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Sunday, 12 September 2010

A DAY IN FLORENCE and SAN GIMIGNANO ..........

We have been to Florence before but. as we were in the area, we thought that another visit wouldn't go amiss. My favourite part about a visit to Florence is when you walk along the beautiful streets, turn the corner and there, spread out before you is the magnificent Duomo standing majestically in front of you. It is a 'take your breathe away' moment, no matter how many times you do it. My photographs don't do it justice, as it is very difficult to get the whole of it in, it is so vast !!








Sorry about my photographs. They always seem to lean somewhat to the left !!

The Arno river crosses Florence and passes below the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge.

The Piazza della Signoria

A replica of Michelangelo's David ..... the original is in the Academia Museum.


So, a very pleasant day was spent in Florence consisting of culture, wine and good food.


SAN GIMIGNANO


San Gimignano is a small, walled,  medieval town in the Siena region of Tuscany. It is mainly famous for its towers of which there were 72 , of which only 14 of varying heights remain. They have become San Gimignano's international symbol. 








Tradition now dictates that when on holiday, we climb every tower in sight !! Thank goodness that there is only one tower in San Gimignano that the public can climb !! But..... the lovely part of climbing towers is that you get a great vantage point for some amazing views and therefore, photographs.













You will be pleased to know that there is just one more post of our holiday to come !!
I will treat you all to the delights of Siena next time.
Until then.....

ARRIVEDERCI !

Jackie
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60 comments:

  1. Simply Mel {Reverie}12 September 2010 at 04:13

    Dearest Jacki ~

    It has been such a delight to catch up with your Italian travels! Florence is one of our favorite cities, and we always look forward to strolling along those lovely streets when our path leads us to this magnificent Italian beauty along the Arno!
    I believe you and I would get into a lot of trouble as travel mates, for we tend to favor the same things: eating, drinking, shopping, and beautiful cafes to sit and talk about everything we have seen and wish to see!
    Bisous,
    Melissa

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  2. Carmel's Closet12 September 2010 at 04:20

    AAAhhhh - I lived in Florence for 2 years in my wild young days. Your post is making me feel all nostalgic. So glad to see you had such a lovely time in Tuscany. It remains one of my favourite places in the world.
    Carmel

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  3. Pamela Terry and Edward12 September 2010 at 04:21

    Italy looks like no place else.
    Gorgeous photographs!

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  4. Rambling Tart12 September 2010 at 06:23

    WONDERFUL photos!! I love them so much. :-) I feel like I've just been whisked away on a visual vacation. :-)

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  5. Kerry12 September 2010 at 07:25

    Ah, these bring back wonderful memories for me, thank you Jackie. And I'll look forward to Siena as well..I love the cathedral floor there most of all. And please don't apologise about holiday pics. Italy is my favourite country in the world, apart from here of course!

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  6. Magdalena12 September 2010 at 07:58

    Wonderful photos Jackie!!



    Hugs

    Magdalena

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  7. toves sammensurium12 September 2010 at 08:39

    Beautiful,beautiful,beautiful!!!!!You just convinced me that I should go there before I die!!!!!! What an adventuure,thanks for sharing your journey and these wonderful pictures!!!!!!!!!

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  8. Yvonne - Frl. Klein12 September 2010 at 08:48

    Dear Jackie,
    your impressions from florence are so great! I adore your photos!
    Have a wonderful sunday,
    Big Hugs, Yvonne

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  9. le ciel flamand12 September 2010 at 09:13

    Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures, it's almost as if I was there myself :o)
    Have a nice Sunday,
    Annelies

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  10. Unknown12 September 2010 at 09:45

    How beautiful Jackie....I love Florence and the Duomo is just stunning.....something that everyone should see in their lifetime.

