Nostalgic Postcards:: Florence, Italy

I have a serious case of (European) wanderlust. There is something about a trip to Europe that does something special to me - perhaps it is the history, architecture, food (particularly the coffee, bread, olive oil and cheese, yes in that order) or just simply the stunning beauty that really makes a jaunt across the pond seem like a real vacation. A few years ago, long before I started this blog, I ventured to Italy (Rome and Florence) with my dear friend Christi. I didn't have a fancy camera in tow, it was just my two feet and my eyes that magically moved me throughout the stunning city of Florence, Italy.  Majoring in art history during college opened my eyes to the Renaissance and allowed me to develop a deep-rooted love for architecture and paintings, so it was truly remarkable that I was able to see everything first-hand. I am not shy to admit that I became overwhelmed with emotion (yes, my eyes welled-up) with pure wonder when I first saw the Duomo.  I strolled the streets eating gelato and ate the best caprese panini known to man. I lingered for hours in the Boboli Gardens, in particularly the rose garden, where the autumn light was so magical casting hazy sunny rays onto the Italian country side.  I hope you enjoy the photographs as much as I loved going back into my traveling archive! Continue for more...

(The view)

(Casting shadows in the Boboli Gardens)

(The view down the Arno)

(Ponte Vecchio)

(In the rose garden of the Boboli Gardens)

(Winding Tuscan paths)

(The facade of the Duomo)

(Santa Maria Novella)

(Changing leaves in the Boboli Gardens)

(The Tuscan countryside)

(Reflections in the river)

(The silhouette of the Tuscan countryside)

*All photography by Alison