Bells, nuns and...cars

What we notice first about Florence are the church bells. They ring throughout the city, all together, every hour, every half hour, announcing the beginnings of masses, and their ends. It is a beautiful cacophony and adds to the life of the city. No two sets of bells sound the same, from the small, single bell of a poorer church to the multiple tones and volumes of the wealthiest. We wonder if this still occurred in North America, whether spirituality would have more of a voice in our lives - not religious, just spiritual. There's something about those bells that give you pause, Mark your day, move your eyes upward.

here's what we listened to outside our window every day, beginning at 8:45 am. No, it did not become annoying!

Nuns really are everywhere, in every color of habit. The public is deferential, giving them way on sidewalks and road crossings, many blessing themselves as they pass.

I love this photo, passing by the guy with a fistful of cash!

...and gotta stay connected! 

This is in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on December 23. All sorts of commotion is going on around her with the public, the choir and orchestra in rehearsal...I was lucky to catch her in her moment of quiet. 

And just for good measure, 2 fun cars in Florence...one electric (there are many!), and one restored (there are even more!). And the buses that you don't think can possibly fit, but they do! Gotta be careful their mirrors don't slam you in the head, we had a few close calls!