CASA VALENTINE…

………WHEREVER WE ARE TOGETHER, WE ARE HOME

Quirky but True View of Florence……

Written By: Arlene Ridolfi Valentine - Aug• 10•26

Quirky View of Florence

It’s a quirky view because here in the Oltrano (the other side of the Arno River in Florence) the ancient buildings still remain – still house citizens – and yet arching over their rooftops is the lush greenery of the Boboli Gardens.  Such is the height and scope of the gardens that are part of the Pitti Palace,  they dominate this part of Florence’s skyline.  I took this photo ten years ago today as part of our “long goodbye” to the city we called home for more than a decade.  We were retiring and returning to the USA.  We’ve gone back every year since…..and are preparing for another visit right now…….but Florence has a spot in the “home” section of our hearts!

Sunday Morning Priority Parking…….Mykonos, Greece

Written By: Arlene Ridolfi Valentine - Jun• 01•26
Priority parking on a Sunday in Greece

                      Priority Parking, Mykonos Greece, June 1, 2014

Strong religious and family ties are hallmarks of Greek tradition as evidenced by this unique parking display in front of a tiny local church on the island of Mykonos, Greece. It was early Sunday morning, June 1, 2014, and there was not an empty seat in the house!