[denydenydeny]

In the nearly two years I lived in Italy, I never made it to the Uffizi, mostly because Florence is such a horrible tourist trap. The amount of tourists who infest Florence at all times of the year is just appalling, and there is no way to avoid them.

Venice, on the other hand, is one of the most magnificent places on earth. Every time I went there, I had no trouble avoiding crowds if I wanted to, because the city is like a labyrinth, and even the most crowded street has a deserted courtyard adjacent to it. The view when you walk out of that train station and see the Grand Canal for the first time cannot be described.

[OldFriend]

I agree with your assessment of Florence.......and your feelings about Venice.......incomparable......the gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs.......the Doges Palace......the clock....... LOL how come I don't remember any pigeon poop....I guess they wouldn't dare! The dinner at Harry's Bar......the boat ride to Murano......seeing a wedding party travelling on the canal. Water taxis.....Peggy Gugenheims's palazzo......yes, the little alleyways.....the feeling of never wanting to leave.

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

In the nearly two years I lived in Italy, I never made it to the Uffizi, mostly because Florence is such a horrible tourist trap.

AAAAAAAAAAAA to live in Italy for two years and not see the Uffizi! Florence was my mothers favorite city in the world. I spent one 4th of July evening in the early 80's sitting in that restaurant that hangs over the Arno with my wife, mother, sister & her husband, and two of my best friends, toasting the United States as loudly as I could without being asked to leave!