The weather in Florence had been warm and humid with thunderstorm warnings. On day four which was Sunday it was sprinkling and the sky was full of gray clouds. I noticed that many places were closed on Sundays and decided to walk across the Arno to the Altrano neighborhood.

I found a vintage shop that was open and promptly purchased a soft blue cotton coat that I thought was like a cross between a chore coat and a blazer. These are two items of clothing that are better worn in and get more comfortable with age.

Here it is draped over my shoulders.

I found an open air market in front of a church.

The Specola museum was open so I checked out their zoology exhibits.

I loved the building but all the dead things behind glass got to me after a while. Next I went to lunch and got seafood risotto. It was super yummy (and I only chewed one piece of shell). 🙂

The Pitti Palace was next up on my agenda. It was beautiful and golden but I was tiring.

The gardens were larger that I wanted to explore. I had to admit to myself that I was too tired to see much of it.

All along the Ponte Vecchio bridge are jewelry stores.

That evening I went out for a walk and boldly wore my sandals but still carried my umbrella. I found the Rinascente department store and went in. It had lovely clothes and a cafe on the top floor.

When I came out I found Florence wet and covered in huge puddles. It was still raining hard and the lightening and thunder seemed too close. Luckily my hotel was not far and I made it back safely with just wet feet.