So it turns out we do have wifi here - yay!!
We got up at 6.20 today and packed up and headed to termini station. Our fast train to Florence (up to 300km/h!!) got in at about 9am and we walked to out hotel. Room wasn't ready so left our bags here and set off for the day!
First we went to the central market here where lots of food and leather goods are sold. You know how yesterday I said I wasn't going to buy any more clothes? Yeah...bought a leather jacket. Oops! But it was fairly cheap and really really nice! Now - no more clothes...until Milan ;) hahaha.
Next we went to the piazza del duomo. This is the main square in Florence and has the duomo (cathedral), bell tower and baptistery. All three are made of beautifully coloured marble, so stunning! In summer you can hardly move in this square, but we had it practically to ourselves for an hour and strolled around. Looked inside the cathedral and then climbed the 414 steps of the bell tower, the view was beautiful! Then we strolled down the main street called Via Dei Calzaiuoli. There are lots of shops here so we looked (please note I did not buy anything!!) and also looked at a couple of squares and churches off this street.
Eventually we made our way to Piazza Della Signoria, where Michelangelo's statue of David once stood (a copy has replaced it now). We had a look at the loggia (an arched undercover area that has statues in it) then walked to the beautiful Ponte Vecchio (bridge). The colours in Florence are so beautiful, terra cotta roofs and then apricot/orange/brown/red buildings. Everything just fits together and looks lovely. We crossed the Ponte Vecchio (avoiding the 1000 euro + jewellery like the plague!) and went to a restaurant dad and Adam recommended here called Gusta Pizza. We got to sit in a cute little wood fired pizza kitchen at big round tables. We shared with a Brazilian guy who was really nice. I had a pizza with mozzarella, ricotta, salami and ham. The best pizza I have ever had! Lucky were walking so much though or I'd be a blimp by now!!!!
We continued back along the Ponte st Trinita for a good view of the Ponte Vecchio. By now it was raining but not heavily, just enough to need our umbrellas! We walked to the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall where the previous Medici administration was based (they were a big family that took over Florence and some of them were even popes). This was really interesting and we saw lots of beautiful furniture, paintings and administrative areas.
Finally we walked to Vivoli Gelateria which has been described as the best gelati in the world, and I would have to agree! I had strawberry and tiramisu and mum had chocolate and strawberry. It was delicious!!
We walked back to our hotel - which by the way is a 17th century villa filled with gorgeous furniture!!!) - and are going out for dinner soon.
Day trip to Siena tomorrow which will be interesting after having done teaching rounds at Siena College twice last year and learning about the town in their pastoral periods.
Love to all
Claire
Xoxoxox
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