I took a tour of some studios in the artisan’s zone, the Oltrarno, in Florence.
Our first stop was a bronze worker’s studio. You will see him and hear him talk in the video.
Walking down the Via Maggio to out next visit, I passed a shop with the largest most amazing Murano chandelier!
The second visit was to a shoemaker whose family business extends back to pre WWII. The current owner/designer is Valentina Rangoni. She has her designs ready for you to buy and/or she will make custom shoes just for your feet!
I took some pictures of her shoes that would be so nice to wear!
In a few weeks we’re returning to the scene and visiting more workshops.
Many people flock to Vivoli for gelato and they always have as far back as my first trip to Florence in 1979.
But it wasn’t until I took these pictures recently that I realized that the gelatetia is housed in a historic building that once was the home of Giovanni Dupre.
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.
Another old building in the center is adorned with a tabernacle so small and so high off the ground that I doubt that anyone but I will look up at it. It’s funny, when
I’m taking these pictures of rather esoteric details, passersby’s will often stop to look at what I’m photographing. They probably think I’m nuts. And I probably am.
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.
I simply liked this campanello or doorbell. They take all different forms across town.
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.
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!
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!
get back, lauretta! 
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