I Heart... Locks of Love on the Ponte Vecchio

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

While in Florence last week I spent time on the city's most famous bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, and one sight made me miss my husband more than any other: the "luchetti d'amore" (locks of love). Attached to the gates surrounding the monument to Benvenuto Cellini at the center of the bridge, the locks bear the names of lovers who hope to make their affections eternal. How romantic! And, if you get caught, expensive... people caught leaving a lock on the monument or any other spot near the bridge are subject to a €50 fine.

So why risk it? Well, eternal love is promised to those who follow these simple instructions:
  1. Procure a lock with keys.
  2. Visit the Ponte Vecchio.
  3. Write your name and that of your love on the lock as well as the date of your visit.
  4. Together, lock the lock on one of the bridge's gates.
  5. Kiss the keys together and throw them into the river.
Do this all while not getting caught, and you, too, are promised eternal lovey-dovey bliss! Not that I am advising you to break Florentine law, mind you...

Happy Valentine's Day to you all! And just to add some excitement to your week, we're having a giveaway!

To Enter:  
Leave a comment today and every day this week. 

The Prize:  
A copy of Susan VanAllen's book 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go plus a variety of Italian treats that I picked up on my trip this month

It's that simple! Please include your email address in the comment form or make sure it is attached to your Google ID (your email isn't shared with anyone, and I will not send you email unless you win).

Contest entries close Sunday, February 20 at 11:59 pm PST.
The Ponte Vecchio in Florence