Florence

Well, work has been pretty busy lately so I am a little behind on the blog. A few weeks ago we spent the weekend in Florence. One of the most beautiful cities in Italy. But of course I say that about every city. This whole country is just full of beautiful cities covered in amazing artwork.

Ponte Vecchio. The oldest bridge in Florence. Tte only bridge to survive the Nazi's bombings of WWII.

Our favorite little coffee / ice cream place in Florence. I think we stopped in at least 4 times... over our 2 day weekend.

Spritz.

The lighting was so perfect and beautiful, and the water was so still under the ponte vecchio.

Looking down the river.

Looking across the river.

Another shot of Ponte Vecchio.

The Palazza Vecchio, or the old palace.

I really liked this statue. I think she looks a little like me.

Not the original David. We did see him, but he's in a museum and you're not allowed to take pictures. This is the location where the original David statue stood for many years. He was just recently replaced to protect him.

One of the most impressive Duomo's that we've seen. Milano is a close competitor, but this was a very impressive church.

Northern Italy

For the past few weeks we have stayed in the area. There we a city fair in Asola last weekend. It was exactly what you would expect from a city fair, carnival games, cheap dangerous looking rides, lots and lots of street vendors... everything that you would expect except for one thing... there was no food! There were a few dessert type things, but nothing for dinner. We had to leave early to eat.

Autumn has settled in nicely and the scenery is perfect. After Sunday mass I snapped this picture of the church steeple just poking out over the trees.

The sun and the clouds

A few nights ago there was another of the most amazing sunsets ever. This is the pictures from Matt's balcony.

Yesterday the fog moved in. We have been hearing out this fog. It comes for the entire month of November. It was sort of a challenge driving home last night.

Milan

At the train station about to head out to Milan for the weekend.

The castle in Milan.

The Gallaria di Vittorio Emmanuele. He was the last king of Italy before the Royal family was exiled.

The Duomo di Milano at dusk.

The Duomo di Milano had so much detail it was truly amazing.

The golden angel on the top of the Duomo di Milano.

Piero and Massimo getting ready to go out on the town.

Matt, Carlo, Piero, me and Massimo (Matt's cousin).

Legend has it that a princess, in a land far far away, was attacked my a bull. She saved herself by kicking him in the balls. Now there is a tile image of that bull in the Gallaria di Vittorio Emmanuele, and you are suppose to put your heel on his balls, and spin three times, for good luck.

We went shopping... not buying, just shopping.

This purse was priced at €3,000. At the time I was impressed with this price, but then we wandered by Versace...

This fur coat, €42,000. That's right, not 42 hundred, but 42 thousand. And yes, this is more expensive (buy quite a bit) than my house in Pittsburgh.

Venice

I think the pictures say it all. Truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was magical.