Cleared for Departure

I could regal you of the history of Ferrari and discuss design, flow, and craftsmanship that goes into creating the cars.  I might even weave together a tale about how great design and great engineering can combine to create the sublime in an end user.  I’d cap it off with a zinger last line, that managed to weave together all my… Continue …

I try to imagine the initial conversation between the founders of Venice.  Something like, “Hey, guys, I know this area is a bunch of small islands, which are probably sinking, that also flood regularly, and will forever be a colossal pain in the ass to get to and from, and we’ll never eat anything but fish — but hear me out… Continue …

Today we spent time exploring the Duomo and its accompanying museum.  The actual name of the church is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower.  Il Duomo seems easier, sort of like how we New Yorkers say “the city” to mean Manhattan, as if only lesser places need further modifying words.  Construction began… Continue …

Welcome to Florence.  Population, roughy 380,000 people.  (Incidentally, in metric the number is much higher.)  The metropolitan area holds 1.5 million people and was founded in 59 BC by Julius Ceasar.  As far as anyone can tell, it’s been crowded ever since. We had a lovely flight from New York to Rome.  My combination of rum and Xanax proved effective.  Once… Continue …

Hello again! Welcome to our next trip, Florence Italy. Continue …