Rome
Florence and Pisa
Venice and the surrounding islands
Click below for all of the pictures taken by Amy's Mom.
There may be some duplicates from the sites above.
Anne's Pictures
Monday, June 13, 2005
All of the pictures
Here are the links to all of the pictures:
Rome
Florence and Pisa
Venice and the surrounding islands
Click below for all of the pictures taken by Amy's Mom.
There may be some duplicates from the sites above.
Anne's Pictures
Rome
Florence and Pisa
Venice and the surrounding islands
Click below for all of the pictures taken by Amy's Mom.
There may be some duplicates from the sites above.
Anne's Pictures
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Train Ride from Venice
Right now I am on a Eurostar train somewhere between Venice and Rome.
I'm trying to remember what all we've done but haven't written about. We have been getting home late and walking a lot - which makes Andy a sleepy boy...... Amy will be helping with this so some references are from her and some are from me.....
Thursday, we decided to get an early start and head off to the islands. As you probably know, Venice is a large island with water-ways in it and around it. But there are also several other islands that make up the 'Venice area'. Three of the more famous islands are Murano, Burano and Torcello. You would have been so proud - we actually figured out that we could buy a 24 hour 'bus' pass (vaporetto pass) and could go to all of the islands without buying separate tickets. First we headed to Murano which is famous for its glass-blowing. This very old art is usually passed on from family member to family member. Ed said that there were times when those who had been taught the art of glass blowing couldn't leave the Venice area. If they left more than twice, they were killed. I guess that Venetians were very protective of that craft!!! People today still go to Murano to learn that skill.
It took us probably about an hour to get to Murano. Once there, we watched a glass making/blowing demonstration and afterwards explored the small and very diverse island. We had lunch (yum) and then bought some glass souvenirs. Anne went crazy at the jewelry shop - she made many friends in that place!!!
After Murano, we caught another bus to Burano, which is known for its lace. None of our group had ever been there so this was an adventure for all us. This ride took us about 1/2 hour, but with few stops (as compared to Venice to Murano). The main street of this town is filled with shops selling lace of all sorts. We saw a lace-making demonstration which I think Anne and Amy found more interesting than the guys did. The houses reminded me (Amy) of New Orleans. They are all painted bright, vivacious colors of the rainbow - bright blue, pinks, yellows - very attractive and inviting! The canal that went through the city completed a perfect setting for an authentic Italian city on the water.
Our final stop was the island of Torcello. I had already read in Rick Steve's that the population of the island is 20 and that the only thing there is a church. But Ed really wanted to see it because he had read that the original Venice was here (I guess that it had started there and moved later to its current location...). The ride was only 5 minutes from Burano and Rick was right - there wasn't much to see, but what we did see was again authentic Italian. Dogs and their owners tending to fields. One hotel and two restaurants (wouldn't that be a cool place to go for some peace and quiet!?!?) and as Rick said - one church, basilica and bell tower. But we were all glad that we went to this island - definitely an experience that we will not forget.
We didn't get back to the hotel until 7:10 ish and immediately headed for dinner after dropping our packages off. We went back to the restaurant we had eaten in the night before and tried some new things. But we were all tired after our 'island' adventure and didn't have much patience for the 20+ group of college kids eating (and drinking!!) in "our" trattoria!! They were so loud and speaking so many obscenities. I know that I was not like that I was in school!! (this is Amy- can't say that much for Andy!!). :) Anyway - headed to Saint Mark's again after dinner and then to bed.
Yesterday (Friday), we started off at the Peggy Guggenheim museum. Amy and I were impressed with the amount of art that she had in her home. Quite an extensive collection of artists in her personal collection. Dali, lots of Pollock, Picasso, Miro, Klee and Man Ray (to name a few!). There was a Pollock exhibit with lots of his work on display. Jacob commented that he could do this kind of work. His grandmother pointed out that the reason his work is so famous is because he did it first. Just because you think you can paint like that doesn't mean your work will be famous.
Amy has decided that Peggy Guggenheim was her kind of lady. She had tons of dogs, eccentric and obviously great taste in art (and sunglasses if you have ever seen her picture!) and didn't care what others thought of her style or the way she lived her life. She also had quite a beautiful home right on the grand canal which I think most can appreciate!!
After seeing what looked like the same Pollock painting over and over (in the special exhibit), Jacob, Amy and myself made our way in search of lunch. Anne and Ed wanted to stay longer checking out the various paintings and artwork.
