FLORENCE (FIRENZE TO THE LOCALS) NOT A LOT OF TIME HERE SO WE WILL JUST BE HITTING THE HIGH POINTS. The Arno river flowing through Florence Santa Maria Novello church next to the train station Carrell ponders multiple purchases on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, perhaps the most famous gold retailing area in the world. The photos above and below were taken at the Piazza Michaelangelo viewpoint south of the Arno river.  I am told the nighttime view is breathtaking. Views around the Piazza della Signoria, the statues are replicas Palazzo Vecchio and a closeup of it's Arnolfo's tower Around the Duomo of Florence If you need a hotel while in Florence we can recommend Mario's.  Good rates (for Florence), very nicely decorated rooms, REAL air conditioning, and desk clerks who speak GOOD english.  It is within easy walking distance from the main train station. AND THAT WAS THE END OF A VERY ENJOYABLE, IF TOO SHORT, JAUNT AROUND A LITTLE BIT OF ITALY.  I CAN ENTHUSIASTICALLY RECOMMEND ANY OF THESE SPOTS FOR YOU WHO MIGHT BE PLANNING VACATIONS.   BY THE WAY, I HAD MENTIONED AT THE BEGINNING THAT WE HAD JUST LEFT PROVENCE, FRANCE, WHERE WE HAD SPENT A WEEK SIGHTSEEING WITH A SIERRA CLUB GROUP.  SHOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IN SEEING PHOTOS FROM THAT TRIP, CLICK HERE.  I CAN PROMISE YOU LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL FRENCH SCENERY.