, for her generosity of sharing so much of herself with me. Trains, buses, cars…I’ve done all of them in Florence and seen so much. I will come back many more times…she is a dear friend. And her treasures are so beautiful. Yes, go! I’ll go back this summer, and then to a few other favorite places, Cinque Terra, Lucca, Siena, San Gmignano, and hopefully Verona again…oh it’s a long list. Hoping!!!
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