We didn't really have a plan after lunch. Our small group eventually made it to the Rialto Bridge and then wound our way back to Saint Mark's square (San Marco). We had to have one last opportunity to feed the pigeons. We then headed back towards the square that our hotel is off of and did some window shopping in the quaint stores around there. We bought a bottle of chianti and some fruit to celebrate our last day in Venice and when Anne and Ed returned from the museum, we enjoyed a little respite together. Nothing beats sitting in a little Italian hotel's sitting room and reminiscing about the past two weeks over a bottle of good, local wine.
We then headed out to dinner and wandered the streets until we found a restaurant by the water - some canal and area that we had never been in before, which made it even more special. Amy, Anne and I split a 1 1/2 kg flounder (which they de-boned right at our table - I had the cheek meat which is apparently a delicacy!) We thought we saw Kid Rock but I think it was some hairy Italian with a top-hat (like he wears). We slowly wandered our way through the winding streets back to the hotel. Back a little earlier than the nights before so that we could start the packing process.
Today we are headed to Rome and then tomorrow, home. This trip has in many ways gone by so quickly. But in other ways, it has been a while since we have been home (and every dog we see reminds us of Oscar and Willow). Will write more on the plane about our final day in Italy (Rome) and other final thoughts. Hope all is well with you our friends - we'll be home soon!! (That could be a good or bad thing.....). :) Love to you all......
Amy & Andy
I'm trying to remember what all we've done but haven't written about. We have been getting home late and walking a lot - which makes Andy a sleepy boy...... Amy will be helping with this so some references are from her and some are from me.....
Thursday, we decided to get an early start and head off to the islands. As you probably know, Venice is a large island with water-ways in it and around it. But there are also several other islands that make up the 'Venice area'. Three of the more famous islands are Murano, Burano and Torcello. You would have been so proud - we actually figured out that we could buy a 24 hour 'bus' pass (vaporetto pass) and could go to all of the islands without buying separate tickets. First we headed to Murano which is famous for its glass-blowing. This very old art is usually passed on from family member to family member. Ed said that there were times when those who had been taught the art of glass blowing couldn't leave the Venice area. If they left more than twice, they were killed. I guess that Venetians were very protective of that craft!!! People today still go to Murano to learn that skill.
It took us probably about an hour to get to Murano. Once there, we watched a glass making/blowing demonstration and afterwards explored the small and very diverse island. We had lunch (yum) and then bought some glass souvenirs. Anne went crazy at the jewelry shop - she made many friends in that place!!!
After Murano, we caught another bus to Burano, which is known for its lace. None of our group had ever been there so this was an adventure for all us. This ride took us about 1/2 hour, but with few stops (as compared to Venice to Murano). The main street of this town is filled with shops selling lace of all sorts. We saw a lace-making demonstration which I think Anne and Amy found more interesting than the guys did. The houses reminded me (Amy) of New Orleans. They are all painted bright, vivacious colors of the rainbow - bright blue, pinks, yellows - very attractive and inviting! The canal that went through the city completed a perfect setting for an authentic Italian city on the water.
Our final stop was the island of Torcello. I had already read in Rick Steve's that the population of the island is 20 and that the only thing there is a church. But Ed really wanted to see it because he had read that the original Venice was here (I guess that it had started there and moved later to its current location...). The ride was only 5 minutes from Burano and Rick was right - there wasn't much to see, but what we did see was again authentic Italian. Dogs and their owners tending to fields. One hotel and two restaurants (wouldn't that be a cool place to go for some peace and quiet!?!?) and as Rick said - one church, basilica and bell tower. But we were all glad that we went to this island - definitely an experience that we will not forget.
We didn't get back to the hotel until 7:10 ish and immediately headed for dinner after dropping our packages off. We went back to the restaurant we had eaten in the night before and tried some new things. But we were all tired after our 'island' adventure and didn't have much patience for the 20+ group of college kids eating (and drinking!!) in "our" trattoria!! They were so loud and speaking so many obscenities. I know that I was not like that I was in school!! (this is Amy- can't say that much for Andy!!). :) Anyway - headed to Saint Mark's again after dinner and then to bed.
