tiny stairwell, big view

Wednesday, April 3rd, an evening arrival in Firenze greeted us with an Irish Pub. We know, strange. We had our first birra Morretti paired with a sausage piadine (thick bread with melted cheese) and a shot of limoncello a gratis (on the house).

Side note: every establishment is rocking out to American music, esp dirty rap and Rhianna.

The next day was dedicated to the sights of Florence. We put our walking shoes on and made our way to the underwhelming (very brown) Arno River. Eventually, we turned toward the center of the city to find the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as the Duomo. As we approached, we stood in awe at the beauty and intricate detail of the architecture. Inside was even more incredible. It was so grand, vast but with an empty feel. Still absolutely gorgeous in the small details it carried...huge bronze door, hidden organ, vibrant ceiling painting and quiet corners of prayer candles.

After exiting the Cattedrale we had to determine which steps to climb; Giottos's Campinale or Cupola. Cupola won! A cold line and 8 euros later, we found ourselves climbing 463 steps in an itty bitty stairwell. Halfway up the climb we popped out right into to the painted dome above the altar. At first noticing the colors and serene angels reaching toward God. And then our eyes lowered to see sinners being dragged and tortured into hell. Talk about instilling the fear of God. A frightening yet remarkable sight! At the top, we had a 360 degree view that overlooked the terra cotta rooftops that led into the Tuscan Hillsides. We wanted to channel Mary Poppins and float with our umbrellas in to the hills.

Down, down, down to find 'David' and all his glory. We found ourselves in the longest shortest line (seriously) at the Galleria dell' Academia. We, honestly, were not thrilled with the Galleria as a whole but Michaelangelo's 'David' was definitely worth the wait. As we walked in all we could here was a voice yelling "No photo! No photo!" (Not the normal vibe of a museum) So we waited till we got around the corner to sneak a photo. It's only a side shot but it's a shot!!

Just wanting to see the San Lorenzo market, we were tempted by the smell of leather and lured in to a store front. About 20 minutes later, two girls with little feet were rocking leather jackets. The best "oops" ever! Spent...dinner and bedtime!

Ciao!
Belle & Mack