SUMMER 2018 VACATION IN ITALY; 

 Our Day in Rome

 On the way to Rome on Freccia Rossa 

                           (Red Arrow train)

 
 Above, waiting for the bus station, across from the Rome's Termini Train Station
Below,  in Rome on the touring bus

The Colusseum

Below, one of the many Arcs in Rome. These were built when Rome had a military victory, and the returning army would triumphantly go through it. 

                          
Below, the Spanish Steps

Below, l'Altare della Patria. The Altar of the Nation. It is a monument in honor of all the Italian soldiers  and those who defended liberty.

Below, Castel Sant'Angelo. It was the pope's summer residence.

Below, walking toward the Vatican and Saint Peter's Basilica, which is the biggest church in the world. It was designed by Michelangelo.

Below, The Fountain of Trevi.

MY SUMMER 2018 VACATION IN ITALY; Our Stay in Florence, Tue. June 26 to Mon. July 2nd 

Arrival at the Pisa International Airport, 

26 June, 2018.

VISITING Florence, Tuscany

The Duomo of Florence, 

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore 

It was began in 1294 by various artists, the cupola (the round roof) was designed by Brunelleschi between 1420- 1434. It has a diameter of 45 meters and a height of 91 meters! 

The campanile below (The bell tower) was designed by Giotto, a great painter, from 1334-1359.

 Above, the facade, the front, of the Cathedral,

and below, one of its sides.

Below, Maria and Gianni taking a break from walking.

Below, a piazza, a plaza, not too far from the Cathedral. 

Below, a mercatino, a small market.

Palazzo Vecchi (Old Building) in the Piazza of the Signoria 

(The Plaza of the Nobles)

Below, a replica (copy) of the David, sculpture by Michelangelo. The original is inside the Uffizzi Museum, to protect it from the elements (pollution and from nature; sun, wind, rain, etc) 

The David has a nice buddy and a round and firm butt!

Below, a sculpture of Hercules and Caco

 Above, the sign on the balcony reads: TRUTH FOR GIULIO REGENI. he was a Italian young Phd student who was murdered in Egypt. 

Ice-cream in Florence...it's yummy!

Below, an exhausted (tired) Maria and  outdoor vendors, the sellers, of souvenirs. 

 

Below, the book I enjoyed reading this summer. It has the stories (based on true events) of three different children; one from Syria, one from Cuba and one from Nazi Germany,  and their families who escaped war, famine and persecution.

 Leaving Florence, on the way to Pisa's Airport, Monday July 2.