TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

I would encourage people not to miss the noteworthy Palazzo Pitti, now a museum, and in particular the amazing Giardino di Boboli [Boboli Gardens], spanning approximately a vast 45 hectares of hilly land. Beautiful is the word I can describe this stately property. The Palazzo Pitti at my back from the Boboli Gardens. Right behind me is the ampitheater, the primary axis of this huge estate where open-air theatrical performances were once held for the Medicis. In the 2nd foto, you can sight the city of Florence at the back of Palazzo Pitti. Neptune (fountain), the discus thrower in the middle of the pool at Boboli. Next foto is a part of Palazzo Pitti (this is the wing where the Costume Gallery is) with the panoramic view of Florence just right behind it. This medieval palace with lavishly landscaped gardens and Renaissance antiquities is the home of the once powerful Medici family, rulers of the Tuscan region during the dark middle ages. Eleonora di Toledo, wife of Cosimo I de Medici, b...

The train slowly glided into the city of Florence. Urbanization replaced the green fields and rolling countryside that I saw outside from the train’s window. I don’t know why but I have noticed in my past travels that I seem to take great pleasure in smaller towns and villages than bustling cities with skyscrapers and unyielding traffic. I hope Florence won’t disappoint me? The Santa Maria del Fiore church, popularly known as the Duomo (under restoration) and the bronze door of the Battistero de San Giovanni just right across the cathedral. Brunelleschi, the celebrated Florentine architect designed the Duomo. Firenze Santa Maria Novella Stazioni came into view. I see passengers hastily standing up, scuttling away, and packing themselves with their luggage in front of the train’s door. To see the grounds of Piazza di Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, Battistero San Giovanni, please click the short movie clip above. A glimpse of the magnificent Duomo coming from Piazza della Santissima Annu...