"Exploring Florence - Day 1"

Trip Start Jun 06, 2008

Trip End Jun 24, 2008

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Flag of Italy Florence, Italy
Sunday, June 22, 2008

Sunday is the only day we have to go see Michelangelo's "David", for the Accademia is closed on Mondays. DH made sure we were up early enough to grab some breakfast, catch the #22 bus to the historic center, and be in line for tickets when the museum opened. There was a short line already when we got to the Accademia, but we only had to wait 20 minutes or so. Entering the museum, the walls are lined with other works of Michelangelo, but "David" can't help but capture your eye as soon as you walk in. It seems everyone is just drawn to that majestic work standing on its own in a natural light-filled rotunda. Of course, there's other art to see, so eventually the DH and I tear ourselves away from "David" and peruse the rest of the rooms.

From the Accademia, Dave and I head towards Florence's crowning glory, Il Duomo, one of the world's largest churches. The duomo is constructed of white, pink, and green marble, a sight to see on its own. I quickly discovered there is no way to get a picture of the church because it is so massive, and there's not enough room to back up! Across the way is the baptistery, famed for its three sets of bronze doors. DH and I discuss whether we want to go inside, but to be honest, at this point in our adventure, we are just about burned out on cathedral art, statues, and architecture. The thought of trying to cram any more in over these last 2 days of our trip is not very appealing. By now, the day is getting quite warm, so Dave and I start back to the bus stop. We stopped off at the San Lorenzo outdoor market to pick up some silk scarves to take back home for gifts. My poor DH didn't do too well here - he doesn't like being in tight quarters with lots of people, especially when there are gypsies roaming about, and illegal vendors shoving fake Rolexes under his nose. As soon as I paid for the scarves, we were out of there! By now, it's REALLY warm, and we still have a hot, airless bus ride back to the hotel. After we got off the bus, I suggest walking down to a bar in the next block and picking up a sandwich and cold drink. Dave and I both got a Coke, and bless the bartender's heart, she gave us glasses FULL of ice when we asked! Usually, if you're lucky enough to even GET ice, there's only 2 or 3 cubes in the glass. Back in the room, it's cold showers for both of us, then resting and messing around on the laptop so we can gather up enough energy to venture out once more in search of dinner.

Sure enough, we go back to the same ristorante, and are greeted even more warmly... when the missus brings our water and wine, she turns to me with a big smile and presents me with...

Entrance of Duomo

an English/Italian dictionary! How sweet is that? - now we can communicate a little more easily. Phrase books are handy, but don't always have the words you're looking for. Another wonderful meal, plus the football (soccer) quarterfinal game between Italy and Spain is on the TV at the bar. The ristorante is pretty busy by now, and our friend has her hands full, but low and behold, here she comes back to our table with a couple of frosty liqueur glasses. "For my friends... some limoncello!" Isn't that great??! I'd never had limoncello before, and it is very lemony, and very tasty when served chilled that way.