Back in town

I am back in London again, after a short trip to Italy with my sister and her husband. We had an amazing time, and it was really good to see some of my family after almost a year away from South Africa! Can you believe it?!

I have uploaded photos onto my Flickr account, which you can browse through. I spent 3 nights in Rome, which was amazing. We spent some serious time missioning to see the sights - a lot of 2000 year old broken columns! We got a bit building-ed out in the end, but I was really blown away by such well preserved evidence of a civilisation that is more than 2000 years old. The sheer size of much of the architecture was phenomenal as well. The attention to detail and quality of the artwork was very impressive, and a trip to St Peters Basilica is well worth braving the masses and masses of tourist. We also had some lovely meals outside in some little side streets around Rome, where the food was amazing and the atmosphere incredible. I would definitely go back and explore a bit more. The Renaissance art scattered everywhere by Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Raphael among others is also really special to see if you are interested.

We then caught a train into Florence (about 90 minutes by Eurostar), where we spent another 2 nights. Florence was really beautiful, much smaller than Rome and less frantic. The streets are all tiny, narrow and cobbled - everything also feels so old. It's worth just wondering around and finding the surprise little coffee shops etc hidden away down side roads. The leather market is also well worth a visit, you can buy amazing quality leather jackets, shoes, basgs etc for even more amazing prices. We also saw Michelangelo's David - the Perfect Man - and the Florence Duomo, from which Michelangelo got his inspiration for St Peter's Basilica in Rome.

I feel like I have had only a tiny taste of an beautiful country - with incredible food and wine by the way! I definitely have to go back.

posted by Cat Murray @ 12:57