Bardolino, Venice, Florence (2/2)
I have to say that I gradually started to enjoy the car journey. I could calmly and comfortably view the endless olive groves and the small villages that appeared a bit unreal. I enjoyed the complete separation from the "normal" tourist business and I began to use every short stop to seek direct contact with the locals who always addressed us with a special hint of joy and love of life.This time was just wonderful. We enjoyed delicious snacks, such as ultimately fresh fruits and home-made cakes with freshly made milk coffee. Or, we spent an evening in a small family restaurant and enjoyed a Risotto à la Mama while we watched an Italian sunset.
Finally, Florence was much better than Venice, which I would never have thought possible. From the first moment, I fell in love with the diversity of objects of art and culture you practically meet everywhere in this city. I do not only mean Michelangelo's David which we visited on the very first day, but also the endless diversity of buildings from High Renaissance. Or the unique churches, such as San Miniato. I would just recommend everyone to walk through the city without a precise destination. There are so many treasures, such as galleries or seemingly abandoned parks and gardens, which contain a breathtaking abundance of roses and Hibiscus blossoms the perfume of which you can perceive for miles. We even witnessed a typical marriage. I was so amazed about the zest for life and dedication with which the whole family was gathered around the bridal couple and the procession slowly walked through the streets.
Unfortunately, our days in Florence were over so quickly and the journey back home was around the corner. But the impressions that I gathered during this trip through the north of Italy will accompany me for the rest of my life, and I am certainly coming back again to the country of wine and pasta.
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