Day 19: Florence - View From the Top, Part 2

Our first full day in Florence started off with a less than stellar breakfast. With stomachs full of crusty rolls and stale cereal, we boarded the bus to take a guided walking tour through the city. We met our guide outside of the Duomo, and began by walking through the cathedral. It was beautiful on the inside and out, and the guide knew a lot of insightful information about it's history (she also fit the stereotype of hairy European armpits....wow). We saw some more of the city square, rubbed a big pig for good luck, walked through the Medici palace and split up to check out the rest of Florence for ourselves.

Following Mike's recommendation, we trekked from the main square to the top of Piazza Michelangelo. Seated on the edge of the city, this hill offered some of the best views of Florence with the observation deck almost even with the Duomo. We took plenty of incredible pictures and savored the cool breeze before heading back into Florence to see Michelangelo's David.

The sculpture is housed in the Academia, and I think someone must have told the other tourists who were in the city today. The line stretched around the block and after an hour we were finally at the door. **side note: while we waited about 10 feet from the entrance, I was struck on the shoulder by a sizable amount of pigeon poop. They tell me it's "good luck" to get pooped on, but I think they just say that to make you feel better**

Without a doubt, the sculpture was worth the wait. From a single piece of marble, Michelangelo carved a perfect 17ft figure depicting the moments before David defeated Goliath. It was nothing short of incredible, and has been one of my favorite pieces of art on the trip.

Tired and sweaty, we retreated to the hotel to shower and prepare for a Florentine steak dinner. We left in plenty of time to make our reservation, but no one had informed us of the marathon taking place downtown that night. But after a few loops on public transit and an apologetic phone call, we had our reservation moved and enjoyed a delicious blueberry steak. Sounds weird, and looks very strange, but it was great.

We finished the night with a trip to a disco tech call Space in hopes of seeing the Jersey Shore cast (they are filming new season here and some friends got pictures with them earlier in the day). Alas, we didn't see Snookie, but still enjoyed a good night out dancing and laughing at the locals. Early morning tomorrow to drive to the French Riviera. Tough life, but I think I can handle it.

Cheers,

Russell

 Visiting the inside of the Duomo

Porcellino the famous lucky pig statue

 from atop the Ponte Vecchio with the Arno River behind

 the famous bridge was rebuilt in 1345 and has jewelry shops across it

 a view of Ponte Vecchio

 Two famous original statues in the main square outside the Town Hall

 walking up hundreds of steps to the Piazzale Michelangelo for the best view of Florence

 

 the walk was definitely worth it

 another Texas group photo

 the Duomo

 The original David Statue, the size was overwhelming in person

 one of the many rows of markets that sold everything you could think of