A "book club meeting" in Florence
by Jefie
Next to traveling, literature is my biggest passion so it should come as no surprise that I've been a long-time member of an online book club. Just like VT, the members of my book club come from all over the world, and when I mentioned that I would be traveling to Italy, Lucia, who is from Parma, suggested we get together for lunch in Florence. Although I've met several VTers over the years, it was the first time I got to meet someone from my book club and it turned out to be one of my fondest memories from the days we spent in Florence! We shared a great meal together and wandered around the city for a while, talking about books, food, Italy... I can now only hope that I get to return the favour if Lucia ever makes it to Canada!
THE PONTEVECCHIO
An icon of...
by SirRichard
THE PONTEVECCHIO
An icon of Florence, the Pontevecchio is world famous for its jeweler shops (once upon a time there were butchers shops, but the Medici evicted them all in 1593). It was built to replace a 14th century wooden bridge that was destroyed by flooding, and was the only bridge that was not mined when the Nazis retreated in 1944 - they destroyed the streets on either side instead. The corridor running over the top of the shops was built by Vasari to link the Palazzo Pitti and the Palazzo Vecchio.
La Specola
by tompt
La Specola is a Natural History Museum. It is tucked away in the old Palazzo Torrigiani. When you walk in, you can´t believe you are in the right place. It looks like a student appartment building (which it partially is). The actual museum is at the second floor.
But when you get there it gets exciting. First there are many rooms full of stuffed animals, but the highlight of the museum is the large collection of wax models of human parts.
This models were made in the years between 1770-1840, and used for lessons at the university.
The museum is open from 9:00 - 13:00, closed on wednesday and holidays.
African Cat and Mouse
by geeyook about African Street Vendors
Africans peddling knock off designer sunglasses, handbags and watches (Fake Gucci, Oakley, Rolex, Louis Vitton) are all over the tourist areas in Florence. Although their prices are low, you have no recourse if you should get a defective or unacceptable item. If you must buy, be sure to bargain and examine merchandise thoroughly. They play a neverending cat and mouse game with the police. Packing up as the police approach and setting up again once they have passed.
Home-cooked goodness
by Tijavi about La Casalinga
La Casalinga is an unassuming osteria in Oltrarno. The speciality? Simple Tuscan fare that is brimming with home-cooked goodness - not pretentious, nor ambitious.
So despite the long 20-minute walk from the other side of the river, I did enjoy what I had that evening. Starters were antipasti di mare - mixed seafood cooked in olive oil. And for the main course, arista - a slab of pork baked the traditional Tuscan way. Dessert was delicious chocolate souffle.
From the simple dining area, guests could sometimes see the cooks at work in the kitchen. The sight of a chef skillfully slicing a slab of ham with nothing but his dependable knife is a reassurance that they know how to prepare good food here, and so are the numerous locals enjoying their dinner.
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The Coat/Jacket that I wanted
Bardi, Chapel, Giotto's Death of St. Francis
Inside Capella di Pazzi
The Duomo, late afternoon in November