Yesterday (Friday), we started off at the Peggy Guggenheim museum. Amy and I were impressed with the amount of art that she had in her home. Quite an extensive collection of artists in her personal collection. Dali, lots of Pollock, Picasso, Miro, Klee and Man Ray (to name a few!). There was a Pollock exhibit with lots of his work on display. Jacob commented that he could do this kind of work. His grandmother pointed out that the reason his work is so famous is because he did it first. Just because you think you can paint like that doesn't mean your work will be famous.
Amy has decided that Peggy Guggenheim was her kind of lady. She had tons of dogs, eccentric and obviously great taste in art (and sunglasses if you have ever seen her picture!) and didn't care what others thought of her style or the way she lived her life. She also had quite a beautiful home right on the grand canal which I think most can appreciate!!
After seeing what looked like the same Pollock painting over and over (in the special exhibit), Jacob, Amy and myself made our way in search of lunch. Anne and Ed wanted to stay longer checking out the various paintings and artwork.
We didn't really have a plan after lunch. Our small group eventually made it to the Rialto Bridge and then wound our way back to Saint Mark's square (San Marco). We had to have one last opportunity to feed the pigeons. We then headed back towards the square that our hotel is off of and did some window shopping in the quaint stores around there. We bought a bottle of chianti and some fruit to celebrate our last day in Venice and when Anne and Ed returned from the museum, we enjoyed a little respite together. Nothing beats sitting in a little Italian hotel's sitting room and reminiscing about the past two weeks over a bottle of good, local wine.
We then headed out to dinner and wandered the streets until we found a restaurant by the water - some canal and area that we had never been in before, which made it even more special. Amy, Anne and I split a 1 1/2 kg flounder (which they de-boned right at our table - I had the cheek meat which is apparently a delicacy!) We thought we saw Kid Rock but I think it was some hairy Italian with a top-hat (like he wears). We slowly wandered our way through the winding streets back to the hotel. Back a little earlier than the nights before so that we could start the packing process.
Today we are headed to Rome and then tomorrow, home. This trip has in many ways gone by so quickly. But in other ways, it has been a while since we have been home (and every dog we see reminds us of Oscar and Willow). Will write more on the plane about our final day in Italy (Rome) and other final thoughts. Hope all is well with you our friends - we'll be home soon!! (That could be a good or bad thing.....). :) Love to you all......
Amy & Andy
Day 11 - Venice
What did we do yesterday? As I am one day (or more??) behind, I am trying to remember what all we did...
After breakfast, we went to St. Marks Square. There was a political/military something or other going on. Part of the square was blocked off. Many men with machine guns. Jacob (and I) thought it was cool.
We went into St. Marks Basicalla, and saw the inside of another church (they all look the same to me). The floor was marble but was also not very flat. I am assuming that because the city is built on water, the floor must of not stayed very level in all these years (plus the flooding from past years). We saw a golden altar piece that was from the Byzantine period. Very beautiful. We also saw some bronze horses from the 4th century. Napoleon took them to France when he conquered Venice a long time ago.
After St. Marks, we fed the birds. Jake was happy. Doge's palace was next (the Duke's Palace). Not the Dukes of Hazzard (just in case you were confused).
The Doge's Palace was a very large place where the rich folks would meet and discuss the future of Venice. It was where the laws were set but also where the judgments were passed on whether a person was guilty or not. Conveniently located in the bottom of the palace were the dungeons. Yikes!! Those dark, damp cells with writing of past prisoners made us all decide that we definitely did not want to get arrested (especially after our train incident!!).
After the palace, we headed towards the Rialto bridge and stopped for lunch en route. Lunch was in a small 'dive' of sorts - Anne and Ed had pasta but Amy and I saw them micro-waving what appeared to be a lean cuisine - which ended up being their pasta!! We didn't have the heart to tell them until they said that it tasted like it had been 'zapped'. I guess even in Italy they opt for convenience sometimes!
The Rialto bridge and market around the bridge was something to say you have seen but wasn't very impressive otherwise. Lots of tourists and lots of touristy 'crap'! One thing I learned about this famous bridge is that there have been two others before the current Rialto bridge. I did see some 'interesting' ties that had pictures on the inside of them. When I get home, I'll tell you more if you are interested. Let's just say that Amy wouldn't let me buy one to wear to work because she found them degrading to women.
