Walking down the streets of Florence, I think to myself, "Wow! I am walking down these same streets that once walked the brilliant and famous Renaissance men- Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Machiaevli, the Medicis, Boticelli, and many more."
You are constantly surrounded by the city's history and beauty- statues and monuments around every corner, famous art galleries throughout the city, gorgeous bridges overlooking the river, and the huge cathedral right in the middle of it all. The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and the center of European trading and banking, Florence is filled with more things to see than there is time.
When walking down the streets, you have to be careful of all the scooters that jet right past you on every turn. In this city everyone gets around on the scooters. I've seen business men in suits, grandmas with over-sized bags and even women in stilletos hittin' the gas pedals like professional racers.
I learned that the word "bankrupt" comes from here. "Bancus" means table or bench and "ruptus" means broken. According to the story, back in the day the merchants would be set up tables to conduct business, but once they ran out of money, the police would come and break the tables to signify that you can no longer conduct business. Hence, bank-rupt.
When not admiring the Renaissance art in museums, the street and all around, I would practice my Italian language skills with grandpas on the park benches while trying all the different flavors of gelatto.
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| The famous Michaelangelo's David. (This one is actually the replica at the plaza, the real one had to be moved after it was damaged during a protest.) |
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| Hundreds of steps to the top of the city, enjoying the view of the Duomo and the city. |
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| At night at the plaza, listening to some live music. |
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| Street Art |
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| Sneaking photos at the art museum. |
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