Sunday, June 19, 2011
Florence (414 stairs, David and chocolate)
This morning we were up early to eat breakfast and then pack up and head to the train station. It was quiet around St. Mark's Square this morning. Many people were either sleeping in, leaving Venice, or in church services. It was so nice to see the square without the thousand of tourist who flock there each day.
We hopped on a vaporetto which took us to the train station. At the train station we went to look for our train. There are a lot of trains coming and going. I have never ridden on a train in Europe so I was looking forward to the experience. We arrived early so we wouldn't have to rush to catch the train. While we were boarding our train my shoe fell off and of course caused a little scene. Too funny if you ask me. The train is so smooth and quiet. We really need to get one of these in the United States. It would solve so many problems.
At the moment Mark and I are on the train. Relaxing and looking at Italy from the train's vantage point. There are a lot of large houses that look very old. We have three stops until Florence (Firenze). It will take about 2 hours total. Not a bad way to travel. I am off to read my book. I will write more later when we reach our destination. We will spending three nights in Florence. More to come......
We arrived in Florence and caught a taxi to our hotel, Hotel Giglio. We checked in to a room that was blacker than black. We couldn't see anything nor could we find any switches for the lights. After I stumbled down a small step in the room Mark found the switches. At least I know we will have a dark room in order to get a great night's sleep.
We were starving and ventured off to find something, anything, that was open. We came across a lovely little cafe in the Piazza San Marco. I had the most amazing melanzana alla parmigiano with a glass of vino della casa (bianco).
After lunch we were off......We first went through the cathedral at the Duomo and then immediately went to climb 414 steps to the top of the bell tower at the Duomo. What a view (pictures will be coming soon)!!! I was so wobbly after going up and down those stairs that I needed a little break. We headed toward the shops in the square when we came upon the most incredible store- Lindt Candy. Oh my goodness...they have candy that I have never seen before or have ever tasted before. Yum! We bought just a few pieces so we wouldn't go crazy on candy, but I am telling you it was so delicious.
We lucked out when walking back to our hotel. We passed the Accademia where the statue “David” is located and got in rather quickly. We only had 30 minutes until the building closed, but I had to see David. We saw David as he toward over all the sightseers. What a day packed full of excitement and adventure. Tomorrow we are off to see all the sights we can before heading to Pisa for the day on Tuesday.
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