DAY 21 - Florence II

Tuesday, 10 May 2005

Florence/Firenze
The cultural aspects of this city are great but it's a real pain getting around. Whatever you do don't take a car into Florence! Also, spend a little extra money and get at least a 3-star hotel. Otherwise you'll end up regretting it as we have.

- Galleria Accademia
Michangelo's "Statue of David" is pretty incredible to see up close. We got to the gallery as soon as it opened. David is the main attraction and he is quite impressive. The detail of the statue (veins, tendons, musculature) is amazing. Al & I spent more than several minutes studying it. FYI...this photo is the copy that stands outside of Palazzo Vecchio...no photos were allowed for the original.

- Uffizi Gallery
The gallery has some great works by Botticelli (Birth of Venus, etc.). Reserve your tix online beforehand so you can save time by not standing in line.

Siena
This walled city is interesting. Lots of local artists displaying wares and a big open plaza. It is a hike up the hill to get there but they do have several parking structures that are available. We ate at a local restaurant for lunch which was interesting. We were the only ones in the restaurant except the owner, his wife and their baby. Food took forever to come and was only so-so.


Assissi
This is a really beautiful city. Gorgeous countryside around the city and the Umbria Region are denoted by buildings that are very well maintained. We visited the namesake chapels for San Francisco/San Francesco and Santa Clara/Santa Chiara before leaving. This is a place definitely worth revisiting.

-- Locke & Al