An Indian in Florence: Maharaja of Kolhapur

Prince Rajaram Chhatrapati

Cascine Park is a beautiful large green oasis in the centre of Firenze/Florence, a relaxing spot (at the far end away from the market) for a stroll, walk or run when a space to slow down is needed. http://www.ciaobellatours.com.au

Around 150 years ago 21 year old Prince Rajaram Chhatrapati had left India with his wives and entourage to visit England.  Whilst there he was advised to visit Firenze on the way home.

Unfortunately he acquired a sudden illness while is was visiting and died soon after.  In keeping with Brahmin traditions he had to be cremated and his ashes had to be scattered where two rivers converge.  There is only one spot where this could happen in Firenze, so the ceremony took place at the convergence of the Arno and Mugone rivers.

The memorial(foto at above) is near the place where his ashes were scattered.

And now it's also the place where a single span bridge of 200metres was built in 1978, now called the Ponte all'Indiano. It has two levels, one for vehicles and the other for walkers.  A little piece of somewhat secret history.

And the shrub? Who knows what it is?

Corri la Vita: combating breast cancer in Florence

through the Boboli Grdens, along the Arno River

You'd be forgiven for  thinking that Firenze / Florence was welcoming Ciao Bella Tours to the city. Hot pink everywhere.Thousands of people (and dogs) turned out on September 27 2015 for the 12th version of the walk or run through the city of Firenze , with the focus on combating breast cancer. Salvatore Ferragamo is the major sponsor.

The shorter walk of 4.6 km commenced at the Piazza del Duomo,  and the route took us along the Arno, across two bridges ( Carraia, and alle Grazie), past the Pitti Paace, through the Boboli Gardens, up to the Forte Belvedere, and finally to  Piazza Signoria.  Men, women, children of all ages, babies in prams or rucksack type carriers on the back of Mamma or Babo, dogs on leaches (many wearing the pink tshirt), all wearing the hot pink tshirts with a number attached..  We spotted  a number in the 40,000s

Afterwards, back to friends' home for a huge Sunday lunch with the family

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Tripa: a Fiorentine Favourite

I remember as a child being expected to eat tripe.  No doubt the way it was prepared, cooked, served put me off this dish for life.  But then there's Maria's trip - synonymous with "WOW" amongst her friends.  First 10kg tripe is purchased from a specialist tripe "factory" nearby.  Whilst the basis for the sauce is slowly cooking, the vitello (veal) tripe is then carefully sliced up into small thin pieces.  It's washed several times, tehn added to the base, along with tomatoes, and cooked on top of the stove for at least 3 hours.
If you don't know Maria, there are many other places to try tripa in Firenze - including several tripa trolly shops (usually one near San Ambrogia church next to Cibreo, and another behind the small market with the bronze cinghiale),  for a tripa panino at lunch time - or at Mario's trattoria, or  Nerbone at the San Lorenzo market.   Try the tripa Fiorentina..... much better than the tripe we've been used to!

www.ciaobellatours.com.au/tours/tuscany-florence-indulgence.html

Medieval Corteo Florence

June 24 is a special day in Firenze/Florence, and a holiday for their patron Saint San Giovanni. The Medieval corteo (The Parade of the Forentine Republic) commenced in the afternoon at Palagio di parte Guelfa, led by 2 police on horseback. At the first corner, 20 metres from the start, one of the horses pooed, so for the entire corteo it was necessary to slightlt break ranks to avoid the large round yellow pat, causing some toilet humour, so to speak, moments . This Medieval corteo is fabulous, and worth planning your trip in Italy to ensure you are in Florence on June 24.

San Giovanni Firenze

June 24 is a special day for Florentines: a holiday for their patron Saint, San Giovanni. In the afternoon, huge numbers dressed in Medieval outfits, meet at Palagio di parte Guelfa for the corteo, The Parade of the Florentine Republic. Led by 2 policemen on horseback , this year at the first corner (5 meters after the start!) one of the horses pooed, so for the entire Corteo it was necessary to break ranks slightly to avoid the large yellow mound - causing some amusement and toilet humour (!) so to speak. Don't miss this marvellous event.... remember June 24, every year. It's worth a visit to Florence just for this alone. Part 2 tomorrow!

Firenze: Santissima Annunciata

One of the beautiful buildings in Piazza Santissima Annunciata is the Ospedale Innocenti, designed by Michelangelo. On top of the arches at the front are some beautiful blue Della Robbia sculptures, and a few identifying the building as one that looks after abandoned babies. Inside, where conferences and art shows are often held, we saw some examples of students' work in terracotta- a modern example of the same swadlinged baby subject.

Firenze

Ten minutes after arriving at my friends' home in Firenze, I had a helmet on, and had climbed aboard Adri's motor bike for a speedy trip to Piazza Santissima Annunciata to view an excellent (and moving) art exhibition, assembled by teachers and students in memory of Professore and friend Bruno Benelli, a Fiorentine maestro of sculpture, who died just one year ago.