Florence

The air was thick with cicadas and woodsmoke and a strange apricoty smell that we couldn't place.

There seemed to be a strange enchantment upon us as we walked through the streets, meeting only tiny yellow patterned skinks and once a small slow-moving grass-snake.

...

We stayed quite far away from the centre of town, over near the Boboli gardens. 

It was nice, getting lost along the Arno, exploring strange streets and allyways. Stumbling upon unexpected outdoor theatres and finding ourselves further off the map than we expected.

Sienna

A medieval city.

Coloured golden and red. 

A good place to get lost.

Pilgrims cross on the steps into the Cathedral. 

Panforte de Sienna (this one is for Bertie)

Glorious! New sandals after four months of boots!

Joy and joy! 

Shrines

One of the things that I love about Italy are the small shrines that you find hidden down the back alleys and small streets. 

1- 5. Cinque Terra

6. Sienna

7. Florence

8. Venice

Colours

Cinque Terre

            

Walking through cobbled lanes, bare feet and backpack, sundress and sunglasses. The stones are cool. A lady is watering the pavement and sweeping the water away with a broom. Washing hangs from open windows.
Further along the pavement, the water trickles down the steps, the sea opens out; blue-green and glimmering. Below us there is a tiny rocky beach surrounded and enclosed by high cliffs speckled with aloe vera plants.
Tara and I buy lemon and basil ice creams and eat them on the way down to the sea. We are glad to get off the train and away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.