Florence, Italy

 Florence, Italy was one of our absolute favorite stops on our European vacation.  The city is laid out so well and you can walk it in any direction.  The buildings are fabulous, the architecture along is something we never see here in the United States.  The ancient buildings are so inviting, well kept and awe inspiring at the same time.  Even the cobble stone streets hold interest.  I saw nothing in the city of Florence that didn't make me catch my breath or want to linger and exam.  This city should always be on your list of places to visit.  I think next time I want just a solid week there to walk at leisure and soak up the flavor of the people and be less of a tourist.  

The view from the bridge we cross near our hotel to some really nice restaurants. 

We were up on Michelangelo Piazza.

The view from Michelangelo Piazza.  It looks out over parts of Florence. 

Michelangelo's David.  This bronze statue was made to replace the original that now is housed inside a museum in Florence.  This one is where the original stood for many years.  Michelangelo Piazza.

Another of the view from on top of Michelangelo Piazza.

While at the covered bridge that is shopping on either side as you walk across it.  This was the view from the back side.  Absolutely gorgeous.  

This was our view every time we stepped out of our hotel.  

You saw very few automobiles but loads of bicycles.  We were just strolling down the street.  See the cobblestones?  The city is so walkable and so friendly.  

Another view from the bridge we would cross daily to get to the other side of the river.  

Sun setting on our walk back to the hotel.  You can see the covered bridge that is full of shops.  

Some of the street signs we saw walking around.  

We couldn't quite figure out what this one was warning us of LOL. 

I guess this warns of birds crapping.  

We loved Florence and I've shared a few of the photos I shot while we were there.  I would definitely go back if I get the chance,  

One of the places we ate while we were in Florence.  We stopped in here for lunch.  Loved the atmosphere and ambience.  Food was good too.  

The City of Paris, France - 2022

 I truly believe I could be happy living in Paris!  Such a beautiful city with the most welcoming people.  I absolutely loved our visit there and want to go back as soon as possible!  

A shot of Paris near our hotel.  We walked past here every day.  

The mornings met us with sunshine and cooing birds.  We had rain from time to time but I didn't seem to mind it here.  Everything was so gorgeous and the people we met were always so happy.  There were sidewalk cafes in every direction and it was just near us, it was all over Paris.  We ate in many of them and not once was I disappointed!  I had heard others say that I could fall in love with Paris but I didn't believe them, after all, I love where I live, I love the US and there is no way I would be tempted to want to live anywhere else.  Well, guess what?  I fell in love with Paris, I may have left a piece of my heart there.  Both Gary and I said we could live there and that's saying a lot!  

This is in front of our hotel.  We were in the art district.  We had a winery next door and two different art studios right there, one that taught sculpting and the other painting. 

Our Hotel Room in Paris at the Villa des Artistes. 

One of my favorite "art pieces"  (graffiti) that we passed almost daily while we were in Paris.  

A few shots of some of the landscape and architecture that we passed daily.  Loved this, Beauty is all directions.   

Two blocks from our hotel was this amazing little privately owned bakery or pastry shop.  I'm not sure what she called it.  There were a lot of choices there.  She was always busy but we managed to stop there every morning and then every evening on our way back to the hotel.  

Gary and I managed to find a different pub daily so we could celebrate happy hour! LOL. 

Various meals we had while in Paris.  There were meals that weren't photographed as well but I tried to remember most of the time.  

We found the most precious little Catholic church while we were out one evening and the doors were open so we went inside.  Beautiful!  

Every evening ended nearly the same way.  It was a wonderful trip and we enjoyed every moment of it. 

A cappuccino was always the most enjoyable end to a day.  My favorite way to relax.