I had to leave Florence for a bit. The crowds of tourists in summer make the city almost impossible to enjoy. It isn’t much cooler here, but it’s still much nicer at the moment.

I hadn’t been in Pisa for more than 15 minutes and I met 4 men! They are pictured below:

My hotel is near the Lungarno Medico and as I walked along it today, this fabulous facade stood out to me.

The video below shows you how the Arno River flows through Pisa.

The next 3 pix show the Medici Palazzo, which is located on the Lungarno Mediceo which explains how the roadway got its name. Cosimo I was big here.

And, finally for today, I made this video simply to capture the sounds of two older Italian gentlemen whom I happened to be sitting next to on a park bench, all 3 of us resting and watching the world go by. I love the sound of the Italian language and can usually get the gist of a conversation if not every word. I surreptitiously recorded them for the music of it all. I hope you enjoy!

I also love the fact that Italian men aren’t afraid to wear pink slacks!

Did I already post this? I can’t remember!

Even though it’s hot, I needed a caffè latte, and my favorite place in Florence for that is at Gilli’s, founded in 1733. I love this place!

And the caffè was a delight, as ever!

Outdoors, the windows of Gilli are always filled with beautiful presented seasonal confections. This little girl seemed entranced by them. Who could blame her?!

The streets were rocking with tourists and bikes, taxis, horse and carriage, anything but regular cars.

My walk took me by my favorite eatery and I loved the fresh design of the large ferns.

Blocks away I spotted a new car model (to me it’s new): the Fiat Topolino (mouse). I love the color of this little convertible.

Later, at a souvenir stand, I smiled when I saw the Vitruvius cat design. I thought you might like to see some of the many t-shirt styles available. There are many!

And then, to balance the riduculous with the sublime, I was interested in the operas being performed this summer at the opera house in the city.

Another great day, if a bit hotter than I would like. :-)

I’m just now coming to. My first week in Florence was kinda rough.

Of course it’s summertime and the weather is brutal! That plus jet lag left me feeling like poverina Mona Lisa above.

But this morning I was beginning to get my groove back and on an early morning walk I spotted some things that delighted my eye. There was a brief rain which cooled us off and cleared the air. A great morning for a strenuous walk.

I was happy to see the old familiar way to announce the birth of a baby with ribbon on an exterior door. And this time a girl!

The rowing club, pictured below, is one of my favorite sites in the city. It is located directly below the Uffizi!

The pigeons are still making themselves comfortable all over Florence. This one found an especially interesting perch.

A little further down the Lungarno and I spotted some wisteria still in bloom. I adore this flowering vine!

The oleander is always a treat. So hardy and so lovely!

It is wonderful to be back!

I was starting to think it might not happen! But, tomorrow!

Happy Belated Independence Day for the poor old beleaguered US of A! I love this country and am worried about its future, like all thinking Americans.

Here are some pix I took yesterday to capture the bright, breezy, sunshiny day

Hope you had a beautiful day, no matter where you are in this great big, beautiful world!

One thing I became aware of on this summer afternoon listening to the psithurism in my backyard: it’s almost impossible to catch the sound in leaves without the background of jets. I wonder what the word for that is?