Florence

We arrive in Florence about 3PM and find that Florence's museums are open at night with free admission. There are concerts and special events all around the city for the Notte Bianca, ...(White Night)...

 We wander the streets and find that we are close to the train station, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge...

I have five recommended gelato palaces circled on my map. You want to avoid the engineered stuff with additives, artificial flavors and pumped in air....ice crystals are a giveaway and blues and bubble gum pink are clues about the phoney stuff....

 We want to take the bus to Sienna one day and maybe Pisa on another....

Last night we shared a bottle of Chianti. I had a really nice octopus salad and grilled salmon and Mrs. Phred had veal Marsala and an eggplant salad. We shared tiramisu cake and watched the incredible crowds party and sing though the night....

Today (May 1st) is also a special occasion in Florence as The Girdle of Thomas ( Virgin's Girdle, Holy Belt, or Sacra Cintola) goes on display....Legend has it that Thomas (doubting Thomas) was the only Apostle to witness the ascension  of the Virgin Mary directly to heaven and she dropped to him  her girdle (belt?) on the way up....