This year was my wife Eileen and my 25th Wedding Anniversary, so we decided to go to Italy for 17 days in June - spending our actual anniversary in Florence. I decided not to take my laptop with me, so I wasn't able to blog while we were traveling, so I am now taking the opportunity to tell the story of our "Italy 2008" trip.
Slept in !! Today is the big day - the reason for the trip - our 25th Anniversary.
After a lazy breakfast we left at about 11am and visited the San Lorenzo church - the parish church of the Medici family - and the Medici chapel. Helped a disabled man climb the stairs to the chapel - he was very grateful. It occurred to us that there weren't many facilities for the disabled, especially in the historical sights.
San Lorenzo Church
Then we walked to the “Mercato Nuovo" piazza so Eileen could check out the leather bag stalls (for Jen's birthday). Had lunch at a Pizzeria in the square - pizza is different from North American pizza - not as heavy – makes a nice light lunch.
Ponte Vecchio
After lunch we crossed the Ponte Vecchio bridge and walked around the Bobboli Gardens, climbing up to the "Forte de Belvedere" for views of the city.
Florence from the "Forte de Belvedere"
Then back to the Mercato Nuova to buy Jen's bag and to the B&B to rest and get ready for dinner.
In our room were two lovely surprises - 12 red roses from Andrew and Jen and a bottle of Chianti from the B&B - the receptionist had arranged our dinner reservations, so she knew it was our 25th.
Dinner was at Frescobaldi's - the receptionist had recommended it - but it was also in Rick Steves book - for those who wanted to splurge. Our most expensive meal so far, but well worth it. What with the free red wine and wine with the meal - I was just a little tipsy - it was a good job we had a 20 minute walk back to the hotel.
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