Trish and I had gone for 10 days to the Tuscany, Italy area, first to help our Australian friends celebrate Tils' 70th birthday. Maybe one of these days, I'll post some photos of that event. After the celebrations, Trish and I headed up to Florence (Firenze as it is called in Italy) for a week of R&R.


Our luxury hotel was nice, but too expensive for what it represented.


But it was close to the river, with a nice view.


On the walk to the main bridge, I took sever photos of the river and the old buildings that managed to withstand their devastating floods last century.


Even the newer buildings looked old and stylish.


Like Paris, the bridges usually offer a great view


Notice how some houses overhang the river on the bridge.


But not only over the bridge, also alongside the river.


No, that's not the real David, but a copy. The Italians are not crazy...


Sculptures everywhere, we are truly in the Renaissance capital of the world.


I have never seen so many churches in one spot. Every corner, every square. Many imposed almost Islamic rules on the women who entered, to the point that sometimes Trish had to put on a paper dress, or even refused because she was wearing knee-length shorts....


Here's the inside of the church. It belongs to the Dominican order.


And when you say Italy, you say SHOES, and when you say SHOES, you say TRISH SHOE SHOPPING!


The next few photos are of the Duomo church and Tower, and incredible structure.




Just look at the details of the door.




There was even a Japanese couple getting a symbolic wedding outside. It looked like they had taken their wedding clothes with them from Japan, and did a mock wedding in front of the church. Lots of photos made by these two.




Believe it or not, this is a shop..


YAC (Yet Another Church)


One of the law courts.


YAC


Some building.. not old.


The main square (Replica) which houses several hotels and companies.


Open air market, one of several.


Here are some photos taken from a park on top of a hill, just on the outskirts of Florence.








This was taken from the Uffici museum.


.. and then we went to pasta cooking school... 14 people learning how the Mama makes the pasta...


The chef-teacher made it look so simple...


Even the machine bits were difficult (not for him)


We decided that there is no shame in buying pasta in the supermarket...


Last one, made with my Apple iPhone... a nice meal.... that's what Italy is all about...