window shopping for craftsmen in Florence
Craftsmen at work in Florence. Just wandering the streets today hunting for those artisans hard at work. I don't know of another place in the world where such a variety of artisans can be so readily found; shoemakers, clothing designers, jewelers, leather workers, frame builders, sculptors, milliners and more. Sometimes I would just follow the sound of a hammer and behold a furniture maker or frame maker's shop would be insight. Many told me that the "crisis" (economic downturn) had pushed the traditional craftsmen/women out of Florence, but to my experience they are still hard at work perfecting their craft and in many cases mentoring younger apprentices.
