Day XVI - First full day in Firenze (Florence)

It is day XVI and our first full day in Florence, or Firenze as the Italians call it. After walking the entire day and wending our way to its highest point, S. Miniato Al Monte, I would have to agree that this is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world. No single superlative could possibly describe this place but three that come to mind are spectacular, awesome and WOW!

The inspired sculptures of the masters everywhere and set amongst the warm earthy tones of buildings hundreds of years old - spectacular!

The view of Firenze from S.Miniato as the sun occasionally broke through the dark angry clouds creating an almost ethereal glow to the city below - awesome!

The natural beauty of the surrounding Tuscany countryside and its brooding blue/grey mountains contrasting with the brilliant foliage of mid-autumn - WOW!

There was almost no place you could look that didn't suggest a painting. So what if the surly clouds intermittently dropped their payload on us, we were dressed for it. After all they did the same on the distant mountains and it looked great from where we stood. Nothing could dampen our spirits on this day and hopefully the following few photos from our little "snap-happy" group will show you why.

Enjoy!

Noel