We got away to an early start this morning – to ensure that we beat some of the crowds. We walked from our apartment along the riverbank and across the Ponte Vecchio – which was almost completely devoid of tourists!!! We took some great photos (the photo to the left is of the Ponte Vecchio as we approached it from the Arno river). Our main aim was to get to Palazzo Pitti (Pitti Palace) early – so that we made the most of our day. At the palace we purchased guide books (complete rip-off) and set about exploring the Palatine Gallery, Royal apartments, costume gallery and the science museum.A notable part of our self guided tour was the royal apartments – with elaborate paintings and frescoes collected by the Medici family which have been retained in Florence. Another favourite was the science museum with 15th and 16th century survey and mapping instruments, original manuscripts and maps from people such as Gallileo. There was also an ‘audience’ room that had a truly amazing ceiling fresco. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take any photos.
After the palace we went to a leather shop recommended by our tour guide yesterday and we made various purchases… then we stopped for lunch before heading back across the Ponte Ve
cchio again (see the photo just below) to a market where more purchases were made (Jan – I hope you like green). At the market (Loggia del Porcellino) Neil and the bronze pig got acquainted…We stopped again at the Strozzi palance and had a look at the history of the palace in a small museum. We then went to Santa Maria Novella – a large church which the railway station is named after. Building of the church commenced in 1246 and it now contains a lot of history and works of art like everything else in Florence. From there it was on to the Accademia to stand in a queue for a while to see the famous Michaelangelo statue of David. The statue is much bigger than you expect and is very breathtaking. Afterwards, we had a quick stop to the Officina Profuma Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which makes and sells perfumes, soaps and fragrances today and has done for many hundreds of years.
After 9 hours on our feet, we called it a day and went back to our apartment to relax.
4 comments:
Wow! What a long, but fantastic day. Great photos so far and love your report each day.
I feel a little sad this morning - Rob Guest (star of Phantom, Les Mis) died early this morning in a Melbourne Hospital. He had a massive stroke on Tues eve - only 57.
Green is my favourite colour Karla.
Just finished drinks so will check your blog again on Monday. You'll be in Solvenia by then.
Karla - ran into Pete Neale at lunch time today. He said Toby is working with him at SSC.
Rugby News: Waldrom has quit Hurricanes for Crusaders.
Netball news: – Cox out of English series (injured). – Solia gone to Magic. - Pulse signed Althea Byfield (GK from Jamaca) and Paula Griffin (x Mystics) – Waiting to hear who De Bruin will sign with. Could be Magic or Pulse.
Sounds like you are having an awesome time, loving the script, comments and photos.
Neil... your bet is Manly to win by 7 -12 in Grand Final over Melbourne in NRL.
Planning on a 20 Million win with powerball...we will email instructions on where to meet in Paris in the next few days.
Frustrating game with Taranaki and Waikato this week. 45 41 (not to us) game lost in last minute.
All the best Vicki and Dean
Dean - we look forward to coffee in Paris. Might have to shout Karla too...
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