We then headed back towards the hotel, took a small break and Anne and Ed headed to see a special exhibit on the artist Modigliani. Jacob, Amy and I went to laundry. After Amy's last experience, she had scoped this washeteria out more carefully, Not only was it close by, but there was an attendant and many machines! And Jacob has now learned how to separate his clothes and wash them in the appropriate temperature of water (he told me not to tell his mom though!). He even folded his clothes - impressive for a 10 year-old.
After all of this "excitement", we went to dinner at a local restaurant. The waitresses were very taken with Jacob - they gave him cookies and whatever else he asked for. Must be nice to 10.
We wondered around to Saint Mark's square and caught a little of the night life there (it is beautiful the way they light up the square at night - almost looks like candles). Then back to the hotel to bed.
After breakfast, we went to St. Marks Square. There was a political/military something or other going on. Part of the square was blocked off. Many men with machine guns. Jacob (and I) thought it was cool.
We went into St. Marks Basicalla, and saw the inside of another church (they all look the same to me). The floor was marble but was also not very flat. I am assuming that because the city is built on water, the floor must of not stayed very level in all these years (plus the flooding from past years). We saw a golden altar piece that was from the Byzantine period. Very beautiful. We also saw some bronze horses from the 4th century. Napoleon took them to France when he conquered Venice a long time ago.
After St. Marks, we fed the birds. Jake was happy. Doge's palace was next (the Duke's Palace). Not the Dukes of Hazzard (just in case you were confused).
The Doge's Palace was a very large place where the rich folks would meet and discuss the future of Venice. It was where the laws were set but also where the judgments were passed on whether a person was guilty or not. Conveniently located in the bottom of the palace were the dungeons. Yikes!! Those dark, damp cells with writing of past prisoners made us all decide that we definitely did not want to get arrested (especially after our train incident!!).
After the palace, we headed towards the Rialto bridge and stopped for lunch en route. Lunch was in a small 'dive' of sorts - Anne and Ed had pasta but Amy and I saw them micro-waving what appeared to be a lean cuisine - which ended up being their pasta!! We didn't have the heart to tell them until they said that it tasted like it had been 'zapped'. I guess even in Italy they opt for convenience sometimes!
The Rialto bridge and market around the bridge was something to say you have seen but wasn't very impressive otherwise. Lots of tourists and lots of touristy 'crap'! One thing I learned about this famous bridge is that there have been two others before the current Rialto bridge. I did see some 'interesting' ties that had pictures on the inside of them. When I get home, I'll tell you more if you are interested. Let's just say that Amy wouldn't let me buy one to wear to work because she found them degrading to women.
We then headed back towards the hotel, took a small break and Anne and Ed headed to see a special exhibit on the artist Modigliani. Jacob, Amy and I went to laundry. After Amy's last experience, she had scoped this washeteria out more carefully, Not only was it close by, but there was an attendant and many machines! And Jacob has now learned how to separate his clothes and wash them in the appropriate temperature of water (he told me not to tell his mom though!). He even folded his clothes - impressive for a 10 year-old.
After all of this "excitement", we went to dinner at a local restaurant. The waitresses were very taken with Jacob - they gave him cookies and whatever else he asked for. Must be nice to 10.
We wondered around to Saint Mark's square and caught a little of the night life there (it is beautiful the way they light up the square at night - almost looks like candles). Then back to the hotel to bed.
Friday, June 10, 2005
More Pictures
Here is the link for the Venice Pictures:
Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello
The Florence and Pisa pictures (as well as more Roma pictures) will have to be posted when I get back.
I will try to write more for the blog on our train trip back to Rome.
Venice, Murano, Burano and Torcello
The Florence and Pisa pictures (as well as more Roma pictures) will have to be posted when I get back.
I will try to write more for the blog on our train trip back to Rome.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Day 10 - Florence to Venice
Today was our train ride from Firenze to Venezia. It took us about 3 hours and we made sure to ask (several times) if we needed to have our ticket stamped. We wanted to make sure we didn't break any laws this time!! It was a pretty uneventful train ride. Once in Venice, we took a vaporetto (water bus) to our stop (San Zaccaria which is right next to San Marco). We did not take the grand canal but instead went through the Canal of San Marco (little less pretty and more industrial). We did see the Octopus (Steve Allen's multi-million dollar boat with two helicopters and a submarine). Once off the vaporetto, we wandered the narrow streets of Venice pulling our luggage until we found our hotel - the Locanda al Leon.
Our rooms are nice - very Venetian in style with Murano glass chandeliers in each room. Location is also great - very close to San Marco. We are right off of a square as well which is really cool.
