On a day when we were blessed with a 10 degree drop in the temperatures, I went out for a long walk in one of my favorite Florentine neighborhoods. I adore the summer sound of cicadas, and they were out in force this day as you will hear!

There are many beautiful little villas lining this gorgeous boulevard in the Oltrarno. Here are some views and details.

The villa above is partially shielded from public view by a stand of bamboo.

Across the street are some art deco and art nouveau era villas.

I was impressed with this brave solo ivy vine climbing its way up a tree trunk. I like spunk wherever I find it!

I stopped and looked up where the loudest sound of cicadas chirring came from. It was a beautiful view with the sun hiding behind a white cumulus cloud for a brief moment.

There’s a school called Liceo Sacro Cuore (Sacred Heart High School) along the boulevard. I thought you would find it interesting that a student can get an American high school diploma here, according to the billboard.

Ad advertisement for the city painted on a sidewalk, complete with a QR code.

Soon, the dome of the duomo comes into view. It never ceases to impress.

There is a collection of bronze statuary along here, just where the boulevard reaches the Arno River. I’ll be danged if I know what message the sculptures are intended to convey.

How’s this for a beautiful little townhouse? I adore it!

And another palazzo with lovely decoration.

And, nearing home, after crossing the river I come upon my favorite grove of gigantic deciduous trees. The cicadas were very boisterous here as well!

I came home, happy to return to a/c and a good book after all the visual stimulation provided by this amazing city!