Through the lens: Florence, Italy

Firenze

This is one city that should be on everyone's bucket list. Florence is as authentic as Italian culture gets! Whether you would like to travel back into Italian renaissance in the Uffizi gallery or simply people watch in the Piazza della Signoria, I recommend at least 3 or 4 days in this beautiful city. There is so much to see, especially as the Florentines are especially proud of their heritage, they have worked hard to preserve the gifts their elder generations have left them in the form of architecture, art and glorious food! 

Imitation of the famous David

If you would like to see the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Da Vinci be sure to buy tickets in advance as it gets awfully busy (we queued for over an hour in the freezing cold- although it was worth it). My favourite in the Uffizi gallery was Michelangelo's Doni Tondo, which must be seen for its intricate details in person. 

Also another one of my favourite highlights from Florence was the visit to Piazzale Michelangelo. This is a famous square with a phenomenal view of the city - photographs don't do it justice!

Floating Umbrellas on the way to the Boboli gardens

Authentic Florentine architecture

Enjoying the best Cappucino I've ever tasted!

Panorama from the Piazzale Michelangelo

Happy New Year!

Ponte Vecchio - the oldest bridge in Florence with in built shops still operating

If you missed out on Venice, catch up here.

Through the lens: Venice, Italy

Venezia

Venice was an absolutely magical place that firmly captured my heart. Not only was it beautiful in its own way, but it also had some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted, the most stylishly dressed people I've seen, as well as the friendliest people I met. That is a lot of superlatives for one little city yo!

Also, be sure not to miss Harry's bar. This is the original Cipriani's restaurant and where the carpaccio and bellini were born. Although you can find branches of Harry's across the globe which all serve delicious food, trust me when I say nothing beats the original. Hands down the best meal I've ever had! Evidently there are no photos, as we were incredibly hungry bunnies - so I didn't get to capture it by camera.

An introductory shot of the well known Venetian gondolas

A delightful berry and chocolate gelato from the iconic Florian Cafe

A gratuitous shot of the real Venice!

Did you know there are only 405 licensed gondoliers in Venice?

Sumptuous warm Bruschetta at a local favourite - Capavitti

Fried in extra light batter - calamari and vegetables

Best Tiramisu you'll ever taste!

Views from the Rialto

Stay tuned for my next post where I will whisk you away to Florence!

Sea Therapy

When it comes to matters of the heart it's tricky to be wise, so you must tread lightly. A million questions run through your mind, thoughts, flashbacks... but it's established that life's complications are impossible to escape but it's how you handle these curve balls that makes the difference in the healing process.

In the presence of such circumstances some kind of therapy must be sought in order to rehabilitate your mind, body and soul. For myself, this was in the form of flying away somewhere dreamy, right on the beach, with sunshine, books, and serenity.

Supper Time Sunset

Creating a sanctuary somewhere far away from crowds of people, internet connections, phone calls, and unsolicited advice. Just my own private retreat with books I was glued to and the deep blue sea to keep me company.

One special moment during this time was breakfast with an old friend of my fathers - in a way I think of him as my ethereal guru. He helped me to see things in a new light and for that I am forever grateful to him. One of those things was that he taught me the importance of reading signs and seeing the charm in the simple things in life, not getting caught up in worries and problems that relentlessly burden our everyday lives. For example for the first time in a long time I saw and appreciated the beauty in nature. The way the leaves danced in the wind, the way the soft blue ripples of the sea caressed me, the way the salty air washed through my hair. Natural things we tend not to pay attention to.

Whilst swimming for hours and floating around in this liquid sapphire,  it felt as if with each and every wave the sea was washing away my negative thoughts and reinvigorating my soul.

The sea taught me to not go against the tide. When a force inside signals that something isn't right for you, you shouldn't go against it. The intuition or 'gut feeling' each individual holds are almost always right and its crucial to act on it rather than deluding oneself for the sake of flawed contentment.