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Abroad, Florence, Italy

The happiness to be an Italian #Florence 1

posted by Dario
May 30, 2017 982 1 3
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The happiness to be an Italian #Florence

 

The adventure I’m going to talk about today is a very special experience for me which has continued for the modest five months and did mark me forever. It all began when I had enough courage to apply for the Erasmus+ program (European Union Education Program). Then I applied to spend one semester abroad and, as implied by the title, was successfully admitted to Italy. During these months I was staying on the Italian Boot, I was able to tour many cities, which in return gave me unforgettable emotions and views, lots of knowledge, as well as they taught me to appreciate the difference! So I decided that now is the time to share my experience with you and I will tell you in detail about nine Italian cities.

  • From Florence with Love – Part One
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
  • Giotto’s tower
  • Battistero

From Florence with Love – Part One

We will start, of course, with the city that has become my home and granted me with emotions that can not be found anywhere else – Florence.

My adventure in the city of the Renaissance began in autumn, September 11, 2015. As soon as I left the plane I was set with mixed emotions that came into my heart, I was happy and very excited about the adventure that was ahead of me, and I was worried about how it would be and how good I’m going to do with the studies. I lived relatively close to the center, in the Rifferedi district (25 minutes on foot or 10 minutes on a bus), and next to the faculty I was studying at. Few facts about the city itself and its inhabitants, Florence is the capital of the most beautiful region of Italy – Tuscany. The city is as big as Plovdiv as it is good that almost all the sights are gathered in the center.

As is known from history, the city is called the cradle of the Renaissance, as you can see that in any direction you look, you will only see art. Regarding residents here, they are extremely proud of their history and city. You should never call them Tuscan because they get offended. An easy way to recognise a typical Florentine in the crowd of tourists is by seeing someone dressed in a flawless way.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Оn my first day in Florence, I started to walk without knowing where I was going and what I would see, just intuitively strolling through the small streets. Here is the time to mention that I have weakness оn the small streets of Italy and you will understand it by the pictures in the following publications. Walking around, I found myself in front of the first landmark I will talk about – the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, which means “Our Lady of the Flower“.

I will never forget my unbelieving face and how I could not comprehend what art of grace is standing in front of me! It is the most important duomo of the region, as well as the most impressive architectural miracle.

Giotto’s tower

The cathedral is the fourth largest in the world, it is remarkable with Giotto’s tower and with its incredibly brave dome, Filippo Brunellesky’s work.

It was built in the 6th century and began in 1296 and was completed in 1887. Nowadays it has become a number one tourist attraction for Florence. You can enter the Duomo and get on the dome and the Giotto Campaign, but I will give more details in the “useful information” section. In the cathedral itself you can see various arts such as busts of significant personalities, Giotto’s bas relief, and the dazzlingly dug-shaped dome.

Battistero

Apart from the duomo, it is worth mentioning a very important building for Florence, the Battistero. It is a building for baptising ceremonies. The place has many frescoes that impress all visitors, but the real attraction of this small building is the golden gate that looks out into the cathedral. It is believed that this is the gate to Paradise and that it was built in the name of faith.

Useful information:
Tip number one! Buy a combined ticket for sights worth 15 euros, including all the entrances!;
You need to be informed on-site for the working hours of each site because they are subject to frequent changes;
The building and the tower do not have elevators, so you will need to climb: Duomo – 463 steps, and Giotto’s tower – 413;
I strongly recommend that you visit them at the earliest possible time to avoid the queue of tourists;
It is a curious fact that the Duomo is Florence’s tallest building, protected by law. That means no one can build a higher building in the city. The only building that is less than a few meters taller is the Florence Court of Justice;

Coming soon – Part Two

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Travel Blogger

Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake ag February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake again. 

Yuki-Doro is challenging me who is the better poser. 🧐

#dog #hike # winter
I guess I am starting this year with a true challe I guess I am starting this year with a true challenge - hiking during winter under -15 degrees.

That was the case with the Boyana waterfall. Last year I visited them during the late summer and decided that I want to visit this place during the winter because, to be honest, I have never seen in person a big and full waterfall to be completely frozen.

So, let’s say it was something as a target for me to see it sooner or later. 

But as you can see it was really pleasant conquering this adventure because I had with me the best assistant ever - Mr. little adventurer Yuki-Doro. 

And yes, I won’t lie, I almost lost my hands and one of my legs from the extremely low temperature.

#dog #hike #winter
Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty o Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty of Yuki-Doro and I don’t blame them, to be honest. 

But as it is said - the devilish creations are the sweetest. Well, I can confirm this through my dog. 

SWIPE to the next picture and witness yourself that I have a true monster as a pet, he is twisted and scary, like a loooooot.

#dog #hiking #winter
Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? No, it' Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? 
No, it's Yuki-Doro conquering Cherni vrah peak at the age of 4 months.

Who would think that this little guy would manage to accomplish this so early stage in his life.

Imagine what he would do in the future, Everest here we come! 😂

#hiking #winter #dog
People have said it well that the dog is man's bes People have said it well that the dog is man's best friend.

This weekend was Yuki-Doro's first real adventure-challenge.

We wandered through the winter landscapes of snowy Vitosha.  Based on the amount of snow he ate, yes, he definitely liked the snow, it's good that it is low in calories, otherwise I would have returned to Sofia with a meatball.

Definitely this little one knows how to brighten up the atmosphere and make the trips more interesting.

I look forward to our next adventures.

Do you travel with your pets?

#winter #mountain #dog
Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain • So, let us Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain •

So, let us be clear here - I cannot stand winter and I really do not like the snow and cold. It is probably inherited from my Italian bloodline, who knows, but anyways.

However, I must confess, I have been multiple times in Vitosha mountain but probably for the first time I visit it for a whole hike to the peak during winter. Won’t lie, I enjoyed a lot the nature scenes I saw during my hike but still I was going to loose my hands no matter I had gloves all the time.

Overall, the experience was pleasant because it is good to remind ourselves what a true winter looks like. We all know that because of the global warming we do not have that heavy winter that we used to have back in the early 2000s. So, to see so much snow and peace at one place was a delight for my senses.

As I always say, it is good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone. Only then you can discover many intriguing things, but most importantly -  to learn so many new things about yourself.

#winter #hiking #nature
Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain 2290 m the peak is the fourth highest mountain summit in Bulgaria.

It presents the best spontaneous getaway if you want to go out in the nature. Also is way to good challenge yourself. I myself did it multiple times and must confess every time I climb it from different points it amazes me with the beauty that this mountain contains.

#Bulgaria #nature #mountain
The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Go The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Golden Bridges - amazingly beautiful natural phenomenon - the largest stone river in the Vitosha National Park. Massive stones (average size 2-3 meters) flow down from the mountain top to the valley for more than 2 miles long and 150 meters wide.

The stone river is ‘descending’ from elevation 1800 m above sea level to 1410 m at Golden Bridges site.

#Bulgaria #nature #stoneriver
Etudes of Vitosha • Is there anyone who lives i Etudes of Vitosha •

Is there anyone who lives in Sofia and had never visited Vitosha Mountain?

Because clearly this mountain is a pure nature gift for us all!

Vitosha Mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula. Its gorgeous silhouette is visible from almost all positions in the city and is inseparable part of Sofia’ image.

Vitosha Naturе Park is the most broadly protected territory in Bulgaria, and due to its proximity to Sofia it has turned into a site of education in responsible attitude towards nature.

And don’t forget Sofia is the only European capital with such a big mountain so close to the city center.

So no matter the time and season Vitosha is always a good choice for adventures.

#Bulgaria #mountain #tourism
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