We slept well. The beds here are firm but you still kind of sink into them a little. Every room so far has had two twin beds next to each other, except this one, which has three twins. We are settling into a routine where Mom gets up first and showers/gets ready. When she is done in the bathroom I’ll get up and get ready. This morning was no exception. Mom was glad to have her slippers back as the floors here are marble and cool to the touch.
We have a light breakfast and join our group at 8:15. We walk about 15 minutes to the Uffizi Gallery. It was uncertain until this morning if we would even be able to enter as the workers there were contemplating striking today. Fortunately for us, that didn’t happen. This was one place Mom wanted to visit and was looking forward to seeing. Thank goodness she got her wish.
We were met at on the front steps by Paul, our guide through the gallery. An Italian who spent a lot of time in New York, including going to college and earning his Masters in Italian Art History. He has a very unique method of guiding…he asks questions to engage you and make you think. As we were standing in front of a painting of Mary and the Baby Jesus painted in 1480, it suddenly became clear why art was so fascinating. We didn’t view every piece of art, on about 5 or 6. But his explanations and dialog with our group were very thorough.
We said good bye to Paul on the roof of the Uffizi Gallery. Since we had the day to ourselves we walked to the Basilica di Santa Croce. $8 euros to enter. And wow…does it take your breath away! I had to sit down for about 5 minutes and catch my breath. The stained glass windows. The tombs. The carvings. And it’s huge! Well yes, I did say Basilica didn’t I? I can’t image it being full.
We walked around for about an hour and then decided to walk back to the hotel; stopping to eat lunch along the way. We ate outside so we could watch the people. I ordered the Gnocchi with 4 cheeses. Mom had the 4 cheese pizza. She asked the server how big the pizza was, the server says: “for one” and indicates the size with her hands is about 5 inches across. Our lunch arrives and my serving is perfect. Mom’s pizza; it’s the size of her plate! At least 9 inches across. That’s the last time we believe a server about the size of a pizza! That being said, it was good. I helped her eat it but we still couldn’t eat all of it.
Finished walking back to the hotel; we rested for a few hours. Yes, we both napped. We were exhausted! Not only the walking, but the things we saw and learned today. I think our brains are about ready to explode! I’m not complaining by any means, but just processing what you’ve seen and heard can be overwhelming.
Around 5 we ventured back out to see if I could find a bag to carry my stuff in other than a backpack. We stopped at the front desk to see if someone would look at our AC unit since it didn’t seem to be working. The young lady there assured me she would go take a look while we were out.
There is so much to do and see in Florence. The afternoon walk yesterday gave us the lay of the land, but I was still grateful for Google Maps today. We made our way back to the Market and walked down aisles and aisles of vendors. Most of them had the same items: leather handbags, leather belts, shawls/scarfs, cheap trinkets, some clothing for both men and women, and t-shirts/hats. I found my new bag after about 10 minutes of walking up and down the rows. I was also looking for a new blouse or shirt to wear but nothing jumped out at me.
We then walk to Coin which is a department store that reminded me of Macy’s. You walk in and are assaulted by women wanting to spray perfume on you. We looked for some clothing there for me as well, but it was all winter stuff. That’s not an option!
Started walking back towards the hotel again but stopped at a grocery store to pick up a few things. I was running low on shampoo and really wanted a different brand of mousse for my hair. Found the same brands I use at home, which was reassuring. Not complete sure about the mousse as I don’t read or speak Italian. Guess we shall find out tomorrow.
Making it back to the hotel; following the maze to get to our room. It’s really quite funny. You take an elevator from the street level to the reception area. Then you take a left and walk down a hallway, turn right, then left and the elevator is there to take you to the 3rd floor. When you get to the 3rd floor, you turn right and walk down a hall until you reach a door with a push handle on it. Go thru that door and down 6 steps. Then thru another security door (code 5555) and you are entering the hallway where our room is located. Take a left and then a right and go straight. We’re the first door on the right after the lounging area. CRAZY! But I love it!
Our air conditioning is now working. Come to find out one of our windows was not completely closed. The AC unit wouldn’t come on. The young lady at the desk was probably thinking “dumb Americans”. But I’m pleased it’s working again as it’s very humid here today.
We ate dinner in our rooms, just some salami and cheese with a couple cookies for dessert. We are getting organized for our travel day tomorrow. Apparently by bus and train. With a stop at Pisa somewhere in the middle.
Thank you to all of you reading this and keeping up with our journey. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read what I’ve written. I am blessed to have such caring family and friends.
Buon Notte!
