Many people flock to Vivoli for gelato and they always have as far back as my first trip to Florence in 1979.

Dupre was a 19th century sculptor whose work I studied extensively as a graduate student of art history.

One of things I enjoy seeing as I walk around this historic city is the way builders over the centuries have gone to the trouble of saving and REVEALING details from previous older buildings. The history is there, speaking to us. You just have to listen.

Look at the work that went in to saving and showing this ancient decorative detail.

In other places, the classic has been modernized, but it still lives on with us in our daily lives. An example is this neon colored version of Botticelli’s Venus, which hangs a dozen yards away in the Uffizi.

You know that I am always distracted to look at modern design and the way it is threaded into the urban fabric here. These lamps are beautiful!

Or, if you like, you can pay a visit to the museum of serial killers in Florence. I must admit, I’ve never been! Never will go either.

An odd collection of sculptures in this unused shop window caught my eye.

Here’s another example of a really old building covered in modern stucco, but large portions of the earlier structure shine thru.

And finally, an oldie but a goodie: the House of Michelangelo on Via Ghibellina. I walk by it almost daily going to and from the center.

But wait, one last detail of some pretty marble framing average windows.

And the city is gearing up for Christmas!

Starting the day in my favorite bar, with my favorite beverage

Look at how prettily these stemmed glasses are aligned.

Walking down my neighborhood street and beguiled by poetry, simply posted on a random wall in this amazing citta.

Xoxo

Passing a local upholstery business, I see the proprietor working in the back of the shop.

I admire the work he creates!

This chair has tons of personality!

Gliding down a street in the center, I pass another of the uncountable tabernacles in Firenze. It’s unfortunate that it’s almost impossible to see some of them behind the glass.

Nearby is its label. It was painted in 1953, which I happen to know was an excellent year in the history of the world.

Stunning in its simplicity is the elegant design chiseled into the marble that frames the niche.

Further down the street quietly sits this ornate carving above an ordinary Florentine doorway.

A detail:

In my language class I was introduced to a poet about whom I want to know more, more, more!

My horoscope from yesterday. May it be absolutely correct.

And to end, look at this stunning photo of a guy I know and his lovely mother, Monique. Che belli!

Buon venerdi a tutti!

Above and below: two friends and un chien I happen to like. I miss them when they are not around.

A saw a ferocious guard dog watching the entrance to a store.

I saw 2 or 3 sweet children inspecting an electronic screen closely. Good luck weaning them off this later you lucky parents! Still, I understand the use of a screen while traveling with toddlers.

I saw a sure sign that Christmas is coming

I saw an ad for dance classes for young children. A guy I know says he will sign up for the Wednesday classes, but Mondays are just too hard!

I saw a bouquet made from vegetables.

And another simple but striking bouquet.

I

saw a hanging garden in the center of Florence.

And below is a close up of the little terrace off the apartment. I would make a garden just like that if the space were mine. I see you fellow gardener!👷‍♀️

I saw an image Frieda Kahlo dressed as Superman

I saw a very old wooden door with a system of many locks outside a former jail in the center. I would not want to be locked up behind this door!

I saw a fine pastel by an artist I know. This is Rocky everybody, and he is Swiss. even if his name is surely American! I think Rocky is smiling. I want to meet him!

The best time of the year, secondo me!

This lovely young woman is barely strong enough to run the hand-driven press. Pomegranates are tough.

The final product is as full bodied and rich as any Brunello! And I prefer it to wine!

It’s time for something gloriously French and this bon homme is all that! Plus I want to see if he notices this. He also has very good taste in music.

I saw this delightful graffiti today.

A guy depicted standing atop a tree declaring his love for his lady? Is that what you see? Tell me in the comments if you see something else!

My blogging friend from the UK said he sees the caterpillar with the hookah from Alice in Wonderland. So the girl would be Alice. I think he is right.

Michael adds that if this is the case, the profession of true love doesn’t seem to go with the picture. I agree. I imagine this is a special private connection between two people who both like Alice and Wonderland and one of whom will love the other forevermore.

What does anyone else think?!

It says I will love you until the end of time and beyond

A glimpse inside the magnificent Bargello; once the city’s jail and justice center, now a fabulous museum.

The monumental entrance to the Badia, with a fine Della Robbia polychromed ceramic lunette.

Outside the basilica of Santa Croce, a memorial to Florentines who died in Early 20th century wars.

There is always something new to discover in this amazing citta!

Alla prossima! Buon fine settimana!

The magnificent basilica of Santa Croce! I’m so lucky to live 10 minutes from this medieval marvel.

Completing the piazza is this statue of Dante.

Below, details probably no one but I ever notice about this chiesa.

Below, a sure sign I’m in Medici territory

A lovely tabernacle with a fresco of The Holy Family from the 17th century

I can’t help falling in love with you!

Dante as Superman: