We left as a class at 7:00 a.m. to get on the train to Florence. Chugging along in the old locomotive gave a nice chance to look at the Italian country side. Strangely enough, it all seemed very fimilar, yet I couldn't put my finger on why. Yes, there were many olive fields like back home, but the rolling ascept of the hills was entire individual.
Katie had to take a nap while Megan kept watch.
With all the glory that Florence has to offer history wise I left like the train station gave the best view in to what Italy was like in the past: The signs are still analoue and make a loud flapping noise as they fall to the next station stop. Most of the trains themselves are much older than I am used to seeing in either California or Japan- this railway system predates the 20th century in some parts. Cool!
We also did the must-see spots. Before lunch was the Duomo, Baptistry, Orsanmichele, and Piazza Della Signoria- all very extreme and very ornate. It was really impressive to know that Donotelo had been involved in creating much of this art work, and even some of his orginals were still there. Cool! Here is Prof. Christina giving us the lowdown on the Duomo before we go in.
We were given two hours to wander through Florence by ourselves. It is like all other big towns- the locals walk fast and talk on cell phones while the tourist look up and take pictures. For lunch Megan and I found the Irish Pub in Florence. It was almost as if the creepy goat head fountain wanted us to find it. After a good beer or two it was time for more learning!
Time for Santa Croce, and Santa Maria Novella. I stopped taking pictures cause I was just too overwhelmed. Too much visual input and heavy learning. Hey, if you want to see the churches that bad you can look them up online anyways.
After all of that it was back on the train to get back in to Venice at about 8 p.m. All very exhausting. Woo- I'm getting tired just thining about it now.
Overall, Florence was nice. I am planning on going back in Spring to give Hideki a visit while he is at the Florence Art Insitute getting his own masters. I'll have more time to really see what the city is like then.
5 comments:
Yaay! Donatello was my favorite Ninja Turtle!
Ha! I was just talking to my roommates about that at dinner- kids these days don't even know the four ninja turtles! What is the world coming to?
Haha! I might be April for Halloween ;) Did your roomates watch Ninja Turtles? Where are your roomates from? It looks like you're having such a good time. I wish I could go!
Wait... I love Gelato here in Sac, so I know I'd LOVE the real stuff! I'm hecka jealous! Maybe you could mail me some ;)
Florence in a day - like one taste of gelato, it's just not enough. You will be coming back for more!
Jeri and I got kicked off the train from Florence to Venice because our ticket was for the wrong day, and someone else was sitting in our seats. The nerve!
Hope you are doing well, Val. We think it's great that you are there.
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