Day 2 and 3 Florence

The next morning Patti and I take the train to Florence.  It wasn't too bad.  The ride gave us some time to catch up on where we were going and what we wanted to see. 

The ride through the countryside reminded me of certain parts of California.  It's amazing how different you think some countries are and some parts are really similar.  Either way its new to me.

Once there we hit the ground running.  We picked up a map then set out to see as many sights as we could.  The charming narrow streets brought us to the Dome of Brunelleschi.  It's a really stunning work of art/architecture.  It was as grand as it looks...

Here I stand in front Ghiberti's "Door of Paradise", which was his masterpiece.  The Bronze doors were impressive as I have only seen them in slides in art history class.  Wow...

Inside was just as glorious.  I don't know what was more impressive, the result or the thought of what it takes to get there?   Check this off the list.

Here is the very famous "David" by Michelangelo.  The magnificent sculpture inspired my desire to paint figures.  The human form has never been so classically represented on the highest level such as this.  One can only stand in front of this work of greatness and be marveled by it.

An afternoon break for a snack and espresso does the trick.  There are plenty of places to spend time smelling the roses...

On the way back to our hotel,  we find a rooftop bar that allows us to view Florence during the sunset.  There were only 4 such tables that you can sit and enjoy the view.

The first picture is of the Duomo where we started our first visit and the next shot was the sun setting with the mountains in the backdrop.

I can't tell you how much I enjoy the quiet moments taking in the view.  Each view offers inspiration for future paintings.  As the dusk settles, the city lights transform the

view.

The next day we came back to the Duomo and Climbed the stairs leading up top the roof.  You have to be in some sort of shape in order to get to the top.  Once there the view takes your breath away.

We take a well needed rest and siesta at the Piazza Uffizi.  We enjoy a cold beer while people watching.  The city Piazzas are great places to relax and observe.

The Ponte Vecchio Bridge leads us to another quaint neighbor hood.  The sun sets to the right as the bridge gets hit by the late afternoon light.  Every place was so picturesque that it was hard to take a bad shot.

We watch the sun set and head out through the streets.  The Blue skies of early night make a nice contrast with the city lights.  Another fine day in the books.  Next Stop Cittaveccia where we board the ship.  Thanks for visiting, see you on the next page...