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Like so many travelers before me, I am completely enchanted by Italy and by Florence. It is the most marvelous, beautiful, *charming* place I have ever been, and my heart is literally aching at the thought of leaving. I wish I could stay another month, not that that would be enough - but I will return to this lovely place, if only in my dreams.
As for what I did today...
I slept late, had breakfast, and then went to the Ferragamo shoe museum. This is devoted primarily to the late Salvatore Ferragamo, who made shoes for almost everyone famous in Hollywood, and yes, the shoes were lovely...but the real surprise was in the back.
The shop and atelier are housed in a palazzo dating back to the 14th century. And what do we find in the basement, you ask.
The well where Beatrice Portinari supposedly met Dante Aligheri for the first time.
They also have a stunningly beautiful co-ed bathroom.
Wherein I took Helwenùs advice and took a self-portrait in the mirror.
While on my way from the shoe museum to the Palazzo Vecchio, my very last museum, I saw
evidence that the 60s are on their way back.
I also saw Eric, the Half-a-Car.
As well as the Big White Thingàs Big White...you know.
The Palazzo Vecchio itself is frescoed by Giorgio Vasari, whose busy and somewhat terrifying paintings are in almost every room. However, the amazing part is that the place is still used for city council meetings, and the Mayor uses the apartment first decorated for Pope Leo X for formal meetings and document signings! This is also where Michaelangelo and Leonardo had their Battle of the Frescoes, which was won by neither of them (Michaelangelo never started, while Leonard tried to use oil directly on the plaster, with the expected result).
I went home through the Piazza della Repubblica, where a carousel has been entertaining the children.
Hereàs the entrance to the Via della Spada, my street.
And here is the entrance to the Michaela apartment, where I have spent the most wonderful week imaginable.
All in all, it has been the best and most educational vacation I have ever had. I love Italy!
Home tomorrow, and I will try to post if I am not completely blown by my journey...ciao!
As for what I did today...
I slept late, had breakfast, and then went to the Ferragamo shoe museum. This is devoted primarily to the late Salvatore Ferragamo, who made shoes for almost everyone famous in Hollywood, and yes, the shoes were lovely...but the real surprise was in the back.
The shop and atelier are housed in a palazzo dating back to the 14th century. And what do we find in the basement, you ask.
The well where Beatrice Portinari supposedly met Dante Aligheri for the first time.They also have a stunningly beautiful co-ed bathroom.Wherein I took Helwenùs advice and took a self-portrait in the mirror.While on my way from the shoe museum to the Palazzo Vecchio, my very last museum, I saw
evidence that the 60s are on their way back.I also saw Eric, the Half-a-Car.As well as the Big White Thingàs Big White...you know.The Palazzo Vecchio itself is frescoed by Giorgio Vasari, whose busy and somewhat terrifying paintings are in almost every room. However, the amazing part is that the place is still used for city council meetings, and the Mayor uses the apartment first decorated for Pope Leo X for formal meetings and document signings! This is also where Michaelangelo and Leonardo had their Battle of the Frescoes, which was won by neither of them (Michaelangelo never started, while Leonard tried to use oil directly on the plaster, with the expected result).
I went home through the Piazza della Repubblica, where a carousel has been entertaining the children.Hereàs the entrance to the Via della Spada, my street.And here is the entrance to the Michaela apartment, where I have spent the most wonderful week imaginable.All in all, it has been the best and most educational vacation I have ever had. I love Italy!
Home tomorrow, and I will try to post if I am not completely blown by my journey...ciao!
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Date: 2008-01-18 05:06 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-01-18 06:49 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-01-19 02:31 am (UTC)From:Thank you so much for posting all the pics. It made for a wonderful vicarious travel experience.
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Date: 2008-01-19 03:00 am (UTC)From:I'm glad you had such a wonderful time. Safe journey home!
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Date: 2008-01-19 04:07 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2008-01-19 02:34 pm (UTC)From:But now I have Monty Python tunes stuck in my head....