Venice was the first Italian city that I visited in August 1964. Rome was my second stop. Once there, I joined the famous Art Academy and spent an entire academic year benefiting from its splendid resources. One month later, I received a proposal to move to The Art Academy Florence, which I accepted without hesitation … the train pulled out of Rome right on time and sped towards the historic city of Florence. I had very little knowledge about this city but I was most eager to learn. The train arrived, I disembarked and immediately proceeded to discover the city… I paused and examined her profile and her features. She stood proud of her historic background and dignified beauty. I shared such pride, since I hail from a land steeped in history and civilization. It was a friendly encounter full of emotions teeming with waves and vibrations that stem from the depth of History. I began to roam the streets, passages and alleyways. Soon, as days went by, sounds emanating from its profound history and chants of its artistic glory found their way to my ears. I heard dialogues by Michelangelo & Da Vinci. I became convinced that Florence is a city of unique beauty and charm, a city that offered new discoveries every morning, every night. It is a city, which continuously rejuvenates itself. For this is the hallmark of great Art. I also realized that Florence was a welcoming city loved by all … it is a city without excessive ornament or decoration … it is free from civilization discrepancies… a city of integration, harmony and elegance. I drew closer to the secrets of her grandeur … I sensed her pride and was enlightened by the masters of the Renaissance who had graced its space … In fact, I added Florence to the list of places and cities that I adore … Florence has become part of the spiritual energy that feeds my mind... Her presence is everlasting in my memory…

Feeds The Eternal  Presence …

Farghali Abdel Hafiz