The remainder of our day was spent with a leisurely walk to San Marco past the Bridge of Sighs.
Feeding the pigeons is now one of Jacob's favorite things to do. At first he was hesitant, but once he knew that they wouldn't bite, he had them crawling all over him. At one point, everyone but Anne had joined the bird frenzy. But once we were done, we all used LOTS of the antibacterial hand stuff!!!
After feeding the birds, we went up the bell tower in Saint Mark's square. Thank goodness it has an elevator! The 360 degree view of Venice and San Giorgio (the church right across the water from San Marco square) was amazing!! Little chilly which is a nice change of pace from the hot and sticky Rome and Florence.
From there, we made our way back to the hotel and then to dinner. Nothing to really write about...... I think Venice is more known for its beauty than its food.
Sorry that we are a few days behind! As we get in later and later, it is hard to catch up - we will do our best to make up some time!! :)
Our rooms are nice - very Venetian in style with Murano glass chandeliers in each room. Location is also great - very close to San Marco. We are right off of a square as well which is really cool.
The remainder of our day was spent with a leisurely walk to San Marco past the Bridge of Sighs.
Feeding the pigeons is now one of Jacob's favorite things to do. At first he was hesitant, but once he knew that they wouldn't bite, he had them crawling all over him. At one point, everyone but Anne had joined the bird frenzy. But once we were done, we all used LOTS of the antibacterial hand stuff!!!
After feeding the birds, we went up the bell tower in Saint Mark's square. Thank goodness it has an elevator! The 360 degree view of Venice and San Giorgio (the church right across the water from San Marco square) was amazing!! Little chilly which is a nice change of pace from the hot and sticky Rome and Florence.
From there, we made our way back to the hotel and then to dinner. Nothing to really write about...... I think Venice is more known for its beauty than its food.
Sorry that we are a few days behind! As we get in later and later, it is hard to catch up - we will do our best to make up some time!! :)
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Hey, Pictures!
Found an internet cafe within walking distance that will allow me to connect my laptop.
Only had enough euros to upload this, but I should have most of the pictures up soon:
Go here ( http://italyjournal.andyc.com/day1rome/index.html ) to see Day 1 in Rome...
Andy
Only had enough euros to upload this, but I should have most of the pictures up soon:
Go here ( http://italyjournal.andyc.com/day1rome/index.html ) to see Day 1 in Rome...
Andy
Day 9 - "I didn't pay to get arrested!", Jacob
Our day started off just like the rest. We got up at around 7:30 and had breakfast at the hotel. Our plan for the day was to go to the train station and ride to Pisa to see the leaning bell tower.
The walk to the train station was not as bad as I thought it would be. It was much closer to our hotel than our original taxi ride had me believe. Our confidence in using the self service ticketing machines was still not high so we got in the ticket line like most of the other tourists did. Amy bought round trip tickets for herself and I. Ed bought the tickets for himself, Jacob and Anne.
The train ride was pretty uneventful. Just a couple of stops and we were there in about 1.5 hours. Because the bell tower is all the way across the city, we had to take a bus (about a 20 minute ride) to the Duomo, the Baptistry, and what Pisa is famous for, the leaning tower of Pisa.
It was probably the neatest thing i've seen so far. David was unbelievable, St, Peters and the view from its top was breathtaking, but the leaning tower was just plain cool. After wandering around the grounds for a bit and taking silly pictures just like everyone else (you know, acting like your holding up the tower), we found ourselves wanting lunch. It was pizza again for everyone.
After lunch, we decided to head back to Florence. We were still not sure if we were going to climb to the top of the Dome. We got to the train station just in time. A train for Florence was going to be there in 15 minutes. By luck, we got on a car with no one on it. We opened all of the windows and started our joy ride back to home base. The trouble didn't start until we almost arrived in Florence....
As usual, a person was coming around checking tickets. We took ours out just like our ride there. Expecting the ticket attendant to hole punch it as before, we were surprised when he said that they were not stamped and we had to pay 5 euro for each ticket. Huh? We tried to explain that we didn't get them stamped because we didn't see any signs and no one told us that we had to. That didn't fly with the ticket attendant. We told him that we were not going to pay. He took our tickets and said that we can talk to the polizia at the train station.
