ITALY, Florence, Statute of David

 September 21, 2006

My overnight train arrived in Florence at 9:30 am. My hotel was only 1 block from the train station which is very convenient and close to tourist attractions. After checking in, I went to the Academia and waited for 2 hours in line. 

The Statute of David picture was taken in the Academia. You are not allowed to take pictures but I carefully snapped a few pictures without being noticed. The other statutes were in various piazzas. Afterwards I went to the Uffizi Gallery to see the "Old Masters" paintings which is not my thing. Another 1.5 hours in line for the ticket. At night I visited the various Piazzas and watched various street artists perform and do my favorite thing, PEOPLE WATCH. 

ITALY, Florence, Piazzale de Michelangelo Views

 September 22, 2006

This morning I did a hop on hop off bus tour but wasn't a great idea. Florence is very walkable and best way to see most sights. That evening I went to Piazzale de Michelangelo which overlooks Florence and has amazing views at sunset. My favorite thing so far on this trip. Florence looked magical as we sat on the steps sipping wine, eating pizza and watching the sunset. 

Florence was my favorite city in all of Europe. My favorite thing was sitting in the piazzas, grabbing a bite to eat, having a glass of wine and watching the people go through their every day lives. I especially love the Piazzale de Michelangelo which overlooks Florence from a high hill. Many tour buses go there especially at sunset. There is also a copy of the Statute of David there. It is just a very beautiful city and the piazzas are washed with soap from street machines every night. There is also great music and street performers in the piazzas and in front of the Uffizi at night.

ITALY, Florence, Duomo

September 21, 2006

The Il Duomo {The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiori} boasts an enormous octagonal dome which was the largest in the world when built. The bronze doors at the baptistry in the piazza are called the Doors of Paradise. Eating gelato was my favorite thing to do in Italy. It is said that you are never more than 20 feet from a shop selling gelato at any time in Italy.

ITALY, FLORENCE

 October 2-5th (2012)

Have seen most of the sights and museums on my 2006 but always loved Florence. So came back to just do nothing. Have loved every minute. The city of almost 372,000 is pristine, beautiful and QUIET. I have tried to figure out what I love so much about here and it just seems quieter than most cities. People talk quieter, there seems to be less traffic and there is a reverence that seems to surround the city. Almost as though they did not want anyone else to know they are here. Each evening I do my favorite thing and that is to go to Piazzle Michelangelo that overlooks the city and watch the sunset. It is truly magical.

The Duomo at night.