    I'm not great with tower climbing, am so glad you are doing it for me!! ;)

    Happy Sunday :) xx

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  11. Kom Achterom12 September 2010 at 10:14

    OOh what a place!! and what a beautiful photo's!!
    what a dream holiday!!
    happy sunday
    Yolanda

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  12. Rose Garden Malevik12 September 2010 at 10:20

    W
    O
    O
    W

    S
    O

    B
    E
    A
    U
    T
    I
    F
    U
    L

    Really Romantic :)
    Have a Nice day
    Håkan from Sweden :)

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  13. Anonymous12 September 2010 at 10:33

    Dear Jacqueline, Is there, one wonders, a more lovely country than Italy? Architecture, History, Art, Music, Food, Landscape, Shoes, etc. etc. it is all there and so much more besides. And, despite what you say, your pictures do it total justice [it is the buildings which lean, not your camera!!]. I am so enjoying these postings and for you they must represent a wonderful record of a truly enjoyable holiday.

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  14. Luiza12 September 2010 at 10:45

    Oh my...
    This is the place of my dreams... I´m so thankful to see it all in your posts...
    And there is nothing wrong with your photographs, they are truly beautiful and tells us all we need to know...

    Can´t wait to see next post =), becuase I know you probably saved the best for last ;).

    Have a wonderful sunday my friend!
    Hugs/
    Luiza

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  15. Razmataz12 September 2010 at 11:19

    I have never been to Italy, but so enjoyed seeing your photos.

    By the way you have a lovely blog header.

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  16. Nina12 September 2010 at 12:32

    Absolutely stunning pictures. Thank you for a wonderful post. And thanks for making me crave for Italy even moooooore!!!

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  17. Francine Gardner12 September 2010 at 12:53

    I so enjoyed traveling through your post. your photographs are so beautiful.I just love reading about travel, cities, landscape, architecture...thank you for bringing Italy and tuscany...Ciao, Francine

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  18. Pauline12 September 2010 at 13:00

    Fabulous photos - my first visit to your site and had to say that I agree with your comment about the Duomo taking your breathe away. I can still remember rounding the corner and there it was ..... Lucky you, you got to San Gimignano. I've still not forgiven my sisters as we ran out of time to go there. So it's become a bit of a standing joke - I'll get there one day!! Look forward to your next post on Siena - also a stunner!!

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  19. Little Emma English Home12 September 2010 at 13:01

    Wow!!! stunning pictures!!! Love, Zaira

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  20. Laura @ 52 FLEA12 September 2010 at 13:42

    Spectacular! I am loving this tour of Italy! The only day that we were in Florence...it was rainy so it is wonderful to see your blue sky pictures of that beautiful city! I love the photos of San Gimignano...fascinating and look forward to seeing your photos from Siena! Thanks for sharing!

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  21. Thyra12 September 2010 at 15:07

    Your photos are absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
    Best wishes
    Grethe

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  22. Unknown12 September 2010 at 16:31

    Hi dear Jackie! I love San Gimignano: it's so charming!!! I have been there 2 times, but I think that I will go there again with my little Sofia!
    Hugs!
    Mara

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  23. Madelief12 September 2010 at 16:32

    Bon giorno Jackie,

    I have never been to this part of Italy, but hopefully I will one day! Florence looks great and so does San Gimignano. The view from the tower is breathtaking. After so much sun, culture & delicious food it will be difficult to get used to the daily life at home again!

    Enjoy your sunday!

    Lieve groet, Madelief

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  24. Lori12 September 2010 at 16:46

    Jackie ~ these images are spectacular! Loving all the shutters ~ the views ~ and that clothesline in the last shot! I love sharing your trip with you as these are places you always hear about but not sure if you will ever see in person ~ so I will visit it for now through your lens. Hugs & Love for a fabulous week. xo

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  25. VM Creation Atelier12 September 2010 at 18:23

    SO bizzare,just fabulous post,dear Jackie!
    It´s a very big pleasure wolking across...here in you blog posts!

    Wish you wonderful new september week,

    Love,
    ***Violetta***

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  26. Ladoratrice12 September 2010 at 18:33

    So strange, I read your blog while you are here in Florence :D maybe we have met in the crowded square, under the Duomo!

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  27. Unknown12 September 2010 at 19:44

    I will be there in about two weeks...you have made me anxious, it has been too long since I have been there! Thank yo for sharing your wonderful photographs!

