Florence!!!

Okay people we are in Florence! This city is built of markets, merchants, and art. Its rich in its own type of culture. It's much smaller than Rome, and allows you to feel like you belong a bit better. Its completely walk-able. I wish I had time for a couple day trips while I was here. Alas, I did not. So I shopped until I dropped, ate, and walked through my fair share of art.  

 This is the main church in Firenze, it is all colored marble. 

 Another wonderful church, the monument is built on the backs of turtles anyone know why??

  Just too funny not to share:)

 Main bell tower in the main plaza, to the right of this building is the Uffizi 

 a classic Italian car sticker

 a WALL of cookies

 A WALL of pasta, this should have a warning sign attached to it, "waistlines beware!"

 On the famous bridge in Florence where they have been in the gold market for CENTURIES..... name the bridge....??

 This picture right here simply captures this city. In its Tuscany colors, laundry out the window, built on the Arno river, gardens in their windows. Oh how I love this picture. 

 I completely  love this pea soup river. 

  Okay Hopeless Romantics like myself, this is just for you. These pad locks have been attached by lovers from around the world. They come from  all types of life and all types of love. They lock their locks upon the chains and throw the key into the river just on the other side of the wall, signifying that their love is forever. I know completely precious and amazing!!!!

 The Michelangelo Piazza, a view that worth so much than this picture can really show. A view of a city that will forever hold a place in my heart. 

 Need I say more?

 The painted dome of the Duomo. 

 A view of this Tuscan city during the day. Look at those hills don't they just call your name?

 The group:) Alyssa, Chris, myself, Brian, and Jessica.

 One of my absolute favorite pictures of this whole trip. 

A true European Water Closet. No separation between anything no slanted floor for proper drainage, yes that is a wooden chair.... in a water room. I should also mention that toilet is at least a foot and a half high. 

I saw Michelangelo's  David. I honestly could sit there all day and just ooo and ahh. It really made me think of God, and the talents he has blessed me with. My talents are nothing as wonderful as Michelangelo's but I am constantly amazed that my talents allow my life to run as it does. I am thankful to  my Heavenly Father for planning them so well as to cross all my t's and dot all my i's. I hope that I can one day develop my talents enough to a point where I can use them for the sole purpose of blessing other peoples lives. Since we weren't allowed to take pictures I decided not to sub one in with the hopes that you feel the urge to look it up yourself and spend some time thinking about your own talents. 

On to the next city, you ready??