France and Italy, 2004

On two of our days in Lucca, we caught a bus to travel into Florence. Tourists should not try to drive into Florence: traffic is appalling and there is nowhere to park. But it's a vibrant city.

Roundel by Della Robbia on the facade of the foundling home. There are many of these, all different.

Della Robbia madonna in the cathedral

Statue on a Florentine bridge

Cellini's Perseus in the Loggia

Typical Italian street scene: except for Florence Cathedral in the background.

One afternoon, there was a street parade for the teams of the "calcio storica" or historic game of football, which seems to be a cross between Rugby and an all-in brawl. Very colourful ... and noisy.

The town was basically shut as all the men were in the parade.

Note the game is played with two balls.