Let the sunshine in

Sunday January 16th 2011

Sunny - almost seeming Spring - days in the middle of Winter, being Belgian, I haven't witnessed too many of those... The happier I was and blessed I felt when Firenze offered me my first (of hopefully many to come) yesterday!

This city keeps on stealing my heart as it has done for so many others throughout the years.
Rain or sun, it's always fun, but with the sun on your face, the light in your eyes and the sunshine warming your skin, the city becomes very close to my own little paradise on earth...

Where else would I want to spend this perfect day than at my favorite piazza in Firenze: Santo Spirito?
A cozy little piazza at the Oltrarno of Firenze. A place with a very special vibe. A creative and inspiring atmosphere, the sound of holiday and 'Provence'-allures in the middle of 'la bella Italia'. If you are looking for the meaning of 'dolce far niente', this is where you are going to find it.
'Barboni', the homeless people who own the piazza and know it like no one else does, will tell you about it; the young, inspiring and creative people spending their free time there will show you first hand and the children chasing the many pigeons and playing with the streetdogs will be the living proof of how sweetly simple life can be.

I love this picture. The perfect image of the unique vibe of Santo Spirito - Firenze: children, parents, young people, homeless people, dogs... All enjoying the piazza in perfect harmony...

Inspiration hides behind every corner. In the most simple of people, trendy and daring combinations, Italian elegance or creative self-expression. A place where you just have to be yourself...

A child's innocence in the real world. This beautiful little boy was hanging out with his parents and 'family': homeless people in Firenze. As horrible as it might or could be, it was a beautiful sight to see:  a loving environment where everyone is accepted...