Clet

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First time I came across this sign I had no idea. I just thought it was really clever and took a mobile shot.

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Since then I have seen these improved street signs all over Florence. Next time I will go for a real hunt.
For now I’ll just show you a few examples.

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The artist is called Clet Abraham and lives in Florence. His street sign art is spread all around in many countries, so keep your eyes open, you might find one where you least expect it!

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Image from Google maps, I couldn’t resist. This tiny piazza has two signs!

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Clet has a shop in the corner of Via dell’ Olmo/Via San Niccolò, by the church.
I was thrilled to find it open late one night.

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Here below a few examples of his graphic art. Clever, isn’t it? I love the Baptistry turning into an espresso maker!

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Want more? Do an image search (here is a link) and you’ll find tons!

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Street smart

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Being street smart in Florence means using your legs.
If you’re not planning on leaving the historic center, walking is the absolute best way to get around.

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If you are the bold type, you might want to rent a vespa or a light motorcycle.
But be warned, parking might be a problem.

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Private car traffic without special permission is forbidden within the historic center.
Still traffic can be a bit mad here and there…

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Florentine streets are narrow, and the pavements are sometimes vanishingly skimpy. Forget walking side by side and having a conversation. I don’t know how they do it with strollers or walkers. Even to manage a shopping bag on wheels requires skill and cunning.

And just to be clear: this pavement above is a wide and comfortable one!
(And the street spookily empty… Not normal…)

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Wherever you go you have to compete for the space with cars and vespas. Or tourists for that matter!

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There are buses, but usually they are crowded, take forever and you still don’t get very close to where you want to go. We’re still talking about the historic center. It’s a manageble size for walking.
Besides, you want to see, experience, smell, take in the city with all your senses. Yes, you will get blisters and really, really sore feet because you just keep on walking for hours and days. But it will be worth it.

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Unless you want to go to Fiesole up that distant hill. Then bus number 7 is strongly recommended.

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