April 6, 2019 • 45

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #40: Something Different

This week, Tina invites us to try Something Different for Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #40. Sure!  Why not?

Looking out the window at this beautiful spring day, I think we should go for a walk to one of my favorite places in Florence.  What do you say?  Do you want to go?

A Room with a View, Italy.

We’re crossing the Arno River and walking up a hill that leads to Il Giardino delle Rose–the Garden of Roses.  It’s a little too early for the roses, but don’t worry.  The garden and the view will still be worth it–I promise.

We’ve got a bit of a climb, but if you get tired, look over your shoulder at the city.  Do you see what I mean about the view? Brunelleschi’s amazing dome is still one of the highest points in the historic district.

View from the Oltrarno, Firenze

OK.  Now, we’re approaching the gardens with another amazing view.  If you stand near this fountain and look out at the surrounding hills, you can see the old city walls that are hundreds of years old.

Il Giardino delle Rose, Florence, Italy.

If you look up at the trees, you’ll see the first signs of spring as the cherry blossoms have just started to bloom.  The roses will start to bud and bloom in a few weeks.  Over 400 varieties of roses are planted here, as well as over 1,200 types of plants.

If you’re like me, you’ll want to come back again and again through the spring and summer just to see the latest blooms.  I’m glad we are just in time to see these peonies in full bloom.  Their vibrant shades of pink are spectacular.

Impressionistic Blossoms

Impressionistic Blossoms, Il Giardino delle Rose.

Among the visitors today, you can see a few determined optimists who sprawl out on the grass in their jackets even though it’s a little chilly today.  In a few weeks, this is what the garden will look like.

Giardino delle Rose in the late spring.

As we walk around, you’ll notice a few works of art.  This bronze sculpture was created by the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, which blends in beautifully with the Tuscan countryside.

Garden Statue

Fallon in the Garden. Processed with Topaz Filter Effects.

When we leave the gardens, our walk is easy–all downhill.  On the way back to the historic center of town, we pass through the old walls of the city, adorned by some wisteria.  In this beautiful place, modern life intersects with centuries of history.  That is certainly part of its magic.

I hope you enjoyed our stroll through Florence and “Something Different” from my usual posts.  Tina’s right.  It’s a good idea to mix things up and try something new.  That is also true of traveling, which introduces us to new cultures, languages, food, and ways of living.  This is one reason why I love it so much.

If you join Tina’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #40 this week, surprise us with “Something Different.”  Be sure to tag your post “Lens-Artists Photo Challenge” so that we can all find it in the Reader.  Next week, it’s my turn to post challenge # 41.   We hope you join the fun.

Wishing you a wonderful and inspiring week in your part of the world.

Categories: Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, Photography

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45 replies »

  4. Absolutely loved your post this week Patti – the images are quite spectacular and really give the feel for ancient Florence. The window opening was a wonderful idea and OMG those peonies!!! Beautifully done.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you so much, Tina! I’m fortunate to be in Florence with so much beauty around every corner, it seems. It’s a visual delight, that’s for sure. I was amazed at the peonies too. So glad you enjoyed them. 🙂

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  5. Patti, these are just wonderful shots. I haven’t been to Florence since the mid-seventies, which many of the bloggers visiting you won’t even remember, as they weren’t alive. Thanks for letting me revisit.

    janet

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Your comment made me smile. I was alive then too. 🙂 Amazing. I’m so glad you visited this amazing place. I hope you get to revisit too. Time stands still here, so it will be waiting for you. 🙂

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  6. Loved strolling through Florence with you Patti, It is a place I haven’t been and you make it look very inviting. I agree with you totally that travel introduces us to so many different ways of being whilst at the same time making us recognise the many similarities that we share.

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    • Hi, DM. I’m so glad you enjoyed the walk and the memories. We were just remembering our first visit. I think it was 1998 or 1999 when our son was around 10. Were you here on vacation or for school? There are so many exchange students here!

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    • Hi, Luanne. I want you to go too! When was the last time you were here? Where do you want to go? It’s so easy to fall in love with this country, isn’t it? And thanks too for your kind words about the pics. 🙂

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  14. A wonderful stroll, Patti! Glorious shots from lovely Florence – haven’t visited since I was young – so happy you took me again. The peonies are amazing, and Wisteria is one of my absolute favorite flowers. Love that first shot of the window – there is something very much Italy with it.

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