Firenze, Finally

(Here finally is what I began to write and just finished the other day about my trip to Florence two weekends ago. I'll be adding a few more pictures here, I couldn't upload them all and I have to hurry off to class.)

I think it’s because of the relative closeness of all of the main tourist attractions in Florence that each time I’ve been there I’ve felt very at home. It was fun this time to keep coming across familiar places, including that gelateria with the flashing neon lights and loud MTV videos (remember that Mom and Dad?).

Chris and I took an early train Friday morning with only one change of trains required, a nice change after all of the commotion with traveling over Spring Break. When we arrived we dropped our things off at the hostel and then walked through the San Lorenzo market. I was quite surprised that I actually bought something, a brown leather bag that cost five euros that I’m still waiting to find some flaw with. I’m also surprised that the bag actually looks and smells like leather. As I said, I’m still a bit suspicious about the whole thing, but I am certainly not complaining. We walked into the indoor food market for a bit and then finished walking through the outdoor stands on our way to the Duomo. We walked around the Duomo area and inside and then headed toward Ponte Vecchio by way of the Uffizi area. The sun being out made all the difference, as I remember not being all that impressed by that view last time. This time I found the sight of the bridge very charming, which was probably also helped by having recently read the story about why Ponte Vecchio remains. (Apparently a German soldier didn’t have the heart to blow it up when they were destroying all of the other bridges in Florence because it was so beautiful, so it was the only one that he allowed to remain). We walked along the bridge and then more along the other side of the river until we reached the many steps that lead up to Piazza Michelangelo, where there is an absolutely beautiful view of the city below and the surrounding hillsides.

From there we climbed even more steps, although much less that I had remembered, to the church on the very top of the large hill. That was my favorite part of Florence last time and I have a distinct memory of sitting on the wall in the sunshine and enjoying that gorgeous view. As we approached we noticed a bride and groom getting their pictures taken which just added to the beauty of the lovely church up there. I sneaked some pictures of them and noticed her noticing me but after the photographer had finished taking their pictures I saw her new husband take out his own camera and take pictures of her so I suppose she’s used to it.

Chris and I lingered outside for a while and I felt so happy munching on my apple and looking at the small city below and the beautiful church behind me. After a while we went into the church, which is huge and filled with echoes and columns and an elaborate mosaic of Jesus above the altar. My favorite part is the section behind the altar that is filled with benches and just the perfect amount of light. It’s really beautiful. We wandered around outside for longer and sat on a bench to keep taking in as much as possible before eventually winding our way back down the hill.

On our way back we came across Santa Croce, just as the next day we would suddenly find ourselves at Santa Maria Novella, Dante’s house, and the piazza with the carousel. As I said before, I think that this is why Florence always feels so familiar, although we did get lost trying to find the pizzeria that Cavin recommended.

Speaking of Cavin and recommendations we faithfully followed all of his, hoping that they’d be trustworthy since he spent so many months there. The pizza was very good, and it was exciting to actually get to have mint gelato since nowhere around here offers that. The next day for lunch we went to a place that I guess Andrew used to frequent where they offered authentic American diner type food. We noticed seating outside on the sidewalk so we asked if we could eat out there since it’s something we’ve both always wanted to do. We both ordered chocolate chip pancakes, which isn't exactly the quintessential dining outside in Europe experience, but it certainly was so pleasant to sit out there with the breeze and sunshine watching all of the Florentine happenings. After that we walked around some more and then headed to the train station to return to Perugia.

Needless to say, I had a wonderful two days in Florence.