Italy Part 2 – Florence, Siena, and Tuscany

Happy Monday! It always means a lot to me that you decided to share a few minutes of your day with me, reading my thoughts and following along with my family. Today I am sharing a second recap of my 2024 trip to Italy. If you missed part one, you can find it here. It gives you the background of why a 5-month pregnant 40-year-old is on tour with a bunch of college kids.

We are picking up in the city of Siena. The gothic architecture, as seen here at the Siena Cathedral, is indescribable.

Overlooking the town of Siena

Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico

You have to be uber covered when entering these cathedrals, so I had to wrap a large pashmina around my legs. That was easier for me. It was well above 90 degrees on this trip, and the old pregnant lady wasn’t going to wear pants or layers.

Padua, Italy

My mother-in-law visited Italy a while ago, and she still says Florence was her favorite town, so I was looking forward to this city. I bought two of my favorite souvenirs here: a handsewn Florentine bib and blanket with a puppy on it, both monogrammed with Judson’s name. Mama also went into the Lego store in downtown Florence and bought Liam a Lego Vespa. I knew he would rather have something like that than a silly plastic gladiator costume. The Vespa is now up on the shelf (not to be touched).

Florentine tradition states that if you rub this bronze boar on the snout you will give birth to a boy. I already knew Judson was a boy, but I couldn’t pass a photo op.

The biggest draw to Florence is no doubt the Galleria where you can see Michelangelo’s “David”.

It was so much larger than I imagined.

Other sculptures

Baptisery of San Giovanni, Florence

 

 

 

 

 

The city center of Florence is a MASSIVE marketplace. Italian leather is created right here.

 

The cutest little walk-up wine shop.

Piazza Santa Maria Novella

(Remember – we’re singing in all these ancient cathedrals. Such amazing experiences.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

That’s all for today. My next recap will include the famous Murano island of glass-blowing fame, the colorful island of Burano, and my favorite stop – Venice!