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  28. Mise12 September 2010 at 21:29

    Next time you travel, please give me a shout and I'll come with you so as to absorb your enthusiasm. I shan't be climbing ALL the towers but I'll stand at their bases and confirm to passers-by that yes, that is indeed the Famous Jacqueline of Home whom they see nearly at the top.

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  29. Brabourne Farm12 September 2010 at 22:21

    Jackie you're giving me a severe case of wanderlust! I'm so enjoying my armchair travelling via your camera. Your photos are fabulous - more, more, more please. Leigh

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  30. A Gift Wrapped Life13 September 2010 at 00:12

    Maybe I could just leave my bags packed and head to this magnificent region! I think this might be next on the travel list (as soon as I invent something for jet lag). These are spectacular photos Jackie and I think you should be a travel agent or tour guide. I just feel like I have walked through this region and I am going to have my husband read your post........and that says alot! Thank you for your wonderful comments while I was away, I loved hearing from all my favourite gals at the end of the days touring. Again.....your photos are fabulous. Much love XO

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  31. Belle de Ville13 September 2010 at 02:07

    Gorgeous photos. San Gimignano is charming and I love the wine from there.

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  32. Gigi Thibodeau13 September 2010 at 02:45

    Oh my, Jackie, those tower photos are spectacular beyond belief! Lucky me that I get to see these amazing views without taking a single step thanks to you. As much as I adore traveling, I love armchair travel, too. I love imagining you spreading your enthusiasm for life in each and every city where you travel! xoxo Gigi

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  33. debra@dustjacket13 September 2010 at 02:55

    These photo's are just awesome Jac's ... seriously fantastic.

    I thinking I need to get on a plane...NOW. What a fabulous place, thanks for taking me there.

    Thanks honey,
    xoxox

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  34. Paris Hotel Boutique13 September 2010 at 03:33

    Jackie, my mouth is hanging open! It has always been my dream to go to Italy and your photos of Florence take my breath away! Amazing...must be a dream! XO Lynn

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  35. FEDERICA13 September 2010 at 08:58

    Hello sweetie! How are you? I'm finally back home! I had a wonderful summer! Looks like you have a great trip too!
    Tuscany is amazing! Next time you have to see Emilia-Romagna :)
    Wish you a great start of the week!
    Federica
    xoxo

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  36. La Petite Gallery13 September 2010 at 15:24

    Jackie, have a great time. I am so jealous, loved Florence. Did you go to Michelangelo's house? I got some awesome photo's of Florence from there. You just keep posting this wonderful trip. yvonne

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  37. A Refocused Life13 September 2010 at 15:26

    Wow! Fabulous photos! Now I'm getting even more excited for my trip.

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  38. Jeanne Henriques13 September 2010 at 16:38

    So wonderful to walk in your footsteps Jackie...Just stunning. Are you sill walking on cloud nine? All I wanted to do for months on end was cook italian food when I returned. I found some great cookbooks to keep the journey alive if you need some ideas :)Your photos say it all and now Siena...I can't wait.

    Happy Autumn my friend and thanks so much for your lovely comments :)

    Jeanne xxx

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  39. Cathi13 September 2010 at 19:39

    Beautiful photos, Jackie!! I can't wait for you next installment!! Have a gorgeous week! xxoo :)

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  40. Pooch Purple Reign13 September 2010 at 23:20

    brilliant jackie!! i have been to both those places and your post just brought all the memories flooding back.
    stunning pics you lucky girl
    ~laura xx

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  41. Anonymous14 September 2010 at 01:50

    Dear jackie,
    it looks like you are having such a wonderful time - thank you for the updates. I am heading this way to italy and especially tuscany soon. I really love hearing your take on things. I want your favourite spots please as we only have 3 whole days. We are basing ourselves in Florence and then will take a couple of day trips from there so best ones and who did you use? x

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  42. Julie@beingRUBY14 September 2010 at 03:49

    Hey Jacqueline
    Well this brings back memories.. I spent 2 weeks at language school in Firenze.. before traveling around tutti Italia.. although sadly I never made it to San Gimignano... I think the apartment where I stayed was just out of frame on that River Arno photo...

