On an ordinary day in Florence, including the Rari Nantes Polo Club

My almost daily percorso takes me by the water polo club in Florence called the Rari Nantes Florentia.

Rari Nantes Florentia is an Italian water polo club from Florence. From the 2011-2012 season the men’s team plays in the Serie A1, the top division of the Italian league.


The sport activities of Rari Nantes Florentia began in 1904. From 1904 to 2009, the swimmers of the club have amassed eighty victories in the national championships. In water polo, introduced by the Genoese Pine Valley, the club has never relegated from the first division from 1929 to today and has won 9 championships, especially during the years 1930 and 1940. In 2000 and 2001, the men’s team was ranked second behind the Posillipo. This position allows him to participate and win the LEN Cup Winners’ Cup in 2001.

The location of Masaccio’s home in Florence

Masaccio, one of the most important Renaissance painters, lived on a street in the center of Florence that I am lucky enough to often walk by. I took photos this day when I noticed the sign that announced the location of Masaccio’s house, calling the artist “the poet of perspective.”

Inspired anew for his art, soon after this day I high-tailed it over to the basilica of Santa Maria Novella to feast my eyes on Masaccio’s early masterpiece, the Trinity, only to find–as is so often the case here in Italy–that the large fresco is under scaffolding and covering while it undergoes restoration. If I had a nickel….

But, I’ll add a photo of the fresco here for you:

The long, beautiful walk home

As often as I like I can take a walk planned for me in the 1860s here in Florence

After my enjoyable visit toSan Miniato al Monte recently (and despite the scaffolding inside and out), I took one of the best walks in the city. Starting at the top of the hill with the church, I wandered down to Piazzale Michelangelo and then down the monumental pathway, complete with grottos and fountains on several levels, all designed more than 100 years ago by Giuseppe Poggi.

But first, let’s look at what’s visible from way up here:

Before I start walking down the hill, I took a long look at one of my very favorite views in all of Italy, maybe in all of the world! In the distance you see a long tall brown stone wall: this is one of the few remaining sections of the Medieval wall that once surrounded the entire city.

I like to look at this wall and imagine Florence completely enclosed within it.

Now I begin my pretty descent, serenaded by the churring of cicadas. It’s heavenly.

Below some shots

The day to day

Oh! The sunshine!

Spring is trying so hard to break out in Florence. In between days and days of rain.

Mimosa shrub, a clear sign of spring coming!

I joyfully scroll Facebook everyday. It does nourish my mind and mood often. Happily. And sometimes the images/sayings I see make me laugh. And feel better about American politics, which are in a sorry state.

I learned something new: the Korean gesture for love. See the emoji below! 🫰🫶🫰