That is when Jacob said (from the mouths of children) "We didn't pay to get arrested!" At least that lightened the moment. When we got off the train, there was about 10 seconds when we thought we were home-free. The polizia passed us by - so we kept on walking. Then the attendant pointed to us. Sigh.....
Well to make a long story short, the police didn't even talk to us - they were just there to intimidate us as the attendant once again demanded the money. We tried to appeal logically (the tickets were purchased today - used today - we hadn't been trying to steal a free ride - we're not from here - we can't speak Italian.....). It was frustrating. We ended up just paying the penalty so that we wouldn't end up in jail or wasting any more time. Amy did file a complaint which was probably tossed the moment she walked away. Ed says that he is going to write the Italian embassy when we get home.
After our near run-in with the law, we decided to go shopping some more (made us all feel better). We ended the day back at Trattoria Nevella (our first favorite restaurant that I missed because I was sick). They were right - it was REALLY bad (yes, I am being sarcastic). Tomorrow is our train ride to Venezia. Hopefully we won't get arrested!!
The walk to the train station was not as bad as I thought it would be. It was much closer to our hotel than our original taxi ride had me believe. Our confidence in using the self service ticketing machines was still not high so we got in the ticket line like most of the other tourists did. Amy bought round trip tickets for herself and I. Ed bought the tickets for himself, Jacob and Anne.
The train ride was pretty uneventful. Just a couple of stops and we were there in about 1.5 hours. Because the bell tower is all the way across the city, we had to take a bus (about a 20 minute ride) to the Duomo, the Baptistry, and what Pisa is famous for, the leaning tower of Pisa.
It was probably the neatest thing i've seen so far. David was unbelievable, St, Peters and the view from its top was breathtaking, but the leaning tower was just plain cool. After wandering around the grounds for a bit and taking silly pictures just like everyone else (you know, acting like your holding up the tower), we found ourselves wanting lunch. It was pizza again for everyone.
After lunch, we decided to head back to Florence. We were still not sure if we were going to climb to the top of the Dome. We got to the train station just in time. A train for Florence was going to be there in 15 minutes. By luck, we got on a car with no one on it. We opened all of the windows and started our joy ride back to home base. The trouble didn't start until we almost arrived in Florence....
As usual, a person was coming around checking tickets. We took ours out just like our ride there. Expecting the ticket attendant to hole punch it as before, we were surprised when he said that they were not stamped and we had to pay 5 euro for each ticket. Huh? We tried to explain that we didn't get them stamped because we didn't see any signs and no one told us that we had to. That didn't fly with the ticket attendant. We told him that we were not going to pay. He took our tickets and said that we can talk to the polizia at the train station.
That is when Jacob said (from the mouths of children) "We didn't pay to get arrested!" At least that lightened the moment. When we got off the train, there was about 10 seconds when we thought we were home-free. The polizia passed us by - so we kept on walking. Then the attendant pointed to us. Sigh.....
Well to make a long story short, the police didn't even talk to us - they were just there to intimidate us as the attendant once again demanded the money. We tried to appeal logically (the tickets were purchased today - used today - we hadn't been trying to steal a free ride - we're not from here - we can't speak Italian.....). It was frustrating. We ended up just paying the penalty so that we wouldn't end up in jail or wasting any more time. Amy did file a complaint which was probably tossed the moment she walked away. Ed says that he is going to write the Italian embassy when we get home.
After our near run-in with the law, we decided to go shopping some more (made us all feel better). We ended the day back at Trattoria Nevella (our first favorite restaurant that I missed because I was sick). They were right - it was REALLY bad (yes, I am being sarcastic). Tomorrow is our train ride to Venezia. Hopefully we won't get arrested!!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Day 8 - Florence
Sorry that this is a day late - we were too tired last night......
Amy is the guest writer for today.....
Today we set off to the Duomo again so that we could go up the stairs to the top of the cathedral dome. We all had a good breakfast so to have plenty of energy to climb! When we arrived, there was no one in line- we thought we had gotten there at just the right time. But then we read in Rick Steve's guide (the bible) that the dome (and all 463 stairs!!!) was closed on Sundays. So - quick change of plans. We went to the Duomo museum instead and saw many statues that they have excavated and old statues that used to be on the Duomo Cathedral and Baptistry. We saw how the newest facade of the cathedral came about. There were also pieces called saint's relics and they looked like ornate gold and silver cases with glass (like something the Eucharist would be in if you are familiar with that). On closer inspection, you could see a very old and decaying finger, jaw bone, arm or whatever..... that was supposed to be from that particular saint (literally from them). Jacob and I thought that was cool but a little creepy!!! We also saw the original Baptistry doors which they removed in 1990 because of the pollution and acid rain that had been damaging it. Beautiful!!!!
