MONDAY till THURSDAY

We had a long train trip from Cannes(saw no stars ,Marilyn).We changed trains twice.During the middle leg ,we sat with a lovely couple from Tasmania.They were our age and traveled often.They were off to Venice to meet old friends.She had been a Food Guide for trips around the world with small groups for cooking lessons etc.Most of the excursion had been in Tuscany.he had been in the food distribution industry.

We arrived in Florence,and found our hotel easily as it was 6 minutes from the train station.It was called the Vasari Palace Hotel.It had previously been a monastery built in the 16th century,had also been owned by various families.It became a hotel in 1951,nicely refurbished,but much of the character maintained.One of the owners was Alphonse De Lamartine,a famous French poet.His original typewriter is on display.We were on the second floor(but with an elevator).In Europe the first floor is Zero,the next floor 1,and the next 2 etc…so we were the top floor.There was a beautiful spiral marble stair case.

We decided we needed to find something to eat,so we headed down Via Faenza.It was a long narrow street that took us all the way to the Duomo.But I am ahead of myself.The street was narrow and lined with restaurants,wine stores,phone store,and a cobbler.WE chose one of the small Italian restaurant,of course.Michael had Riboulata and I had Troccoli with a meat and mushroom sauce.

I was so excited to be back in my favourite Italian city*****!!.After a good night’s sleep and breakfast at the hotel,we headed out to explore.Via Faenza took us all the way to the Duomo.But before we reached the Duoma we passed a huge market,with memories of our trip to Florence with our kids(OK they were all adults).This was the market where they all bought leather jackets!The market were rows of stalls selling leather(coats,jackets,purses of all sizes,belts),scarves,t shirt,souvenirs,jewellery,but very little food.I am amazed how anyone makes a living,as throughout the city are the same kind of stalls!Behind the stalls is a large “Farmers” market with the food…fruits,vegetables,pastries,pizza,pasta,meat and fish.

At night all the stalls are cleared away as if the street had been empty.

So,on to the Duomo, a huge Christian church.It is one of the largest churches in Europe and recognized for the architectural feat of the dome.The construction began in 1296 and was structurally complete in 1436.THere were a multitude of architects and ruler and Popes.So,Angela and Billy the renovations will be completed…not quite as many players involved.Our plan had been to visit the Duomo,but the line was impressive and discouraging,so it was on tomorrow’s list…early.

I am providing a small video of the dome….shaky hand…

We continued to walk past the Uffizi,with scaffolding and crowds lined to see a wonderful museum..but not on our trip this time.It was a short walk to the Arno River,green and murky.

In the background is Pointe Vecchio,an old bridge with only foot traffic and lined with jewellery shops.I am not sure how successful anyone was to negotiate a price.

Tomorrow was the much anticipated trip to Accademia Gallery and DAVID.There is often a story.One of us had the direct wrong(me) and we had to hustle to make our assigned time.Like most museums,it was filled with religious pictures and many of Mary and baby Jesus.It was interesting to see the evolution of facial details..the correct size and features of the baby in particular.

WE spent much time with David.Michael and I had a long discussion about whether David was left or right handed.I will give you different views of David and will look forward to YOUR answer in your comments.

To interject,the Floor above the market was a HUGE food court with 3 bars and every option of food you could want.You could even buy a piece of a rectangular pizza(remember Nunny’s) and pay by the weight.We did spend a couple of evenings there!!

Our last visit was to Santa Croce.It was another Catholic church that still has mass daily,but also has an artistic heritage that celebrates some of Italy’s greatest figures and are buried in the church in sarcophaguses.Michaelangelo,Galileo ,Rossini, Machiavelli .Dante was exiled and never allowed to return to his constructed sarcophaguses.

In the second cloister was “The last Supper” and the Tree of Life.This cloister had been flooded ,and the walls still show the high water marks.The pieces have been restored and hung very high on the walls.

Then one more dinner at the market….I had roasted red onions in a balsamic flavoured sauce….I must try to make it…delicious.

Home to pack once more for the next leg of our journey.

…All roads lead to _______!