Terre Time

Last night here in Firenze. We are headed to Cinque Terre, or "five lands," which is an series of cliffside towns on the coast of Italy. We have to hike from a town called La Spezia, which should be a cool experience.l
We bought some food for a nice lunch at a supermarket, so it should be a nice day.

Went to the Uffizi gallery today, a really famous museum here, fameous for the Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Some fantastic art here in Firenze, but as this was the center of the Renaissance, I'm not surprised in the least. We went to the Gallery of the Academy yesterday, as well, and that museum is highlighted (indeed, overshadowed) by Michaelangelo's David. That is by far the most impressive piece of sculpture I have ever seen. The entire museum seems to be made for that one piece, and the 10 Euro entrance is COMPLETELY worth it. There ar no words adequate enough to describe that piece. . .if anyone ever gets a chance to see it, do it.

Probably the most breathtaking thing we did here in Firenze was climb the dome of the Duomo, a monstrous and highly impressive cathederal in the center of town. 463 steps up, 8 Euro later, and you have THE most impressive view of the city. Breathtaking literally, too. . .those are steep steps.

Lines have been somewhat of an issue here, with most big museums ir attractions. . .an hour wait is pretty common for seeing something good. This is a pretty touristy place. . .at least within a 4 block radius of the town center. Most of the attractions are within that space, so the tourists are clumped around there. However, getting outside of that central area, the city becomes authentic and genuine. . .one can absorb some of the real Florentian culture.