Strolling along the cobblestone streets in Florence, Italy
Florence, or known as Firenze in Italian, is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. It is located in the romantic Tuscany region. Florence has so many interesting things to do. I prepared my list of places to visit prior to arriving at Florence. I have the Duomo and other churches, Uffizi Museum, Statue of David, Piazza Michelangelo and 14th century bridge Ponte Vecchio in my list.
The best of all is that all these places are within walking distance. There is no need to take rely on public transport or cars to move around. I joined the thousand of tourists strolling along the tiny cobblestone streets that crisscrosses Florence to visit the many churches around the Duomo like Santa Maria Novella, San Lorenzo, Santo Spirito, Santa Croche.
In one of the cobblestone street leading to Duomo was Via Ricasoli 60. On this street, there was Galleria dell’Accademia where Michelangelo’s masterpiece sculpture, David, was on display. I joined the thousands of visitors crowding around the sculpture to admire and also, to take pictures with David. This was the life time opportunity to see this masterpiece.
For lunch, I bought a piece of pizza from one of the local Italian pizza shops around Piazza Del Duomo. To save time, I ate my pizza by the road side just like one of the backpackers in Florence.
From the Duomo, I walked along the cobblestone street to Uffizi Museum. Uffizi Museum has one of the best art collection in the world. UNESCO estimate that 60% of world art collection is in Italy. 50% of it is in Florence.
From Uffizi Museum, I moved on to visit the 14th century Ponte Vecchio. Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous landmarks in Florence. Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge crossing Arno River that runs through Florence.
In the evening before the sunset, I made my way to Piazza Michelangelo, where there was a giant replica of Michelangelo’s masterpiece David awaits us, to see the sun set over the city of Florence. This was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. To those who plan to visit Florence, don’t miss the sunset view from Piazza Michelangelo.
After the sunset, I made my way back to my hotel. Florence accommodation is easy to book via internet. Accommodation in Florence caters for all type of travelers depending on their budget. Luxurious or cheap accommodation is readily available in Florence.
After freshening up in the hotel, I was out to the cobblestone street of Florence again. This time was to savor the nightlife in this old renaissance city.
Tags: Accomodations · Europe · Historical · Uncategorized
Among places that I would love to go on Alaska cruises, Hawaii cruises or even European cruises, particularly the Mediterranean cruises. I love Alaska cruises for the glaciers, natural surroundings and snow capped mountain sceneries. Hawaii cruises offer the beautiful beaches, sun and sea where I can take part in water activities in various islands in Hawaii. For the Mediterranean cruise, I would love to visit the port cities in Santorini in Greece, Venice in Italy, Kusadasi in Turkey and Dubrovnik in Crotia. This remains a dream but not for long.
Following the Tour de France, the world premier cycling road race, from stage to stage in France is one of the most interesting and yet tiring for enthusiasts like myself. The fans have to wake up early to position themselves at good strategic spots to catch the cycling idols cycle past them and taking the best shots.
Taking strategic positions happens during the start of the race, during the race and at the finish line of every stage. I particularly enjoy the race when it reaches the Alps. This is when cyclists slow down when they are riding up the Alps. This is the best time for fans of Tour de France to enjoy seeing their favorite cyclists riding past them slowly. This is the time when the cyclists will be spread out and not riding as a group. It’s the best time for taking pictures as you can take the best shots with the full facial expression of the cyclists as the conquer the Alps.
A visit to Barcelona in 
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In St. Andrews, the streets and alleys of cobbled stones lined with university and medieval churches make the city a very beautiful place to visit. These streets and alleys will lead to the 12th century cathedral.
We visited a few restaurants and bars to sample the authentic Spanish cuisines such as chorizo in cider, octopus from Galicia, cider from Asturias, sherry from Andalucia and other specialties from various regions in Spain. As we enjoyed the local cuisines and delicacies from all over Spain, the guide was explaining the tradition, culture and history of Madrid. He was from Madrid and very proud of it. He just cannot stop telling us about how great the Real Madrid soccer team.
Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) was a Spanish-born artist who made France his home. Picasso was borned in Malaga on 25 October 1881. His father was an artist. He studied art seriously at early age in Barcelona and Madrid. In early 1900’s, he settled down in Paris.
Uffizi in Florence, Italy is one of the world’s most famous museums. Interestingly, Uffizi started as an office for Duke Cosimo I who was a Tuscan administrator. Uffizi was designed by Vasari and built in 1560 - 80. Francesco, a Cosimo’s heir, started to display the Medici family art collection in 1581. Hence, this started the world oldest art gallery.
Colosseum is the greatest Roman amphitheater build b the Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD near to Nero’s palace. Colosseum has the capacity of 55,000 spectators. It was the site for entertainment for the royalties and wealthy citizens. Gladators fought to death with each other and wild beast such as lions and tigers brought in from far away land.
The statue of David was created by Michelangelo in 1504. David is a nude statue which depicts the biblical hero which killed Goliath. 
