Ponte Vecchio

Up very early, it’s time to leave Florence and head home. Breakfast at 7am, and having washed, dressed and packed I am too early so head out of the hotel briefly for some last photos of the Ponte Vecchio, the “new” fourteenth century bridge over the Arno which replaced the old one swept away in 1333. The last big flood was in 1966, markers on buildings identify how far the various catastrophic floods reached. Astonishing. The sun has yet to come around the corner.

This view shows the Vasari Corridor, above the arcade and the Ponte Vecchio. It links the Uffizi (to my right), the administrative building of the Medicis, with their Palazzo on the other side of the Arno. They could travel without having to mix with those outside their court.

I have never seen the film “Room with a View”. It was apparently filmed in the hotel I’ve been staying at. I am going to have to watch it.

Travel back works out fine, although after such a busy week - I’m whacked. The trip to Florence was good - fantastic places, informative guides, good company and excellent food and wine. But it was also bittersweet at times. My previous trips here had been with J, it was sad to be here without her.