Florence
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For history and art buffs Florence is the place. From Michelangelo's David in the Galleria dell'Accademia, to the Uffizi Gallery, the Pitti Palace and the Ponte Vecchio, there is much to see. You know you must come back.
For those who aren't so fascinated by art and history, there is the fantastic food, vino, gelato, shopping and people watching. All this enhances the experience of absorbing the beauty and culture of Florence. When Rick Steves says his tours are walking tours, he is not teasing. We probably walked more in Florence even than in Rome. This was a good thing considering the birra and gelato pounds we had to lose before going home. Once again our enthusiastic guide had expansive knowledge on all things historic and gastronomic. Jamie provided us with many ideas on what to do when our Rick Steves' tour ended, and we went our separate ways in Florence. We stayed in the Hotel California, a long stone's throw from Brunelleschi's Duomo, a central location from which to explore Florence in every direction. The helpful hotel staff provided us with ideas on sites to see and places to eat. We had fun practicing our Italian and they their English. Florence was the culmination of our education and experience as we learned from Jamie to navigate and explore as independent tourists, savoring all that Florence had to offer. Jamie recommended the hill climb to San Miniato Church for the vast city view and historical sites. We hiked up the hill with Carl and Betty, stopping at Piazzale Michelangelo to admire an outdoor statue of David before touring the church and grounds. Later we walked down to Santa Croce Church which holds the tombs of many famous Florentines. Part of this facility contains a old leather-working school which produces high quality handmade goods.
At last we saw David, a realization of a lifelong dream. We were surprised at the enormity of the sculpture. It is incredible to imagine Michelangelo traveling to the Carrara Mountains and visualizing his sculpture in a block of marble and hauling it to Florence. One can hardly grasp the creativity and physical effort required as he worked with a hammer, chisel and pumice, to create this masterpiece.
Our last group dinner was at Giglio Rosso, where once again Jamie and the chefs arranged a fantastic dinner and wine selection. Our tour member Michael made a touching toast to our eccellente tour guide Jamie, "a man of many words."
Giglio Rosso Menu:
Ribolitta soup and bread, cannellini beans and black cabbage Paparadelle Chinghiale, wild boar cooked with bay leaves and juniper berries Tagliata steak with arugula Huge dessert tray Wines: Chianti Morellino di Scansano Grappa and Limoncello We spent several hours at the Pitti Palace with Charlie and Virginia where we were amazed at the lifestyle of the rich and famous. The palace holds a huge collection of art from 17th century masters. It also was the home of the Medici family who appeared to have money to burn; they spent it furnishing the palace with gilded furniture, art and ostentatious possessions.
We were fascinated by the many fountains we saw on our tour, especially this one. The Sea Monster Fountain, Dei Mostri Marini, was intriguing because ancient mariners had a great fear of monsters of the deep.
Our friends Joyce and Bill arranged a final dinner for those of us who were staying a few extra days. They chose the Ristorante Cafaggi on the advice of our hotel staff. It was family operated with Grandma writing the checks by hand. It was a lively restaurant patronized by locals. We truly appreciated eating with our friends one last time. |
On our final night we enjoyed dinner in the romantic setting of the Hotel California rooftop dining terrace. The sun set, warmly illuminating the Duomo in the twilight sky.
It is said, "All good things must end," and Florence, the Renaissance City, was the perfect location to finish our tour.
It is said, "All good things must end," and Florence, the Renaissance City, was the perfect location to finish our tour.
Grazie and Arrivederci
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