I had plans to head off
to Tuscany in October but unfortunately I’ve had to push out the trip to 2014.
That doesn't stop me from dreaming about one of my favorite places. Florence is
such an amazing city and I think I’ve only scratched the surface of all the
amazing churches and palaces it has to offer. I long to return to the over-the-top rooms of Palazzo Pitti. I wasn't able to tour the royal apartments or see the costume exhibit on my last visit. I want to hop in a tiny Fiat and hit the road and explore the wonderful hill towns.
One of my favorite things to do is focus in on the little details that make
each town unique. In Assisi the churches and cathedrals like the Basilica di San Francesco take center stage. But as I wandered the streets I
became fascinated by all the intricate wrought iron lamps and posts that jutted
out of the stonewalls.
They were held up by the most spectacular gargoyles.
I found myself
looking up to make sure I caught all the wonderful creatures that loomed above
me.
In Poppi, the town is
centered around the huge medieval castle that sits high on a hill. When you
enter the castle a massive stone staircase commands your attention. The shear
scale of the castle is impressive enough, but what really caught my eye was the immense
ballroom. The walls and the massive vaulted
ceiling were covered in faux painted marble panels and wonderful stenciled
designs. A decorative painters dream. Having faux painted quite a few walls myself;
I could appreciate the amazing skill the painters used to complete such an
enormous space.
I continue to dream of
Tuscany. Next year can’t get here fast enough.
