Since the beginning of the year, I have found solace in the Giardino delle Rose and Giardino Bardini. The year didn’t begin with a bang. It was more like a clunk. I ambled around Florence and kept my head down. Even though I love my beloved city’s architecture and museums, I craved a deeper connection with Mother Nature. I wanted to see the last few roses in January, the pruned rose bushes with only a handful of leaves, the brightly colored camellias blossoming in their leafy bushes, and the brilliant wildflowers that appeared almost out of nowhere.

During the first quarter of the year, I kept quiet, pondering my next steps and embracing time as my friend. Nature infuses me with patience, love, and an unwavering sense of peace. It was also in the gardens that I was inspired to write an anecdote. I took many other photos of Florence, as I’m always impressed by her beauty.

The end of the year was filled with beautiful moments in my beloved city. In the Giardino di Boboli, above the Arno, in the Giardino delle Rose and the Fontane delle Rampe del Poggi, and the Piazza di San Giovanni. Admiring the sights and sounds of the city before and during the holidays.

Before taking off on a three-week trip to California, I watched the sunset. Upon my return, I watched another one. I love to say goodbye to my beloved city with a sunset. When I returned, the days were quite mild and sometimes still warm. I spent many days walking around Florence and enjoyed my time in the gardens, especially the Giardino delle Rose, and in the streets where I basked in the beauty around me.

As summer ended, the sun lost its strength, temperatures dropped, and colors became muted. Autumn is when Mother Nature awakens and shows off her splendid colors. In these posts, I walked through Giardino Bardini, strolled along the Arno, and spotted the Duomo down a darkened street.

I enjoy navigating the city in the summer because of the ever-changing scenery. The sun casts its light and brings new things into focus. From Ponte Santa Trinita, I watched the renaioli (sand digger boats) travel up and down the Arno. While walking down Via delle Terme, I caught sight of the Statue della Giustizia with the sun bursting behind it. I strolled through Giardino Bardini and admired how Mother Nature was flourishing. After visiting the Basilica di Santo Spirito, I enjoyed a quiet moment in the cloister’s lush garden that encircled a fountain.

As summer took hold, I meandered around Florence seeking solace either in nature or in the shady sides of the streets. I enjoyed admiring the monuments from afar as well as spotting other ones, like a tabernacle on a street corner.

During my strolls through Florence, I bask in the moments of beauty that I happen upon.

The highlights of my days last month were when I was navigating the streets of Florence, catching a sunset, and perusing the Giardino Bardini. Time spent communing with my beloved city are always magical.

If I am ambling through a garden, watching a sunset, or running an errand, Florence never ceases to delight me with her beauty. Ordinary moments become extraordinary every time I revel in my surroundings.

In these anecdotes, I enjoyed taking a brisk walk in the Giardino delle Rose, basking in the cheery spirit of the Mercato del Porcellino, watching a sunset from Ponte Santa Trinita, and admiring the colors in the sky from Ponte alle Grazie.

Between bouts of rain and clear skies, I enjoyed strolling around Florence to experience her charm from every angle.

Whenever I am ambling around Florence, something catches my attention and I take the time to embrace it. Twice I spotted the Duomo from afar—in the Giardino Bardini and from the Viale Galileo. Two other times, I relished the full moon above the giostra in Piazza della Repubblica and hovering the Duomo.

As the summer turned to fall, I enjoyed many walks around Florence. Every time that Mother Nature communed with my beloved city to create a special moment, I snapped a photo. Sometimes it occurred while strolling along the river or just ambling through the streets or gardens.

As we slid into August, the days shortened, but the temperatures peaked. This month has been a mellow one, filled with quiet days and nights. Many shops, bars, and restaurants were closed as many locals gravitated to either the seaside or the mountains. Florence benefited from the summer holiday as well, experiencing less traffic. In these anecdotes, I relished my time with my beloved city. From a walk down a road, a pass through Piazza di San Giovanni, a hike up to Piazzale Michelangiolo, and a jaunt in the Giardino Bardini. 

As summer slowly began, I visited the Giardino delle Rose, walked along the Arno, enjoyed a sunset, and hiked up to San Miniato al Monte. Each of these excursions offered me many delicious moments to experience. I snapped photos, took a video of the noon bells chiming, and soaked up my beloved city’s energy. Every time I returned home, I felt both peaceful and revitalized.