The Brandt Blog

Our last day is filled with poignancy. We’ve crafted and settled into such a comfortable and happy Florentine routine it’s a little hard to fathom that our ‘Residenza’ in Firenze has, after 84 days come to its end. In a single word, “we’re sad to leave and excited to return home.” Such as it is, […]

Aside from today being our penultimate (full) day in Firenze it’s also noteworthy for being our 38th dating anniversary. Yup – April 6, 1984. Or as customarily written in Italy; 06/04/1984. We celebrated in style at our fave lunch spot (because we couldn’t find a Wag’s) – walked for a Gelato then returned to the […]

Three days until our departure – we’ve actually laid out some things and kicked off the packing process. And it’s a picture-perfect day today in Firenze … today’s walk into town was a great one; even a little bit poignant knowing there aren’t many more times we’ll be making it. — — — As part […]

“Into every life a little spoon must fall.” And bearing in mind the cruel hand that Fate occasionally and rather ignominiously deals us… the following DRAMATIC RE-ENACTMENT is based on true life events. Fortunately, the Gelateria (and a fresh spoon) were merely steps away. — — … and some lovely pics from my morning ride. […]

Kicking off the last week with a beautiful sunset beyond the Ponte Vecchio. 🥰🥰 — — … and a couple of pics from the Toscana Countryside. 🚴🏻‍♂️ (Panzano and Impruneta)

In a word, “YES”; the actual scenery throughout Toscana is (a lot) nicer than is captured mid-ride on my sweat-coated, iPhone camera lens. The photos make for great blog posting, to be sure but they’re also my memory triggers for just how vast and uniquely beautiful this region of the world really is. And so […]

Biking, chocolate and coffee – Jeff had a great “Italian Fathers Day” aka St Joseph’s Day

Centuries after William Shakespeare crafted the tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo & Juliet, a more contemporary story of intrigue, passions and family loyalties emerged from the very same Veronese streets and courtyards. The familial bonds of the Brandt Clan surely straddle time and space. As such, an heirloom treasure has been securely and secretly placed […]

We exited Firenze today to enjoy a couple of days in Verona/Padova within the Veneto Region… you know, to see how the other Ducale lives. After detouring off the Autostrada into Bologna for a lunch we went right to a tasting of Amarone di Valpolicella wines, then strolled the streets made famous by the Shakespearean […]