My Uffizi are barking
After ten days in the eternal city we were tired but looking forward to the beauty of Tuscany. On the train ride to Florence we made a quick stop in Umbria to see the Duomo at Orvieto. The church is one of the most famous in Italy and houses the second most famous fresco of the Last Judgement.
A review- Duomo Orvieto
Shilo's thoughts-This cathedral opened the door to the many zebra stripped churches of the north; a true gateway to the medieval treasures to come over the next few days. I was most impressed by the quiet, medieval feel of the square and the black and white decor of the exterior of the church and surrounding steps.
Gabe's thoughts- Signorelli's fresco of the Last Judgment was a really impressive artistic exhibition, featuring some ugly demons dishing out some graphic torture. I may have liked it better then Michelangelo's rendition because it was in a more intimate space but still grand in scale.
The train ride in to Florence supported the hype; Tuscany really is as beautiful as all the tour books claim it to be. It was like watching a succession of wonderful oil paintings fly buy the train window.
We booked our room in Florence through an online site "Vernese.com" and were a little unsure about the price (always thinking we can find something cheaper). The clerk looked at us like we stole his wallet when we checked in. Later in our stay we overheard our room being quoted for more then double what we were paying (nice to get a break once and a while).
Florence is Museum central, and it is easy to view 20 too many "Madonna and Child, with Saints." So, we decided to visit one (Museum not Madonna and Child, with Saints) a day. We hit the big three. On day one, we visited the Accademia checking out Michelangelo's "David." Although he looks a little bobble-headed up close; the view is much more impressive at the far end of the gallery. Next, we visited the Bargello and saw a much more RuePaulesqu David by Donnatello. Only slightly butcher then his Putti in some rather odd "chaps." Here we also saw a special exhibition of Giambologna's sculptures. The neoclassical mythological themed pieces were a nice change from an emperor's head. Beating the infamous lines, we booked ahead and quickly entered the Uffizi early on day three. This huge collection of Florentine Renaissance art took the better part of the day to view. Shilo loved seeing Botticelli's "Primavera" up close. In addition to the artwork, the palazzo that houses it is really stunning and the views of the Arno are excellent. There can be some odd moments when you feel as though you are drowning in package tour group; you just have to swim out of the fray.
For me Florence was very similar to Lecce. A large Renaissance city with wide streets and an easy traffic flow. Although, after Rome, most any city would seem to be moving at a slower pace.
We ate at "Il Contadino" twice, enjoying the Tuscan food at a great price. This is a little hard to do for us, as Tuscan cuisine feature a lot of meat, including Tuscan t-bone larger then most newborn babies. On our second visit, our waitress was telling us the daily menu in English. The owner, who had served us the day before, said to her in Italian "he speaks Italian"; to which she replied "I speak English." This was funny to us as we know I'm only fluent in "Italian Food."
Oh, almost forgot the huge Duomo in Florence. A large green, white, and pink marble affair. The amazing dome was painted with our least favorite Last Judgment thus far, and the church was more impressive viewed from the outside. Additionally, the 30 tourist lying on the floor to get a great picture of the painting in the dome was slightly embarrassing. Not to mention disrespectful. Like some weird slumber party at the Duomo attended by "huge camera I don't know how to use" guys and one chick in a very short skirt.
No Italian word today, rather some Italian hand language- 1. Make a fist 2. Stick your pointer finger out 3. Put this finger in the center of your cheek 4. Twist your finger back and forth
All of this means "It's Delicious," a must when getting a restaurant recommendation.
Shi and Gabe
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