So can I just say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE FLORENCE!!!!!! Although it's a very tourist city. it's amazing, so much to see, so much to eat, and so much to buy!!! As we walked along the canal, we were plotting our escape from America to live under the Tuscan sun, in one of the beautiful villas. Everything here is just so....I can't find the words....it's just so enchanting. From the beautiful architecture, to the great detail put into the buildings, everything is brilliant. And did I mention Florence is THE place to buy leather....oh yes, leather, and at a reasonable price, from shoes to coats. And don't get me started on the leather handbags, a bit more pricey but ladies they are a must have!
And then there's the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral) and it's completely glorious. The 140 years it took to build the Gothic style cathedral was completely well spent, because the outcome is nothing less then magnificent. The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is located in the same Piazza del Duomo is the Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistry of St. John) and Giotto’s Campanile. Built between 1059 and 1128 the baptistry takes on a Florentine Romanesque architecture style and is renowned for its three sets of divine bronze doors, one of which was dubbed by Michelangelo himself, which was entitled "The Gates of Paradise."
I can't talk about Florence with mentioning the amazing outdoor market, filled with some really cool crafts, from jewelry to leather goods to handmade mask from Venice. The best thing about it is that they love to bargain so you can easily walk away paying little to nothing for something. And looking for a gag gift, you'll definitely find one in the market. But along the some street of the market is different shops with jewelry, handbags, shoes, and scarves...all handmade in Italy. 
It is amazing how beautiful everything is here in Italy, and with so much detail. And I get to see it for the next couple of weeks. Jealous yet.....you should be!!!Tomorrow is Pitti Uomo market, super excited!! So until tomorrow, Arrivederci!!
