The 8 a.m. train took us to the hometown of St. Francis. We enjoyed a nice stroll through the town and toured the church named for Italy's most famous saint. Francis was born there in 1181 and died in 1226 at age 45. He started the Franciscan Order and one of his faithful followers, St.Clare began the Poor Clares Order of nuns. The town was all decorated for the May Day week of festivities and there were many tourists having a good time - including us. At 3 p.m we boarded the train again for the charming hilltop town of Cortona. What a surprise to be met by a Renaissance parade coming down the main street in brilliant costumes! "Under the Tuscan Sun" was written and filmed in Cortona and we certainly had a fun and sun-filled day! Lots of pics today - enjoy!
I HAVE SET UP A NEW PHOTOBLOG SITE FOR THE 2014 TOURS. YOU CAN STILL SEE PHOTOS FROM 2008 TO 2013 HERE. TO VIEW THE LATEST TOURS GO TO: WWW.INTUSCANYWITHPATRIZIA.BLOGSPOT.COM
Shopping, David, and Opera - May 3
Happy Birthday to Jan today! The morning was free for shopping and a visit to see Michelangelo's beautiful sculpture, David at the Accademia Gallery. We had a late lunch at MammaMia's and then visited the apartment British poets, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning lived in for 14 years. It is open for visitors a few times a week. We topped off the day by attending a performance of opera music at St. Mark's Anglican Church. Another successful and non-stressful day in Florence!