    You know I'll probably get booted out of blogland for saying so.. but Firenze was my least favourite city in Italy.. I think mostly as it was so hot and dusty... 40c every day.... although of course the art, history and architecture were amazing... Loving these images of San Gimignano... might have to be on my next trip!!! arrivederci ciao ciao.. xxx Julie

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  43. Renée Finberg14 September 2010 at 04:17

    wonder pics.
    i love firenze. i don't think there is another town like it.
    xx

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  44. Nina14 September 2010 at 07:05

    Thank you.
    X

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  45. Dumbwit Tellher15 September 2010 at 02:06

    I think it's unanimous Jackie we all need to go next year. Honestly your photos leaning or not are so beautiful. I swear my heart skipped a few beats. I had been to Florence but yet again it was a few thousand years ago. So amazing all of the beauty & so happy you have taken us along. Now if you just served wine with the photos!

    Can't wait for more. Big hug to you Jackie xo xo

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  46. Biene16 September 2010 at 10:44

    Yes, yes, yes!!!
    I also was there for some times.
    Wonderful towns!
    And Siena is beautiful too!

    Have a nice day!

    Biene

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  47. B16 September 2010 at 15:56

    Fab pics - again! Have always wanted to visit San Gimignano, even more so now, it looks stunning. Looking forward to Siena. Hugs, B x

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  48. BALLET NEWS16 September 2010 at 20:56

    Oh, I've always wanted to go, but never have. That simple shuttered window with the flowers bright red beneath.... utterly stunning photograph. I'm really going to go now though.... thank you

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  49. Siren16 September 2010 at 22:58

    So wonderful pothos, thank you so mutch for sharing with us! I wish you the best, hugs from me, Siren :)

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  50. Oliveaux16 September 2010 at 23:12

    Dear Jackie....how stunning! It looks as beautiful as I always imagine it to be! I think I should be jumping on a plane right now and heading to Tuscany. Such a shame I have to work today! Hope you enjoy your weekend Axx

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  51. Unknown17 September 2010 at 00:46

    So gorgeous, Jackie! I would definitely bring my walking shoes, because all I would want to do is walk and walk! XX!

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  52. Unknown17 September 2010 at 06:54

    Such wonderful photos, you have got me wanting to visit Florence again! Have a sweet day!

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  53. Kellie Collis17 September 2010 at 21:33

    Lovely architecture you have there. I'm pretty sure you're enjoying yourself. Have a beautiful weekend! Kellie xx

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  54. Inspiration i vitt17 September 2010 at 22:25

    Hi Jackie, hope you enjoy really well on your wonderful trip. You are a talented photographer and your photos are so beautiful. I check in again soon. Many warm hugs to you my friend / Ingela.

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  55. Millie20 September 2010 at 01:37

    Gosh this sure beats Auntie Flo & Uncle George's dodgy slide show on their sitting room wall of their trip to Italy! Lovely to see the glorious sunshine after our incredibly long & dreary Winter Jac.
    Millie ^_^

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  56. Lise20 September 2010 at 05:51

    Beautiful Florence. Funny that when I see images of Italy (particularly places I have been) I get such a longing, like a home sick feeling for the place. I am sure that in a previous life Italy was my homeland! Love Duomo and Neptune. The sculptures there are gorgeous

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  57. annechovie20 September 2010 at 15:11

    Wow, Jackie, I love your photos - they bring back great memories of my visit to Florence years back. I've missed you - always a treat to hear from you! xx

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  58. maría cecilia20 September 2010 at 21:10

    Ciao cara Jacqueline, I really love seeing the wonderful pictures of your trip and enjoy the magnificence of the places you visited. Florence is a place I want to go, specially for the wonderful gardens they have.
    cariños,
    maria cecilia

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  59. Fifi Flowers20 September 2010 at 22:14

    J'adore Florence!!! FAB weather! GREAT photos!

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  60. Sobinique21 September 2010 at 10:53

    It's so much fun to see your beautiful photos of Italy. It's been a while but I've been to all these places as well and after seeing your photos I can't wait to go back there! I think I'm going to plan a trip to Italy again next summer..

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