Tomorrow we pick up a rental car – yes, from the same agency in Florence – to drive to Civitella Marittima, a small Tuscan village of 500 citizens. When I think of Florence, I’ll remember many things: the exhibit that I found unremarkable until I saw a woman so moved that her tears moved me, the…

We made a difficult choice, when planning our trip, to stay in Florence rather than Siena. Today we spent almost as much time on the train as in the city, but had to have a glimpse of what we missed. We saw enough to know that we’d love to come back. Maybe you’d like to…

Florence is famous for Bistecca Fiorentino. Cut from the short loin, it’s similar to the United States Porterhouse. In Florence, the steak traditionally comes from a Chianina cow – the largest and one of the oldest breeds in the world. It’s simply prepared – aged, rubbed with olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper,…

I remember feeling disappointed when I saw the Mona Lisa. It seemed small and was guarded by such thick glass that it was difficult to see. Today we visit two famous Florence sites, the Duomo, and, at the Galleria dell’Accademia, the statue of David. On our way to the museum, I fear that, again, my expectations are too…

Since yesterday and moments like this… …we’re feeling revived. Here’s why: 1. A peaceful night’s sleep. 2. Successful return of our rental car. 3. A quiet Florence neighborhood and a great circa 1600 apartment with a garden. 4. Replacement sandals. (nod to www.endless.com for refunding my money with only photos as proof) 5. Glimpses of the busy…