I will say, Florence gives Paris a run for it's money. It is so beautiful, with wonderful food, cuisine, art and all around vibe. But it's a different kind of beauty. Florence is the Jewel of the Renaissance, so you're instantly transported to that period in time.
There's too much to say about Florence, so here is Florence from our arrival until Wednesday night. So, here it goes!
Tuesday:
Our flight became an experience. We were freaked our about our luggage being at the right weight and dimensions. Those RyanAir people scare you! But luckily, all of ours fit like a glove, and they didn't bother weighing them. On board, it was basically us, and a plane full of Italians. It was the loudest flight I've ever been on. And when our captain told us we may have to go to Bologna because of bad weather, the voices just got louder and hands were flying everywhere!
Luckily, we landed in Pisa as planned, and because it was so late, we shelved out some extra Euros to pay for a chauffeur who took us right to Jenny's house. Jenny, FYI, is my amazing program friend who's family lives in Florence. Free lodging? Yes please!
We come to the house, which is just a beautiful house in what I like to call, sun-kissed yellow. Many of the buildings in Florence have the sun-kissed shade of yellow, orange, pink, you name it. And when we enter the house, (I think it's about midnight now), we see a table, full of sandwiches, dessert, wine, and lit candles. Jenny's mom made this for us, and it was the most wonderful sight to see. Jenny's mom was a RIOT and a wonderful hostess. Jenny's sister and her friend were also there, they were a ton of fun too.
We all slept in the living room, or as Jenny's mom said, "The Orphanage." Mattresses with bedding were scattered throughout, and it was like a giant slumber party. Very fun indeed!
Wednesday: After waking up late, we decided to go to the Duomo, Florence's giant cathedral. Before we left we explored the Piazzale Michelangelo, which is a wonderful square set up on a hill. It's right by Jenny's house which is high up. Well, we thought the views from Jenny's house were amazing, the views from the Piazelle were magnificent. You can see all of the historic district of Florence, and we also explored a beautiful church, the Basilica Abbaziale di San Miniato al Monte, and cemetery right by. I can't wait to post the pictures, the view was breathtaking from both spots.
Walking through Florence just made me smile. What a gem of a city. And.. I ran into Kathy, my chiropractor who was on vacation with her husband!! It was wonderful see a familiar face, in Florence!!! We then scooped up some gelato, and headed to the Duomo.
Oh my word. To think I thought Notre-Dame was massive. This church is one of Italy's largest, and it's HUGE. Totally different from your French Gothic beauties. Here, frescos and marble reign. The dome itself is massive, and just the overall space is just huge. And, right across from the cathedral was the Baptistery, which had the famous and equally beautiful Gates of Paradise.
This whole day was a precursor to the more wonderful days I would have in Tuscany. I promise to put up pictures soon!
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