A Leaf in the Wind: Day 48

Buongiorno,

I know how you have all probably missed my personal photo shoots, well good news....Today was the day they are back:) For some reason the streets of Florence were not very busy. Perfect for the self photo shoots:)

I was extremely productive today my first stop was the Salvotore Ferragamo Museum. It is located right upstairs from the store. It was incredible with over 16,000 pairs of shoes. The building was beautiful and the museum a delight.

My next stop was the Palazzo Pitti or better known as Pitti Palace. I have to tell you I am a little burned out of going to museums, that may sound awful, but keep in mind this is day 48:) I really was interested in the Costume exhibit so when I went to Biglietto office there were a lot of ticket options so I said for the Costume and Boboli Gardens (the gardens that belong to the palace) 12. Euros later. I walked pretty far to the entrance and then I kid you not at least 150 stairs up to the Costume room to be informed my ticket was not good for this part of the Pitti. I practically begged to go in and I could tell the girl felt bad, but there was nothing she could do so I walked down the 150 some odd stairs to exchange my ticket and with 5 Euros back in my pocket and a new ticket I was on my way back up, once again I was sweating:) This trip has been like a constant workout:) Anyway, the Costume rooms were gorgeous with many beautiful gowns dating from the 1800's to the late 1900's. It was worth the walking and I was already preparing for my gelato later so no quilt there:). After, I walked out to the gardens and they were actually better than I imagined.

So many good photo ops at the gardens:) Another travelling tip which I think I already gave but worth repeating. If you are travelling to sight see absolutely go in the off season. You can walk right up to anything you want to do or see and you get great pictures without strangers in them. Not to mention prices are a lot better. Seriously it is so nice. Now if you are going to a resort totally different story. I can't imagine travelling any other way. It also seems like everyone is so much friendlier, I think because merchants appreciate your business and other tourists aren't stressed by massive amounts of people.

After boboli I had a great lunch and then decided I should buy myself a little something on the Ponte Vecchio (the bridge in Florence that only sells jewelry, 54 little jewelry stores) I have enclosed many pictures of this bridge in previous blogs. Ponte Vecchio dates back to the 1500's maybe 1400 I can't exactly remember. Anyway, I bought myself a cute necklace and 3 separate tri colored bracelets. I felt good about this idea!!!

Then I was onward to the Officina Profuma Farmaceutia di Santa Maria Nouvella opened in 1612. Marco told me about it yesterday and said I needed to go. Wow everything they sell is all natural ranging from soaps, creams, animal products, perfumes, elixirs and men's shaving products (hey Landon maybe you got something:) I loved this place another MUST GO on my list. The picture is of me inside in case you didn't know. It was beautiful inside as well. Pricey but well worth it.

I have been busy haven't I ?

You didn't think I was going to forget my gelato did you? I worked hard for this today:) and it was a really good one. They are a bit different everywhere you go.

At this point in my day I came back to the hotel and finished packing box #9, the picture will be in tomorrows blog:) and I packed most of my suitcase for my departure on Tuesday morning.

I then came down to the lounge to download my pictures for the day and to work on my blog. Of course I ran into Evie which is always fun for me. We are having dinner together tomorrow:)

I hope you like the pictures, I was having fun taking them. BTW I didn't take all of them:)

Until tomorrow my friends and family, always sending my love and good wishes,

Laura