Florence

I really really liked Florence. After Rome, it was a welcome relief.

We went in several churches: Santa Maria Novella, the Duomo and Santa Croche (which I insisted on calling "Saint Crotch"). I can't remember much about Santa Maria Novella. There were a few frescos remaining, but nothing special. Apparently, the churches can remove the whitewash from the walls and expore the frescoes, but they keep the while walls for historical reasons. Personally, I think frescoes offer more historical value than plain walls, but they're the boss.

The cuppola of the Duomo was one of the highlights of the trip. Mom and I climbed up to the top and spent about 45 minutes marvelling at the paintings. We met an English couple and stood chatting for several minutes. I think they were quite religious, so we weren't going to argue about medieval opinions regarding heaven and hell. I wish we could have stayed longer but our necks were getting sore from being crained upwards.

Santa Croche was also very impressive. I got to see the tombs of Michealangelo, Galileo and Machievelli. We read Machievelli in Poli Sci. I half wanted to light a candle in front of Galileo's tomb. A light for science. They had chapels painted by Giotto. I loved them.

The Florentine markets were also impressive. I bought a tonne of pashminas. Ok, five. A turquoise/black one, a dark pink/light pink one, a red one, and another red one asa gift for my friend Rugie whom I will be seeing over Christmas and a dark/light orange one for my Swedish "sister". All at rock bottom prices. Mmm...pashmina!

I liked the Duomo museum. Humble, and it had the original baptistry doors. I couldn't believe they were done over 600 years ago. They looked brand new.

We also got to see the famous Uffizi. I liked it, but it didn't have too much of my favourite art (Flemish gothic). We got to see some famous Botticellis and some medieval alterpieces before they invented perspective.

Unfortunately, there were also tonnes of college kids there. "I could paint this better than the artist!" Then paint, and shut up.

Medieval baby Jesus' were incredibly ugly (sorry Mary!). Mom joked that he had a face only a mother could love.

We went to the same restaurant every night. I'm in love with bread and tomato soup. Too bad I don't have a blender here, so I'd be making it every day.