Day 11: Art & Beauty in FlorenceMarkets: The streets were filled with markets, and we marveled at the vast numbers of leather goods, scarves and other goods. We learned that because they eat a lot of meat in the area, there is a lot of hide left over for making leather goods. It was everywhere, beautiful and reasonably priced. After a few wrong turns, we discovered the food market, which was actually indoors and permanent. It offered a wide array of fresh produce, meat and other foods. The shop owners were very friendly, and one gracious clerk offered Pam a suggestion for the type of cheese to eat with her meal. The advice was right on and another learning experience for us.
Museums: After enjoying the markets and statues that decorated Florence, we met as a group to tour the Uffizi Gallery. We had another great guide who offered very interesting insights into the art and culture. It was especially fun to hear how art styles evolved and how those evolutions were tied to the history of the day. For us, the highlights were Botticelli and Michelangelo. More Michelangelo: This time it was not his artwork that dazzled us, but his piazza high atop a hill on the other side of the river, the Piazzale Michelangelo. We joined our tour member Stacy for a taxi ride to the top where we witnessed beautiful, panoramic views of the city and a breathtaking sunset. It was one of the attractions highlighted in Rick's guidebook, and we were sure glad we went! It was awesome! A Little Nightlife: To finish off the night, some members of the tour met up at a night club for some music, drinks and company. It was a fitting way to end another great day. We simply could not believe the great weather we had been having either. It was in the mid to upper 70's each day with no rain. Perfect! |
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