2015 ITALY Florence 34 - Glorious View

About 15:30 we started the return trip to Florence. Down the hill from the exit was a gift shop with wines, olive oils, and knick-knacks from the monastery. A few shoppers checked it out. Others enjoyed the fall air and noticed a dad and son picking nuts off the ground. We asked what they were. They said it was walnuts and offered us a taste.



On route home we stopped at the Piazza Michelangelo, a scenic overlook of the city. We could see the whole valley of Florence and surrounding area. Magnificent!

With my super telephoto lens, I got these close-up shots. Here is Basilica of San Lorenzo (the official church of the Medicis), the Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Vecchio (old Palace) and tower.

There was much to buy in this large plaza--souvenirs, leather goods, scarves, and lots of Pinocchios. The "Adventures of Pinocchio" was written by Carlo Collodi (pen name of Carlo Lorenzini, 1826-1890) who was born in Florence. So the city has a soft spot in its heart for this character. You see them everywhere.


Mike's heart did not flinch at the Pinocchios, but it did start to flutter when he saw this Ferrari to rent. As his birthday was the next day, he felt a quick hand at the wheel of this car would be the perfect present. Alas, he check out the pricing and "oh, well, maybe next time!"

Back at the hotel we took time to recoup and then headed out to see the night life. We spotted a Ferrari store. Maybe we could just buy a signature item? But it was closed. Again, oh, well.

We saw some pretty nice bikes though.

Came across the Pitti Palace (home of the Medicis).

The streets look lively and lovely all lit up at night.

We took this night shot of the Ponte Vecchio from the next bridge down the river.

Back at the hotel, Mike decided to call it a night. I was meeting the others for a bit of cioccolato caldo (hot chocolate) at Caffé Rivoire in the Piazza della Signoria. It was drizzling, but beautiful. Music playing, carousel circling, lights flickering, people walking and talking everywhere.

What a way to end the day. Here's the before and after of the hot chocolate. The chocolate was so thick, you could not even drink up to the bottom of the cup. You had to spoon it out!!