Oct 12 - Columbus Day in Italy

We took a touring holiday today and had a free day to do "whatever".  Some went to the Uffizi art gallery and spent a few hours in "art appreciation".  Others were touring the Pitti Palace museums and gardens and some went to admire Michelangelo's magnificent "David" sculpture.   I'm sure eating and shopping played into the day too.  We got together in the courtyard for our daily "wine down" and enjoyed recounting our adventures.  Since it's Columbus Day and he was an Italian, here's some interesting (or not) internet info for you.  Christopher Columbus is often portrayed as the first European to sail to the Americas and as the discoverer of the New World.  Columbus Day originated as a celebration of Italian-American heritage and was first held in San Francisco in 1869. The first state-wide celebration was held in Colorado in 1907. In 1937, Columbus Day become a holiday across the United States. Since 1971, it has been celebrated on the second Monday in October.  However, here in Florence we haven't heard a word about him!  Have a happy day - we did!

~Christopher Columbus~

Hey, he looks like the waiter in the trattoria

down the street  - without the stylish hat!

 

 

 

 

Oct 11 - An Afternoon in Lucca

Our last train trip for the tour was to lovely Lucca this afternoon.  Another important city in Tuscany, historical Lucca is completely surrounded by an earthen and brick faced wall - two and a half miles around - built between the 15th and 16th centuries.  No longer needed for defense, the wall is now a beautiful park.  Views of the old city and the new from the wall are very nice.  It was a serene and pleasant walk on this Saturday afternoon.  A walk through the city streets was also interesting and we especially enjoyed the Piazza Anfiteatro built over the ruins of a Roman amphitheater.  Most of us had a nice lunch at the outdoor cafes there.  A couple of short rain showers did not dampen our enjoyment of yet another unique look at Italy.  Back "at home" we celebrated Judy's birthday at our courtyard "wine down"!  Enjoy the photos of Lucca and stay tuned for more  . . .