{ Street Artists in Florence : Clet and L'arte sa Nuotare }

I have come to appreciate street art when I first encountered them in
Paris.
Back in 2011, I never knew a lot of them existed already, and while I read a few posted blogs.
It's always interesting to see them first hand and to actually look at "Art" in a different manner.

I have always liked the works of CLET .

This french artist and his quirky artworks makes street signs looked twice more interesting. ^-^













His studio is located in Florence, a small side street in [ San Niccolo, Via dell'Olmo 8r] .
You can buy his works: stickers, labels, plates, postcards etc.
They're all very affordable, so don't reprint them at home. ^-^












We bought a few stickers home, { if I can bring a large plate home I would } and it's been on my deco wall since. ^-^



Or if you're in town and heading to Basilica di San Miniato al Monte,
I'm more than sure you'll pass by his shop, you couldn't miss it. ^-^

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Another new artist we've come across is L'arte sa Nuotare literally
Art knows how to Swim.

These are works of
a Florentine street artist by the name of BLUB.

I love how everything is shaded in blue tone,
The artworks are always water inspired, they are submerged underwater with goggles and the pieces are just eye catching and very pop culture.

Obviously, you have to keep up the pace and follow his/her instagram : @lartesanuotore
The ones posted here were his/her earlier works and have since added more interesting pieces
like Mona Lisa, the kiss: "La Dolce Vita" movie, Amy Winehouse ++.

Again, if you're heading to San Miniato al Monte or to Clet's studio.
You'll see a few of them pasted in hatches or cable boxes? *not sure what's it called.*
Or sometimes, it's those unexpected places like the side streets or alleyways.

I just hope people would appreciate them more than just vandalizing them.

" Paris in my heart "

another sight of Paris perhaps?
and this one's along Jardin des Tuileries,
where the iconic Eiffel's
sandwiched in between two famous landmarks.

It took me awhile to be back.
Workload has just been non-stop and
how I wish I could get a decent break from it all. ^0^

See you all next year and wishing everyone Merry Christmas.
I promise to post more as soon as I get back on my feet.

* where was this *
Jardin des Tuileries
1st arrondissement
Paris

" the majestic Notre Dame "

this is the back view of the church

My prayers have finally been answered.
Me and dear Pepperoni were looking forward to see the Notre Dame,
I, being more excited than ever, can't wait to marvel at its structure,
visit the gargoyles and
gape at the gleaming rose window.
so, that's the first thing we did when we landed.
okay, we strolled down a few blocks first before we head here.










Unfortunately,
the places i've been dreaming to see for the longest time
turned out to be the biggest disappointment.







It was 6-ish p.m. or thereabouts when we arrived.
The place, still filled with tourists,
everyone clearly wants a piece of Notre Dame as a memento.
Seeing the line to get inside made me feel tired already,
but thankfully, we don't have to wait that long.






A mass was being held during that time,
so a mixed of local churchgoers and more tourists abound inside.
The interiors looked solemn and very imposing,
It was quite dark thanks to a handful of flickering candles and incandescent lights.
a priest was in the middle of his sermon and
fragrant smell coming from the incenses.
It's hard to get a close up look without bumping someone's elbow or head,
but again, who was I to complain as i'm a tourist myself. ^0^
The crowd got thicker and the space got thinner,
and I was beginning to feel dizzy.
I had the urge to leave but couldn't because the area was
barricaded for a one way trail, thereby only for one entrance and one exit.


















I thought to myself:
why not re-visit the whole thing in the morning instead.
which was our first plan really.
to wake up early, have a great start,
But of course,
we never had that chance again.
we woke up late, thanks to sore feet and jet lag.
The next day,
our laid out plans turned out to be a different one.
Despite my ambitious drive to see everything in a jiffy,
I was still able to appreciate its glorious beauty.


here I am still flashing a big smile. ^0^

ps: photos were taken in either Canon (yellowish-orange) or Nikon ( brownish)

* where was this *
Notre Dame
Paris
4th arrondissement

" Las Ramblas vs Champs Elysées "

Las ramblas in Barcelona and Champs Elysées in Paris,

... two different yet almost the same avenues.
a bit confusing right?!








Already, I could hear you say,
how could you compare the two?! ^0^

Both avenues lined up beautifully during the winter season,
day or night, rain or shine,
They're a favorite stroll among tourists and locals alike.
a stretch of chic stores and trendy cafés.

I was initially planning to post them separately,
but couldn't decide which side is more favorable.
alas, I'll leave it for you (readers) to decide. ^0^

TOP PHOTO = Barcelona
BOTTOM PHOTO = Paris