Last night, after reaching the point of exhaustion, we made our way back to our room to unwind. Julie's lifetime friend Lucy, who lives in Milan, made her way by train after work to meet us for the weekend. Julie had some time to get her settled and we all agreed to meet at 0730 the next morning to explore the museums.
I tried to catch the sunrise but it rose up behind the city and instead of magical light, it cast only shadows on the river and the streets. I did find a café and enjoyed a cappuccino at the corner of our street and that was just what I needed to feel human again.
We met up as planned and made our way through the narrow streets, navigating through the vendors that were busy setting up for their Saturday market.
Our first stop was Accademia Gallery at 0830 to see David in all his glory. I tried to find interest in the paintings in the first hall but instead was drawn to the massive statue I truly came to see. Julie and Lucy were using the audio tours and throughly visiting each exhibit. I went ahead to David and circled him a few times like a hunter sizing up it's prey. I took photos from every angle and then comfortably sat at a bench behind him. I sat in stillness and enjoyed the view of his backside while the rising sun came over the glass dome above him, shining it's warm light on my new subject.
I think it might be love.
I eventually left him to the other viewers and found myself instead admiring metallic paintings of ancient Romans with their perfectly sculpted physique.
I stood there feeling physically inadequate and made a mental note to go to a gym when I get home.
Next I went to an exhibit of busks and more statues and amused myself with photography.
Eventually the girls made it to David where we met up again. After admiring him again for a short while, we left for fresh air, sunshine and a short stroll to our next stop, Uffizi Gallery.
We were a bit early for our timed tickets so we didn't mind standing in a line for a bit. After a quick security check we walked through a very long, narrow corridor that eventually led us to stairs.
Lots of stairs. We were winded at the top and as we turned the corner.... more stairs. So onward and upward we went, winded again. And yet again, another false summit. Julie's facial expression was a classic 'Are you f**king kidding me??' I laughed out loud of course as I kept on going to... yes, another flight of stairs. This time was actually the top where I peeled off not one but two layers before starting my tour. So many exhibits of famous Italian artists and so many paintings. The building itself was a piece of art with its frescos and there were busks lining the halls.
I had found several favourite paintings and artists but after a morning of museums, we hit a wall. Jules needed sugar and I needed coffee. Lucy and I were fueled only by a banana up to this point, both forced to live a gluten free life. It was nice not to be the only Celiac for a change.
We found a rooftop Café and a table in the sun where we each had a little something to pick us up.
After a rest and a chat we made our way back to the streets and to the river Arno where we crossed the Ponte Vecchio enjoying the warm sun and the beautiful views.
We walked until we were overcome by hunger and I had waited long enough for a glass of wine. We found a patio in the sun where our Spanish but Italian speaking waiter Angelo served us wine and an Aperol Spritz for Jules followed by a plate of gluten free pasta each. It was as delicious as you can imagine food in Tuscany to be.
We hurried back across the bridge to see the Duomo by 3. The line was quick, and the entrance was free despite paying 21€ for misleading tickets online. Live and learn friends. In my opinion the Duomo is a magnificent sight from the exterior, truly incredible.
The interior was not nearly as impressive but we all still enjoyed it none the less. Next was another walk to Santa Croce Cathedral. Despite it's beautiful stained glass windows and paintings, it was very cold inside and the cloisters outside summoned me to the sunshine.
In one corner of the courtyard the sun was strong and warm and I was only one of the many vistors called to it. Even the birds rejoiced in the cypress trees standing tall in the courtyard.
To finish our day strong, we crossed the river again to climb stairs and ramps up to Piazza Michelangelo to watch the sun sink into the Tuscan hills. Being a Saturday, the square was filled with people and artisan tents selling cheese, salami, pistachio butter and many more delicacies.
We stayed for a bit to take pictures and enjoy the view until the sun disappeared into the horizon.
The peach sky faded into the night as we walked and the temperature dropped quickly.
Close to the river, we found a gluten free Osteria and over indulged in wine, charcuterie, pasta and my lifetime favourite.... fried and salted gluten free dough.
The place was small but decorated with countless wine bottles and it gets a 5 star review from all 3 of us.
Absolutely excellent.
The 2km walk back to our room felt like 200kms. Although walking over 18kms today, I feel like the Pilsbury dough boy and probably look like him too.
We are packed and ready to head out tomorrow by train to Lucca and it promises to be an all day rain.
Might be a perfect day to see 100 churches. Maybe I'll be forgiven for eating so much dough. Ugh.
Buona Notte my friends
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