9/18 Thurs – Florence
Hotel Cellai, via 27 Aprile 14, Firenze 50129 Italy. 4th floor up in a skinny little elevator (at least we have one).
Nice breakfast at the Cellai hotel – usual fare so we’re getting in to a routine of what to have. I love their little toasts with cheese and jam – their choice of juices are different and good, and of course Caffe Americano. (espresso with hot water added).
Off we go down Aprile 27 to Piazza San Marco turn right on to Via Cavour which becomes Via dei Calzaiuoli – voila the Duomo (huge) as are most of the Duomos. Taking pics all the way we keep head for the Uffizi Galleria as time is getting close. Rick Steves is right, much easier to get reservations ahead.
Three flights of stairs, we opt for the elevator (good choice). This museum is incredible, almost overwhelming with the 50 – 70 rooms full of famous artists thru the ages. We try to take our time but you keep going from one master to another and how the color stayed true thru all the ages is amazing. Again it is something you have to see with your own eyes.
The views of Florence and the Ponte Vecchio bridge from here are great – managed a few good shots. Very tiring. R.S. says you should take no more than 2 hours to see, we take 3 1/2 and feel we rushed at that. The Uffizi itself is something to see, not just what it holds. We end up at the roof garden for a bite next to a couple from eastern U.S. with their 3 adult daughters. I think half the fun of traveling is visiting with others from all over the globe.
Bushed, we exit this building – view all the statues around Piazza d Signoria; gawk at the old architecture; beautiful brass hammered doors on many of the churches; then meander our way back toward the hotel, sightseeing and taking pics all the way. One of our favorite things to do in a strange city is either take a tour or else hop on a bus and just ride around. There were plenty of buses to do just that in Florence but we just didn’t have the energy, so we opt to just find a place to sit and watch the world go by.
It is around 5 pm, when we come across a cute little bar/restaurant with outside seating where we can people watch. This is very early for Florentinians but we have had it. They have a deal of a buffet meal at 7 pm with the price of a 7 Euro drink. We sit for the 2 hours absorbing all the sights and sounds – then we are treated to the most beautiful spread of food you can imagine. pastas, seafood dishes, etc. Of course we add wine. Nice evening, nice day.
Tags: Travel
sylviaknight