Silhouets on the Canal Grande

Land of wine and cheese and sausage.....

Yes, this is the most photographed chapel in Tuscany. Believe me, it was real difficult to find the right parking spot to take this picture. But there is no discussion about it, it is stunning. Like the Tuscan landscape in general, the many impressive old cities with their churches, palaces, sculpture, paintings.....

But now it is time for lunch. Luckily Tuscany is also known for its wine (Chianti), sausages, cheeses, vegetables and all kind of other tasty products. 

The markets are selling a score of fresh products. Greens and reds....

Golden honey and creamy colored honey and in between shades of honey.....

Or marmalade, olives, olive oil, sauces for the pasta .....

What to think of these fantastic looking cheeses.

Shops are full of wines, cheese and sausages. 

All this food looks so beautiful, so inviting.....

Just find a little restaurant in the countryside and enjoy while the weather is nice, 

Sunset over Florence

Somewhat by chance we discovered the sunsets of Florence. One day we were near the Ponte Vecchio watching a demonstration. Then we saw the heavens turn  red slowly. It was fantastic.

Looking down the river Arno was the sky, bright and colorful, and everything else sticking out like silhouettes.   

Turning around the Ponte Vecchio was shining almost orange. In the daytime it was a bit of a disappointment to me. These rundown "boutiques" that sell jewelry. The bridge appeared neglected. Seeing it, in this beautiful light, brought back it's fair tale image.

Up river from the Ponte Vecchio and on the other bank is the Piazzale Michelangelo. It is a high place that is perfect to see the sunset. Just a bit of climbing.... and it can be very busy.

From there the river flows like a stream of gold to the sea. Passing many bridges.

Yes the Ponte Vecchio is great from here. 

Siena Cathedral

The grandeur of the Cathedral of Siena is extreme. One of the most beautiful Cathedrals in the world. The outside is huge and majestic. There is so much to see on the inside. The floor, the pillars and the arches, the Piccolomini library... and several individual art objects. For the technical information about this Cathedral I advise you to read the Wikipedia page about this Doumo.

This blog gives an impression about the pillars and arches.

Pasta....

 

Where would you find find such nicely colored pasta other than in Italy.....  

In Tuscany we would pass a lot of shops and stalls selling pasta in the most fantastic colors and forms. 

 

 

Together with these colorful tomatoes....

And some olive oil....













And fragrant herbs....

And while you are selecting recipes or start the cooking... have some prosciutto with a small glass of  prosecco.  (You see it is definitely a pro-thing.)  Although the hairy legs.... 

And don't forget the bottle of Chianty.

A washing day in Céfalu...

On the north coast of Sicily - more near to Palermo than to Messina - lays the town of Céfalu.

Like the island of Sicily Céfalu has seen many cultures come and go. It has a large beautiful cathedral from Norman times. But somehow Céfalu for me is connected to washing. In the main street there is flight of steps leading to a place where in Arab times a washing place was build. Here the women of the town could wash their clothes and probably keep each other informed about everything going on.

In the large niche with the "point" the wall protects the washing place from the sea.

Inside you see the basins with fresh water and the stones to "scrub".

Many things may have changed, but the washing still has to be done. Look at the many lines with sheets and clothes drying in the wind.

 Still some clothes left. Not yet completely dry....

Finally!! Done for today..... Let's not think about tomorrow.