After that, we went to the San Lorenzo square where there are hundreds and hundreds of booths set up for locals to sell their wares - most of it though is just the same stuff that vendors sell around town - leather products, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and other 'touristy' paraphernalia. We were able to buy some spices there and Jacob picked up some new shoes. Surprisingly, my 'Emelda Marcos' husband did not get any shoes!! After that, we went to lunch over by the Duomo. The first (yes - first) restaurant we went to was the Cafe Duomo... not one of our favorites! Mostly because no one waited on us for a long time. So - we finally got up and left and went next door to Donatella's where we had been the day before. The waiter there had been so nice. I actually thought of coercing him into coming home with us so that I could set him up with my friends Anna or Christine. Very sweet and very cute!! Andy says not bald though - sorry Christine!!
After lunch, we headed back to the 'Mercato Nuovo' (the one with the bronze pig - if you rub his snout, you are supposed to come back to Firenze). We did some major damage shopping. Andy and Jacob headed back to the hotel to take a nap (what wimps!!!). Mom, dad and I went across the Ponte Vecchio to continue our shopping spree. After we all came back to the hotel, we laid down for a few minutes before heading to dinner - back to Donatellas (our other favorite restaurant Nevalla's is closed on Sundays). After a great dinner outside sitting next to the Duomo, we leisurely walked back towards our hotel - stopping in the main plaza for gelato (no comparison to the yummy gelato in Rome at Blue Ice). We also stopped and listened to a cellist play near the plaza (the Swan, unaccompanied Bach). Late night but definitely worth it!
Amy is the guest writer for today.....
Today we set off to the Duomo again so that we could go up the stairs to the top of the cathedral dome. We all had a good breakfast so to have plenty of energy to climb! When we arrived, there was no one in line- we thought we had gotten there at just the right time. But then we read in Rick Steve's guide (the bible) that the dome (and all 463 stairs!!!) was closed on Sundays. So - quick change of plans. We went to the Duomo museum instead and saw many statues that they have excavated and old statues that used to be on the Duomo Cathedral and Baptistry. We saw how the newest facade of the cathedral came about. There were also pieces called saint's relics and they looked like ornate gold and silver cases with glass (like something the Eucharist would be in if you are familiar with that). On closer inspection, you could see a very old and decaying finger, jaw bone, arm or whatever..... that was supposed to be from that particular saint (literally from them). Jacob and I thought that was cool but a little creepy!!! We also saw the original Baptistry doors which they removed in 1990 because of the pollution and acid rain that had been damaging it. Beautiful!!!!
After that, we went to the San Lorenzo square where there are hundreds and hundreds of booths set up for locals to sell their wares - most of it though is just the same stuff that vendors sell around town - leather products, t-shirts, hats, jewelry, and other 'touristy' paraphernalia. We were able to buy some spices there and Jacob picked up some new shoes. Surprisingly, my 'Emelda Marcos' husband did not get any shoes!! After that, we went to lunch over by the Duomo. The first (yes - first) restaurant we went to was the Cafe Duomo... not one of our favorites! Mostly because no one waited on us for a long time. So - we finally got up and left and went next door to Donatella's where we had been the day before. The waiter there had been so nice. I actually thought of coercing him into coming home with us so that I could set him up with my friends Anna or Christine. Very sweet and very cute!! Andy says not bald though - sorry Christine!!
After lunch, we headed back to the 'Mercato Nuovo' (the one with the bronze pig - if you rub his snout, you are supposed to come back to Firenze). We did some major damage shopping. Andy and Jacob headed back to the hotel to take a nap (what wimps!!!). Mom, dad and I went across the Ponte Vecchio to continue our shopping spree. After we all came back to the hotel, we laid down for a few minutes before heading to dinner - back to Donatellas (our other favorite restaurant Nevalla's is closed on Sundays). After a great dinner outside sitting next to the Duomo, we leisurely walked back towards our hotel - stopping in the main plaza for gelato (no comparison to the yummy gelato in Rome at Blue Ice). We also stopped and listened to a cellist play near the plaza (the Swan, unaccompanied Bach). Late night but definitely worth it!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
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