Hi everyone, you were so kind and helpful with my Italy capsule and a few mentioned I could share some photos, so I'm going to take you up on it!

It was an extraordinary trip, and since DH and I were there somewhat in the role of hosts for some of his company's business partners, we got to partake in some amazing planned events and spectacular food. Although I'm not a good 'schmooze' person, the group was super-nice, friendly and people I would happily spend time with. We also had plenty of free time to stroll around and enjoy Firenze! Definitely a taste of la dolce vita and we would love to go back with our babies someday (on a much humbler itinerary lol!)

Here's a smattering of what we packed in over four days:
1. Cheers from Castilo de Verrazzano, a beautiful old winery in the Tuscan hillside. We got to meet the lovely 96-year-old lady who currently owns and lives in the estate, but it dates back to the 1500s (as does seemingly everything there!). Although I don't drink red wine (which they did a beautiful tasting of with dinner), I did enjoy this pre-dinner prosecco.
2 - 5. Spectacular views from the drive up the hills.
6. One surprise the group had was being rented Fiats to drive to the winery - we drove up convoy-style; DH loved it
7. A private event to view the breath-taking David of Michelangelo - I didn't think I would be as gobsmacked as I was. The smallest details (a vein in his hand, the texture on the elbow) was mind-blowing.
8. More views.
9. Il Boboli - the gardens were lovely but this door caught my eye.
10. A puffy for Rachy - I must admit, the architecture on this coat is quite compelling!
11. Don't even remember the name of this piazza, overflowing with sculpture. It's so cool how the art in the city is basically available to anyone rather than being hidden away in museums.
12. A wine door - apparently the wealthy used these to sell their excess wine to the great unwashed without having to have actual contact with them lol ... it became a 'Where's Waldo' style game to spot these as we strolled around. Despite their classist origin, they are visually very charming!
13. Santa Maria Novella pharmacy - evidently dating back to the 1200s I believe - this photo shows the Medici family crest. I am so curious to learn more about the Medicis; as I understand we have them to thank for the vast art that came out of Florence, but their poor fellow citizens may not have had such an admiring view ...
14. City view from the hotel roof across from ours.
15. Our hotel room. Ridiculous! But fun to play posh for a few days!

I know many of your are far more travelled than I am, but honestly, I can't imagine a nicer place ... it makes me want to learn and see more of the world's treasures that I've been missing! xx