Florence: Is Nothing Sacred?

Florence: Garden of the Roses

Exhausted from jetlag and excitement though feeling we hadn't a second to waste in this absurdly beautiful city, 

we took a taxi to Piazalle Michelangelo, high above and on the opposite side of the Arno, for the views. 

We found a quiet and shady lunch spot and then started back downhill on foot toward the city. 

Shortly we were pleasantly waylaid and further restored by this surprise of a garden filled with contemporary sculpture. 

Florence: Everywhere One Looks...

Florence from Above

 Your correspondent climbed both the Campanile, the bell tower, and the Duomo itself on successive days and happily felt none the worse for wear. She enjoyed the views and the help with orientation that only a bird's eye view can supply.

The first great church in the near distance is Basilica di Santa Croce, where Galileo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo and many other historical figures rest or, for some, are at least forgiven and remembered, with monumental sculpture.

The second monumental building is City Hall. Between it and the River Arno is the Uffizi Gallery.

In the distance is another large church, San Miniato al Monte.

Florence: The Duomo, Basilica di Santa Maria del Flore

I don't think one can make a series of posts about Florence without starting with the Duomo. I certainly can't. 

It is startling beautiful and completely hypnotic. 

We found it by walking from our B&B toward the crowds. 

We arrived in Florence just as dozens of Italian school kids arrived for their spring school trips.

We Fly From Newark and Awaken to Mount Blanc!

One World Trade Center

Net Fishing in the Hudson River

Ducks in Our Neighbor's Pool

Their partners were nearby.

My Friend Leon's New Tooth

So Beautifully Green!

On the trail to Turkey Point.

SU Capital Campaign Results, Mailed With a Non-profit Stamp

That's over one billion (with a "b") dollars.

Some contradiction!

I am thankful for SU's critical support for Say Yes to Education. I hope SU will continue to find ways to raise the boat that is Syracuse through very tough times. The Sequester will make things even worse, its effects greatest on poorer people and cities.