Chapter 7 - Finding Artistic Appreciation in Florence

We caught the train from Verona to Florence, I was excited to be visiting the home of Michaelangelo and his infamous David. Florence promised to be full of art and culture I couldn't wait..

and I have to say my first impression of Florence was ambivalent. There was a lot of construction that was happening through out the city that took away some of it's charm, however, this is Italy and I have loved Italy so far and wanted to continue the love affair. Suffice to say that the love affair continues.........

We navigate our way through the lane ways and piazza's to find the very impressive Duomo. The beautiful pink, white and green marble of Duomo, the detail and once again the religion. I love being a Catholic in Italy! Inside Duomo I light a candle, count my blessings and whisper a prayer for my family.

Fresco in Duomo

Our first night in Florence was spent drinking way too much and staying out way too late. It was at a wine bar with our Aussie friend (who speaks fluent Italian) also travelling through Italy that we met some characters. A passionate Florentine who insisted on telling me about the history of Florence. His stories were passionate and full of gesture (I couldn't get away!). He also loved Midnight Oil (an Australian band), that we thought was very amusing. An Italian speaking Japanese chef. He had spent the last 3 years in Italy to learn about the cuisine with a plan to open an Italian restaurant in Japan. Finally we met another Aussie from Sydney who had spent a friends 50th (from memory?) celebrating in Tuscany.

We asked our Japanese chef to recommend a restaurant and off we went (minus the Florentine) on a very messy night. What can often be a good idea at the time (another glass for me please) is often not the case in the harsh light of day!With a very sore head and very dry mouth we gingerly make our way to the Uffizi. The art work is amazing & Madonna and child were everywhere. I longed for my little girls and missed them so much with every image of Madonna and child. The paintings of Christ, John the Baptist, Mary and the Saints it all brings religion alive.

The Uffizi is HUGE and nearly killed me. After two hours or so I had to opt out...you need stamina and a clear head for the Uffizi. I have to return to pay her the respect she deserves.

I loved the sculptures around the Uffizi. I particularly loved the one above. It evokes the whole lust, love, betrayal and passion beautifully. At some time I am sure we have all experienced this and this sculpture (to me anyway) captures it all!

Neptune..My goodness what a fine example of man he was! He stands proud and tall and commands your attention. He got it!

The Floating Labyrinth of Venice

Chapter 5 - Venezia, Italia

Venice is a maze! We put our map away confident in the fact that all roads lead to San Marco. Yes they do but it will take some time to find. You seem to burst out from the labyrinth of cobble stoned lane ways to the beautiful grand canal. The sensory overload is too much!

When I saw the above image in front of me I had to capture it. For me this picture embodies Venice. I had but a second to take this before the gondoliers started trying to drum up business. The lamp post, water, gondolas and gondoliers is pure Venice for me.

Basilica Di San Marco instills faith and religion in you just by looking at it. The gold mosaics are blinding, the art, the religion, the history. It is here, it is everywhere, it is overwhelming. I pray (how can you not?).

I could not get enough of Venice, it is a unique and amazing place. As we walked around St Mark's square and the music from a nearby band were playing, I grabbed Ad and started dancing. That is what this country does to you...It makes you dance (alot of that dancing was on the inside) and as cliche as it is, it really does make your heart sing. Even now when I look at images or hear stories from Italy, my heart skips a beat and I am back...why on earth did it take me so long to get here?

Wherefore art thou Verona?

Chapter 4 - Verona, Italia

View of the main entrance to Verona from the Arena.

"There is no wall without Verona walls

but purgatory, torture, hell itself

Hence banished is banish'd from the world

and worlds exile is death" - Shakespeare

A Juliet moment in the Arena

We enter the history steeped country of Italy, I can hardly contain my excitement. A country I have longed to see, Verona does not disappoint. Home to Romeo and Juliet, how can you not fall in love with this city.


I could not wait to hit the streets of Verona when we arrived. As you enter the gates of Verona you are literally taken to another world. The beautiful pink marble of the Arena takes centre stage as you pass a number of trattoria's to explore the cobble stoned streets and beyond.


The churches, the bridges, the architecture it is all so breathtaking. I loved the terracotta skyline of Verona, beauty even in rooftops!

Another recommendation from my father-in-law was the grand Giusti gardens. As you enter through the high stone walls it is like walking into the secret garden. In the heart of a busy town lies this lush oasis. We only shared this with a few other couples and I am sure this must be one of Verona's best kept secrets!

The Veronise are a smart crowd. I loved sitting at one of the small trattoria's sipping a glass of Prosecco and watching the passing parade. It would seem that everyone here is beautifully groomed (you can spot the tourists and the locals for this reason). bicycles are still a main choice of transport here, and the city really lends itself to it. I do become slightly panicked at Adam's suggestion of hiring some bikes to tour the city. This is Italy and I have not yet worked out the pedestrian vs bikes vs vespas vs cars! I think foot is the safest choice for us (OK me) for now!

Italia my heart is forever at your service...