CASA VALENTINE…

………WHEREVER WE ARE TOGETHER, WE ARE HOME

Vermont Life…….Everyday Sightings.

Written By: Arlene Ridolfi Valentine - Nov• 06•19

Sky High Foliage

Montpelier, Vermont is our new base in the United States…..and we timed our arrival pretty well.  Famous for its fall foliage, the whole place seems like a technicolor workshop during September and October.

Plethora of Pumpkins

Utility Macs

Small farms are everywhere so it’s easy to find hand-picked fruits and vegetables…..such as these “utility macs”, perfectly named because they can be used in so many wonderful dishes……..baked in pies, stewed, roasted, made into applesauce or chutney.  Crunchy, cool, clean tasting and a true harbinger of fall.

State Capital

Montpelier is the capital of Vermont and is actually the smallest capital city in America.  The State House is more than 160 years old.  After living in Florence for so many years, maybe we can only be comfortable when there’s a duomo within sight.

Ceres on Top

The duomo has recently been restored to its shining glory, highlighting the statue on top, a representation of Ceres the Roman goddess of agriculture.

Building of Many Bricks

Architecture here is dramatically different from our Florentine views……buildings are either brick or wood and they’re old (at least by American standards).  But they are noble and proud and give a sense of stability….they are also quintessentially New England in style.

Main Street Steeple

Churches and their steeples play a large part in the landscape of town…they are individual and the ones with clocks ring out the hours, even throughout the night….

Main Street Steeple #2

From the top of one of the surrounding hills, the view of town is sweet….a cluster of homes and stores and churches and all the things that constitute daily life in New England.

Small Town Life

It’s a peaceful haven in a mountain setting…..with that shiny new duomo making its mark.  Seems like a protected, hidden away little gem of a place, don’t you think?

Vermont Country Life

 

Knights in Shining Armour…….in Florence

Written By: Arlene Ridolfi Valentine - Sep• 11•19

Florence has no shortage of museums, that’s for sure, but aside from those that are world-famous (names like Uffizzi and Pitti come to mind), there are a few that are less well-known but really worthy of attention.   We had the pleasure of visiting one such place……The Stibbert Museum……and being escorted through the place by Dominique Fuchs, a curator and  the kind of guide you always hope for when you want to learn something new.

Watchful Eye

A Peek into History

This museum, a true peek into the ancient world of armour,  is the result of more than forty years of collecting by Frederick Stibbert (1838-1906), who left it to the municipality of Florence upon his death.  He was born to an English father and Italian mother and spent most of his adult life traveling and collecting armour, a passion of his.

Armour on Parade

Armour on Parade

European armour, largely from the 16th century, features many examples of horse armour, arms and armours for both warfare and tournaments.  Knees were allowed some flexibility but still protected by chain maille flaps on the leg and boot covers.

European Armour

Man and Beast Ready for Battle

Boot Armour

Boot Armour

Middle East armours, colorful and far more elaborate than the european examples, were brought from Turkey, Persia and Mogul India.  The brilliantly coloured clothing was made armour-effective by small metal plates sewn into the inside lining, but the richness of the period is on display in those fancy stirrups.

Indian Armour

Indian Armour

Fancy Stirrups

Fancy Stirrups

Far Eastern arms and armours cover an entire floor of the museum and feature an extensive collection of masks and headgear meant to terrify opponents in battle.  I’m sure it worked…..and it is said that warriors would also eat garlic and cabbage before going into battle to increase their frightful loathsomeness and perhaps therefore gain an advantage in the final moment of contact.

Japanese Armour

Japanese Armour

Dragon Mask

The museum also fascinates in its private quarters, period costume displays and a remarkable surrounding park, complete with folly!

Noble Woman

Egyptian Folly

For sure a wonderful thing for children to see in Florence…..but visitors of every age will be surprised and very well entertained…….go and see for yourself.