From Nightmares to What Dreams May Come

Being in Firenze makes you appreciate so many things... the way that faith inspires art, the ways that radicalism can sway frightened masses, the role that hope plays in the human experience.  Like so many cities in Italy, it is one that is dense with glory, beauty and inspiration.  For sure it's calmer here.   And one is calmed by the simple things like having architectural landmarks that one can use to navigate the medieval maze.

Blogging has been delayed by a slow wifi so hang in there!
Today was a visit to San Marco.  A Dominican monastery that is important for many reasons.  It was the 'home' of Savonarola, the radical monk who, appalled by the materialism and decadence of the Florence of his time, began a highly successful (though short lived) career as a charismatic orator whose best sermon actually inspired (via terror) people to burn all their goodies in the world's first bonfire of the vanities.  He was a handsome guy with a wonderful nose.  But, those qualities only go so far.

The monastery has a grand collection of the work of Fra Angelico, AKA Beata Angelico.  Gorgeous.
(sorry this is short but the wifi is impossible.... hang in there!  More to come once I settle in Viterbo.)