This bike has been around the block a few times. How does it turn?
 

 

View from Ponte Vecchio.
 

Ponte Santa Trinita and all the other bridges were destroyed in WW2. Florence raised the broken bits from the river and reconstructed the bridges.
 

Proof that we were there.
 

This dish was particularly recommended. This is a pear and artichoke pasta.
 

 

Cheesecake.
 

Tiramisu.
 

 

Our waiter was having a great time flirting with the girls at the other table.
 

We met a nice couple from Walnut Creek, CA who took our picture and bought us champaigne for our honeymoon.
 

Trattoria 4 Leoni was highly recommended by our friends on the train. We were lucky to get a table without a reservation.
 

The main square of Florence, "Piazza della Signoria", has this huge fortress which originally helped protect the city, now houses government offices and a museum.
 

The Rape (kidnapping) of the Sabine Women by Giambologna. We were amazed to see these old and beautiful statues open to the night air (and pigeons) in the Loggia dei Lanz on the square. No admission needed to view them up close. David was outdoors for hundreds of years. Now it's protected in the Galleria dell' Accademia.
 

Hercules beating the Centaur Nessus by Giambologna. (1599)
 

The Rape of Polyxena by Pio Fedi 1865.
 

 

The Neptune Fountain in the square. This is kind of considered an eye sore by the citizens of Florence because they have a long hatred of water from the Arno River constantly flooding.
 

Notice the torch brackets on the wall. These and rings for tying your horse are still maintained on historic buildings. Every June, there is a festival in Florence where they illuminate the city by torch light.
 

 

Saint Antoninus. Archbishop of Florence 1389-1459.
 

Doorway detail.