Tuscan Hill Towns Day 3
Tuscan Hill Towns
DAY 03 - May 07, 2005 - Discover Florence
We woke up this morning to a beautiful sun shining day with the church bells ringing and we were down to breakfast by 8:15. Eduardo was at the door to bring us a cell phone so we can keep in touch with them while we are in Florence. We had breakfast with our group in the small reception/breakfast area and there are 16 of us plus our guide Giulia so we took up all of the tables. Breakfast was typical of Europe in its menu of croissants, rolls, limited cheeses, fruit, and a few cereals. They also had a variety of yogurt, juices and coffee.
Our group met at 9:15 and walked to the other side of the Arno River, the west side of Florence. This is the artisan side where people actually do trades for the city rather than cater to the tourists. We met our city guide, Daniella, who took us on walking tour of the area. Our first stop was the Basilica di Santo Spirito built during the Renaissance of the 15th century. While we sat in the cool church, she gave us a synopsis of the Florentine history from before the 12th century when it was a busy trade center dealing in leather, wool, and silk. The Catholic Church played an important role promoting commerce and banking for the old world. Florence was a city founded by rich merchants and bankers, thus being able to afford the luxuries of art, beautiful architecture, and music.
After 1340 and the Plague that killed 2/3 of the population there was a literal rebirth or Renaissance in the city. The Medici family, who controlled the city for centuries, was a patron of the arts and young artists. Florence was at various points the home of Dante, Machiavelli, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. It was not until 1860 that the unification of Italy brought all of the city states together. Turin was the first capital, but only for a year. Florence later became the capital but it eventually lost out to Rome in the mid 1870's. During those years, Florence was restored and renovated.
Daniella gave us about 15 minutes to walk around the area and look at the local market selling organic vegetables and other local items. We then took a brief walk to Pitti Palace. Daniella and Guilia pointed out several places of interest for those who wanted to tour the palace and the gardens.
We walked back across the river to the Piazza della Repubblica where there are many buildings dating from the 12th century. This area is now restored and home to many expensive shops. We ended our tour at the religious center of Florence, the Piazza del Doumo or the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Flora, known to the Christian world as one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It was this cathedral that was used as a pattern for St. Peters in Rome.
At 12:15 Daniella left us and Giulia gave many suggestions for things to do for the rest of the day. We met Pedro, Ciça and Eduardo at the plaza at 12:30 and walked back across the river to have lunch at the Trattoria La Casalinga . It was very crowded and noisy, and we thought Brasilians were loud!
After lunch we walked through the narrow crowded streets along the river taking pictures and watching the people enjoy a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon together. We wound our way to the Bus #13 stop that took us to the top of the city where we were able to overlook the whole city and the Arno River valley at the Piazza de Michelangelo. We took a lot of photos, much to Pedro and Eduardo's chagrin. We climbed to the top of a western hill to the Church of San Miniato Al Monte. It was built in 1018! It has some of the oldest geometric marble mosaics in the area. After touring the church we walked back down to catch Bus 13. The bus route wound down the hill through very expensive homes and old villas that are now being restored. Some are hotels and restaurants with magnificent views of the Tuscan Hill sides. The bus route circled the city and we finally disembarked at the huge train station, the center of the city's transportation district. We walked back through the markets stopping at a wine store, what unbelievable varieties. We saw Eduardo's school facility and the building where he picks up his mail. We left Eduardo, Ciça, and Pedro at their door and easily found our way back to our hotel to download the 250 pictures and begin to write this journal.
At 7:45 we left the Strozzi to have dinner with Ciça, Pedro and Eduardo. They made a three course meal and I brought the wine. Salad, pasta, and chicken with peas and green beans. Very good stuff. Eduardo has learned to cook with Ciça's help and he is getting quite good. We had an excellent meal and then we went out for our daily ice cream. It was a nice cool evening and it was so interesting to see all the people out, having a good time, enjoying the night life in Florence and living in a vibrant city. This is certainly one of the real advantages of living in the city. Every thing is right here.
They walked us back to our hotel, checked their email and then left. We have invited them to go with us on the tour but they declined - they have to clean and study tomorrow. So we will probably meet them for lunch.
Accommodations: Strozzi Palace Hotel Meals: B
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