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.
Giardino delle Rose -- June 21, 2024
A blanket of light gray has been covering the city for days. From the Giardino delle Rose, a thick haze separated Florence from the surrounding hills, setting her apart from the area beyond the city limits. The low hills and mountains were almost imperceptible behind a white veil of clouds.Orange poppies, tiny yellow hawksbeard flowers, and tall white clovers spread over the grass between the rose bushes. Tiny lizards wiggled their way through the greenery as I circled the area. I sniffed a few roses and delighted in their sweet and fruity fragrance.
After making the rounds, I sat on a wooden bench under a London plane tree with its large, green leaves. The air was so still that I rarely felt a breath of air pass. The towering cypress trees just outside the perimeter of the garden were motionless.
During the long moments when no one else was in the garden, I took in more details of the rose garden. I listened to the water in the fountain splash on the fuchsia water lilies that blossomed above the surface. Regardless of the visitors ascending and descending the incline below me, I remained focused on its constant melody, which was both relaxing and invigorating.
Sparrows perched on tree branches and chirped while dove pigeons and blackbirds pecked at the grassy area. The noon bells chimed with little fanfare. I was so entranced by the water that I didn’t even think of taking a video.
The longer I sat, the more I could feel a breath of wind caress my face. When two large groups entered the gardens, the sound of the water in the fountain grew faint. The single chime of the church bells, signifying one o’clock, persuaded me to grab lunch.
Lungarno Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici -- June 24, 2024
In the late afternoon, I headed out for a stroll along the Arno. Strong gust of wind spread ripples across the water and nudged clouds across the sky. The pace of the pedestrians was slow and calm. I leaned over the low brick wall to admire the Ponte Vecchio as the sun cast its white light onto it.Right before the Corridoio Vasariano, I paused as the sun hid behind the lamppost. Over the past couple of weeks, the banners for the Tour de France have been installed along the river and a few major streets, like via Calzaiuoli. It’s such an honor for Florence to be the first Italian city to host the start of this prestigious bicycle race.
I continued toward the Ponte Vecchio, where the crowds became denser. I arrived at the center of the bridge without getting jostled. As I stood alongside Cellini, I gazed at the riverscape. The Arno’s crisp scent wafted up from the river, but then evaporated when the wind picked up.
After a few minutes, I returned to where I was earlier. I relished the lush greenery bordering the river and the large leaves that crept over the brick wall.
One couple paused to snap photos with the Ponte Vecchio as the backdrop. As they continued their stroll, they peered into the mobile phone and smiled at their photos.
Before returning home, I took in a deep breath and sighed. My beloved city’s arms are wide open to all who come here. It’s a gift I cherish and am grateful for every day.
Ponte Santa Trinita -- June 27, 2024
After the sun slipped behind the mountains to the west, the sightseers standing beside me on Ponte Santa Trinita took off. As the hubbub quieted down, a veil of serenity enveloped me. I sat on the limestone blocks with one knee on top of the low wall and reveled in the panorama.The skies turned pale, and the water became calmer. It took almost 15 minutes before the streetlamps flickered on, adding a golden glow to the riverscape.
With every gentle breeze that fluttered by, I relaxed my body even more. I slowed down my breathing and opened up my vision to capture more details. The dark streaks of clouds staggering overhead, the strip of light blue sky, the subtle ripples on the water, the murmur of voices, and the cool air passing across my face. The ruota panoramica (Ferris wheel) in Le Cascine caught my eye. With its sparkling lights, it rotated behind the rooftops.
The entire sky turned a dark gray and then blue. I stood up, faced the horizon, and took a few photos.
Once the sky turned black, I headed home. The progression of the sunset imbued me with reposefulness. My steps, along Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, were slow and steady, like my breath.
Cimitero delle Porte Sante -- July 3, 2024
As I crossed Ponte alle Grazie, my gaze hopped over the row of cars waiting at the streetlight. It then passed over the buildings along Lungarno Serristori until it settled on San Miniato al Monte. When I glimpsed the basilica’s green and white marble façade, I made a beeline for Piazza Demidoff.After walking along the uneven stones through San Niccolò, I hiked up the incline until I reached Giardino delle Rose. I scanned the rose bushes, pranced through the grass to sniff some of the colorful blossoms before continuing the path to the top.
I exited the Rose Garden and followed the winding road to Viale Galileo, where cars and trucks zoomed by in both directions. When I arrived at the white marble steps, I climbed them to the top without stopping.
I was mesmerized by the eagle atop the basilica as I strode up the wide steps and passed through the large gate. Upon reaching the Cimitero delle Porte Sante (The Sacred Doors Cemetery), I paused next to this statue of a woman embracing the Duomo. I took in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds before exhaling to relax my body.
Layers of white clouds dimmed the sun’s light, setting the city aglow. The cool gusts of wind smelled of humid grass and dry stones.
I continued up to the terrace, where many tourists had gathered. At the low brick barrier, I scanned the panorama. At noon, bells from all around the city chimed, with San Miniato al Monte’s campanile (bell tower) being the first ones to sound. The mood was so tranquil that I stayed until a single church bell rang, signifying half past noon.
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