Jean

David Margolick, a long-time contributor to Vanity Fair among other publications, re-visited Florence 30 years after his first visit. His article appears in the current Departures magazine (May/June 2014). Only Amex Platinum and Centurion members can access the article on-line; but, thankfully, one of the hotels mentioned in a companion article ("Where to Stay in Florence Now?") has included both articles on their website. Margolick's article begins on page 3 of this link:

http://www.lungarnocollection.com/it...ay14_Final.pdf

Margolick points out the good, the bad, the ugly but also the encouraging signs in this wonderful city.

sarge56

Jean, thanks for posting the link. However, there is nothing that Florence could do that would make me stop visiting.

Jean

Me too, sarge56. I think I lived there in a previous life because I keep wanting to go back/home. The city will never be what I remember from my first visits in the '60s and '70s, and the loss of many artisans is heartbreaking, but I appreciated Margolick's comments about visiting in the off season, getting away from the center, wandering the streets in the early morning, etc.

kybourbon

I still have a sterling bracelet my aunt had made for me in Florence in the late 50's along with the note about having it made. It's the cherub with dolphin that is in the courtyard of Palazzo Vecchia (it's a fountain). I have to go visit it every now and then.

The last time I was in Florence, the piazza in front of Santa Croce was being set up with a stage and bleachers for a concert.

sarge56

Loved the article. Ironically, Billy Joel is one of my favorite recording artists. Now I know we're kindred souls.

Calabria62

I have visited Florence four times, agree with all previous posts. Jean..the first time I went to Fiesole, I felt an eeriness that I had had a life there before, too! I still have a ceramic della Robbia that I purchased from an artisan whose shop was below ground, and a wonderful oil painting that we bought on via Pandolfini.

KTtravel

kybourbon, what a lovely momento from your aunt.