Florence
Trip Start
Sep 12, 2008
1
5
21
Trip End
Sep 29, 2008
Florence,
Italy
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
list of burials
! More walking onto the Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345, to see the shops, more walking and more historic sites and finally a lunch break where we could wander around the Santa Croce Plaza. We had lunch at a small café-lasagna for Carol and Penne with sauce and walnuts for me. Our next stop was at the Santa Croce Church where many of the famous names including Michaelangelo, that we recognize are buried and the families have done a 'wall' for them. See picture for a list of the names of the honored and buried. Our guide was accosted by some lady there- they had several encounters-very animated with lots of hand gestures but he held his ground- we didn't find out what it was all about till later, but she had arrived late and wanted to join our group, we are not sure she even belonged on our ship, and told him he should pay her way-they got the staff involved and lots of shouting but he held his ground. Earlier we had been warned to stay away from the Moroccan illegals selling in the streets- (1000 E fine!) - they had lithograph paintings, jewelry, sunglasses and laid them right out on the streets. At one time as Carol and I were watching, they suddenly all disappeared with their wares and we then noticed 2 policia walking our way. After the police passed they suddenly were in business again. Also had been warned about the Gypsies and pickpockets. We were told to tell the gypsies 'Via' (go away) and gesture to them to leave. One approached Carol and Carol did as she had been told, with reinforcements from another lady in our group and the Gypsy put her finger at Carols face with some gestures and words of her own! We really were on sensory overload all day- just so much to see and absorb and so many people everywhere. At last we headed back to the bus and put our tired bodies in a seat - Then Sam said he had a surprise for us - up on a windy hilly road to an overlook of the entire city! A great way to end the day. I fell asleep after we left town for the 2-hour ride back
florence city
. Our ship was to leave port at 6 and it was after that when we arrived to see a line of people still getting on board. As we got in line the staff was there giving us a drink and a rolled up damp washcloth to clean and refresh with. We were impressed, then we realized we heard music and looking up and saw a jazz type band playing "When the saints come marching in"! We were impressed even more, and as we got closer realized that a good portion of the staff were on both sides of a red carpet and were welcoming and clapping and hugging us - What a reception-now we are really impressed! Even the chefs in their tall white hats were there-probably 50+ of the staff! Finally on board and through security that we have to do each time we return, and off to our room to get ready to go eat - again! As usual, a superb meal - We were on the stern end restaurant as the ship left port, and realized we had just been escorted to our seats, our napkin placed on our lap, our full plates carried to us, a saxophone and a guitar playing live music to us and we could see the coastline receding on one side and a deep red sunset on the other. Things can't get much better than this! 9:30 and as usual we are ready for bed!
