I don't know how some traveler so it...moving every other day from place to place. i guess that is what the vacation or allotted break allows. But some are moving so fast that they barely have time to drink in the real essence of any of the places that they have alighted. I had 4 roommates in Rome who were doing a whirlwind 3 week school break and seeing 5 countries. Can you really see 5 countries in 3 weeks? i must have done something wrong?!?! I feel that there are so many things that I have missed or that I still have to do. As I have traveled over the last 10 months i continue to hear of places that are sooo cool that i can't wait to schedule my nest trip(s) so i can spend an equal amount of time in all the places that are either a stones throw from where I've been or on a whole new trajectory off the beaten path so that I can uncover the wonderment that is our wonderful world. Yeah, I have a list but i won't bore you with it now. I gotta save something for later as there are only so many hours in the day and so many days in My year. I am thrilled to be savoring My experience and only more excited to know and have uncovered so many other exciting places that I can explore.
My final day in Florence was spent at the Piazza Pitti museum which was right across the street from my Hostel. I got up early as I knew there was quite a Palace and gardens to explore. I was not disappointed. In the evening i went out form my prerequisite gelatto and wandered into a piazza where there was a performance of some sort (in Italian) with an awesome light show that was shown on the side of one of the buildings along with a group who spoke words with a conductor and music but not sung. Then the light show was a countdown of the centuries in roman numerals and this amazing lights/graphics of demons climbing the side of the building, the facade of the building crumbling and then as if i wasn't impressed enough they had these acrobatic repellers from the top of the spire windows repel and do a swinging dance while on the side of the building...to top it off there was a group of young adults do a performance of wait for it...Michael Jackson's "Thriller". The music was so loud that my IPhone volume was on the lowest setting and it came in loud and clear. It was a wonderful show for eating gelatto in the freezing cold. My hands got numb and didn't thaw until i got back to my room and the tingling of defrosting was almost painful. Not sure of what the temp was but the piazza was open and the wind was whipping thru like cray but there was such a large group of people that i didn't notice my numb fingers until I got home....BRRRRRRRRRR!
And yes there was a peaceful demonstration in the afternoon in front of my hostel in the Piazzo Pitti but it was a small group and they were playing instruments and singing so the crowd was lively and festive. Nothing like the mob in Rome.
I left this morning via train to Venice and was pleasantly surprised at how nice the 2nd class accommodations were for the 2 hour train ride. I don't know why I expected a wooden bench seat but it was anything but and although the train does spend a bit of time in underground tunnels the landscape at this time of year is stunningly gorgeous. The colors of Fall. my train stopped in Bologna, and 2 other small cities before arriving at the Maestra station. I was able to locate my new home (hostel) without too much trouble. The buses were closed today as there was a local marathon that had alot of the streets shut down. Why when my hostel directions say go forward/onward does the one street that is mine have to be closed off for a marathon...don't they know I get lost easily? Anyway the nice looking police captain assisted me and my luggage over the barricade and on my way. I think he realized that although I did look rather striking with my backpack that i was not going to complete the marathon in my current get up. I am staying outside of Venice proper as the lodging rates for in the city were way over the top. As I plan to stay a week I decided that the 10 minute bus trip into the city daily was a more economical option so that I could enjoy more gellato...yum!
My final day in Florence was spent at the Piazza Pitti museum which was right across the street from my Hostel. I got up early as I knew there was quite a Palace and gardens to explore. I was not disappointed. In the evening i went out form my prerequisite gelatto and wandered into a piazza where there was a performance of some sort (in Italian) with an awesome light show that was shown on the side of one of the buildings along with a group who spoke words with a conductor and music but not sung. Then the light show was a countdown of the centuries in roman numerals and this amazing lights/graphics of demons climbing the side of the building, the facade of the building crumbling and then as if i wasn't impressed enough they had these acrobatic repellers from the top of the spire windows repel and do a swinging dance while on the side of the building...to top it off there was a group of young adults do a performance of wait for it...Michael Jackson's "Thriller". The music was so loud that my IPhone volume was on the lowest setting and it came in loud and clear. It was a wonderful show for eating gelatto in the freezing cold. My hands got numb and didn't thaw until i got back to my room and the tingling of defrosting was almost painful. Not sure of what the temp was but the piazza was open and the wind was whipping thru like cray but there was such a large group of people that i didn't notice my numb fingers until I got home....BRRRRRRRRRR!
And yes there was a peaceful demonstration in the afternoon in front of my hostel in the Piazzo Pitti but it was a small group and they were playing instruments and singing so the crowd was lively and festive. Nothing like the mob in Rome.
I left this morning via train to Venice and was pleasantly surprised at how nice the 2nd class accommodations were for the 2 hour train ride. I don't know why I expected a wooden bench seat but it was anything but and although the train does spend a bit of time in underground tunnels the landscape at this time of year is stunningly gorgeous. The colors of Fall. my train stopped in Bologna, and 2 other small cities before arriving at the Maestra station. I was able to locate my new home (hostel) without too much trouble. The buses were closed today as there was a local marathon that had alot of the streets shut down. Why when my hostel directions say go forward/onward does the one street that is mine have to be closed off for a marathon...don't they know I get lost easily? Anyway the nice looking police captain assisted me and my luggage over the barricade and on my way. I think he realized that although I did look rather striking with my backpack that i was not going to complete the marathon in my current get up. I am staying outside of Venice proper as the lodging rates for in the city were way over the top. As I plan to stay a week I decided that the 10 minute bus trip into the city daily was a more economical option so that I could enjoy more gellato...yum!
 |
| Preview to the concert/light show. |
 |
| Just a practice shot for tomorrow night. |
 |
| the old bridge is home to all the gold/silver/jewelry stores that lock up tight at night. |
 |
| My ancient elevator that took me many time to the 5th floor. Thanks, I will miss you |
 |
| View of the city of Florence, Italy |
 |
| My home away from home in Florence Italy. 2nd brown door from the left. I had the tastiest bistro downstairs that had the best chocolate crousants and cuppachino's |
 |
| Hercules.... |
 |
| Looking out of the front door of the Pillazzo Pitti. My what a big door you have... |
 |
| City view from the gardens. |
 |
| If you thought the palace was large the gardens go on for ever. Beautifully landscaped with statuary in every nook and cranny. |
 |
| A little piece of paradise. |
 |
| Ok so there is a bench on the left of this large piece of stonework where a girl is sitting and to compare to the size of this facial mask you can't even see her. |
 |
| Water fountain that comes complete with thirsty souls whose thirst will never be quenched. |
 |
| You decide what it is...... |
 |
| The correct answer is the winged Pegasus... |
 |
| Beautiful walkways to stroll and sneak a kiss... |
 |
| Fall in is the air and the trees are turning...magnificent. |
 |
| Medici Grotto... |
 |
| Very bizarre water fountain where the dripping water has created a moss covered; almost as if he is regurgitating this mass of moss... |
 |
| Fall colors are everywhere and with the cool weather a great day to enjoy the sunlight in the gardens. |
 |
| PACE = Peace in the rainbow flag. |
No comments:
Post a Comment