Florence - Oct '12
Way back when we started planning our European adventure, this five week block in Florence was one of the first parts to get booked up. Looking back now, it's rather amusing that we didn't really know much about the area, but Pratiwi knew she wanted to spend some time in Tuscany and Florence seemed as good a base as any.
What with Autumn coming, I also thought it would be a good idea to be in/near a city with lots of cultural attractions to visit on those days we couldn't spend outside.
We probably got a bit lucky, as Residenza del Palmerino we chose had a beautiful little garden to enjoy, and also a larger 'field' out the back to relax in where we took a picnic or two - right on the doorstep. That said - the first days were a little trying as we got used to the vicious local mosquitoes. It seems that Tuscan mozzies are very hard to avoid so some planning was required to keep them at bay!
Another lucky break was that this accommodation turned out to be right at the bottom of a hill with many great cycling routes above. Roads up and down there felt like a maze sometimes, combine these with many other local options and I have to say that cycling from Florence turned out great!
Then as the Autumn weather began to tighten it's grip there were plenty of beautiful sights both in the city and nearby to enjoy. The forest near Vallombrosa was a highlight this time of year which was simply amazing!
Many thanks to our hosts and other residents for making this such a pleasant stay. Wonderful memories.
Monday 1 October 2012
On the way to Fiesole: view to Florence from a short way up the hill. Pass this spot plenty of times on the bike 
Tuesday 2 October 2012
Invited to a Jack Glatzer violin recital this eve. Different & very nice. Some liked the excuse to dress up too 
Thursday 4 October 2012
Stumbled across this colourful market today. Don't know what that half sandwich like snack is, but looks goooood! 
Saturday 6 October 2012
Home in Florence for a bit: Residenza del Palmerino. Nice 'formal' garden & field out back with views up to Fiesole.
Saturday 6 October 2012
Visit to Greve in Chianti. It's beautiful square was full of market stalls so only sharing the view from above. Nice!
Sunday 7 October 2012
Italian beer is OK, but luckily the German's are just over some hills. & a couple of countries Earned it today! 
Monday 8 October 2012
Lunch in Piazza del Campo. Hmmmm... Ossobuco Small look at the rest of town before we're back for gelato. Yum!
Monday 8 October 2012
Passing San Gimignano on the way home. Too late for look around, but nice view from there. Even in the fading light.
Thursday 11 October 2012
Game of conkers anyone? You find these lying all over the place here. Wouldn't have done when I were a lad!
Monday 15 October 2012
Grey day. Time to hit the Bargello Museum. No pics allowed inside, but here's the courtyard... looking grey.
Monday 15 October 2012
The Ponte Vecchio. Bored of seeing it lit up beautifully with sunshine? No chance of that today I'm afraid! 
Monday 15 October 2012
After a tough morning studying sculpture in the Bargello Museum - ahem! - lunch by Ponte Vecchio. Yum!
Tuesday 16 October 2012
After 2 weeks of playing in these hills above Florence, happened to stop at road works when the sun was out. Nice
Wednesday 17 October 2012
Italian gardens are all about statues & hedges. So at the Boboli Gardens we saw lots of... erm... statues & hedges
Wednesday 17 October 2012
Another café stop in Florence. Another beer, another coffee & another tiramisu. Yum!
Thursday 18 October 2012
Today's ride: more cycling past olive groves in the Tuscan hills. These are near Doccia, NE of Florence. Very nice
Thursday 18 October 2012
Home made fresh pasta as a late lunch... or is that early dinner? Yuuuuuum... nom, nom, nom
Friday 19 October 2012
Random shots from a day trip to Lucca. Great little place to wonder around in the sun.
Friday 19 October 2012
Lunchtime in Lucca. Then after walking it off, time for a little mid-afternoon dessert
Friday 19 October 2012
Walls of Lucca. Spot Pratiwi for scale. Funny to stand here & think once this was the pinnacle of defence technology!
Friday 19 October 2012
Tree tunnels are quite common in Europe & we love them. Here's a great example over a footpath in Lucca.
Saturday 20 October 2012
Italian parking: I double up on the outside of a circle. Pfft... novice! The master ½ on path by bus stop & crossing.
Saturday 20 October 2012
Relaxing in the garden amongst a few signs we are already in the middle of Autumn here. Lovely place to be
Sunday 21 October 2012
Today's ride to Passo della Consuma & Vallombrosa. Stunning autumn colours descending through forest near the latter.
Monday 22 October 2012
After cycling through this forest the day before, had to go back with Pratiwi & the camera. Beautiful autumn colours!
Monday 22 October 2012
The view from above: looking down on the forest around Vallombrosa.
Monday 22 October 2012
Introducing Pratiwi to the joys of playing with autumn leaves
Monday 22 October 2012
When walking in a forest and admiring the autumn colours... don't forget to look up!
Monday 22 October 2012
Plenty of people were out on Sunday looking for these, & a couple today. Think we'll leave it to the experts though!
Monday 22 October 2012
Few of the dishes on offer tonight. Dinner in 'The Cave' under our house with the other guests. Very nice it was too.
Tuesday 23 October 2012
What a beautiful day. Perfect ride this arvo, then relax with little plate of cheese & 'saucisson' by the vines
Wednesday 24 October 2012
A few scenes from Greve in Chianti before lunch. Lovely little village.
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Macelleria Falorni, Greve in Chianti. On this site for almost 300 years! Best butchers shop I've ever been in!
Wednesday 24 October 2012
San Gimignano from a hillside nearby. Shame about whoever that is having a bonfire - you can't win them all. Doh!
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Love autumn colours in the vineyards. Great views everywhere in Tuscany at the mo. Well - year round I'm guessing!
Wednesday 24 October 2012
San Gimignano: in time for a look about today. Tough place to shoot. Bright sky, lots of towers, lots of tourists!
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Looking out from the walls of San Gimignano... beautiful Tuscan countryside.
Saturday 27 October 2012
Lunch at Casa del Prosciutto. Here's the entrée of... erm... prosciutto of course, plus some accompaniments
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Random walk in Florence today. Some skewed views of cathedral as we pass, trying (& failing) to avoid crowds. Busy!
Tuesday 30 October 2012
In & around Piazza della Repubblica. Local's tip: La Rinascente has a top floor café with views over the rooftops.
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Piazza della Signoria. Plus a couple from the terrace of the near by Uffizi Gallery (which is mentally exhausting!).
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Remember when the postal service was cutting edge technology? From those days I guess: post office by Pd Repubblica.
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Post Uffizi Gallery... Piazza della Signoria at dusk.
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Back in Piazza della Repubblica. Oh, a merry-go-round. In the dark. Always good for a bit of photographic fun!
Tuesday 30 October 2012
Wondering back to catch the bus home (20 mins from here)... Florence Cathedral by night.
Tuesday 30 October 2012
A little treat this evening: Schwarzwald Imker honey schnapps (from our travels in Germany) & chocolate bread. Yum
