Florence.

August 30, 2009

Sunday morning we woke up early to gather our things, enjoy the tiramisu leftovers while watching the sun rise, and purchase more wine and olive oil from the daughter. On our way to Florence and finally finding a safe spot to park our car. We had a deadline, you see, to meet our friends, to visit the Academia museum. Nancy & Dustin and Cassie & Bill flew into Italy on Saturday and we spent all day Sunday with them!

We started off with a bang at the Galleria dell' Accademia. This museum is best known for housing Michaelangelo's original David sculpture. Photos were not allowed and we did not violate that request, but the description is David, who slew Goliath, standing sling in hand and over his shoulder. He was constructed from one single piece of marble and stands over 13 feet tall and was sculpted between 1501 and 1504.

After touring the Accademia and grabbing some lunch, it was on to the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as the Duomo of Florence. It was just as beautiful as I remembered and still breathtaking to realize the size of the structure itself.

Inside the Duomo.

Here we are: Me, Nancy, Cassie inside the Duomo. The blue drape (think dentist office) is what the Italians give those who forget their sweaters in their car to cover their shoulders. The sweater does no good if you remember to bring it but leave it in the car. Second time this has happened sad to say.
A Roman clock in the stone. Side view of Duomo. We could not have picked a more perfect day to go to Florence. Great weather and with a breeze to top it off.

Me and Nancy outside the Duomo.

Giotto's bell tower. We did not climb the stairs to the top.Piazza della Signoria. I remember something about this building being used in a Godfather movie or something with the balcony where the flags are--this is yet to be confirmed. It does offer a replica of Michaelangelo's David statue (on the left of pic).

Lastly, we toured the Uffizi Gallery which is said to be the world's finest collection of Italian Renaissance painting. It houses art by Michaelangelo (The Birth of Venus) and Leonardo da Vinci (Annunciation), in addition to countless others.

After some gelato, we walked back to our car, left the Rodgers and Russos to their vacation, and drove back to base. A great day with friends--joked, laughed, understood English, recognized our sarcasm, and overall great time!