Today’s Schedule
Late this morning, we board high speed (300 Km per hour) train to Florence. When you look out the window – the scenery does not fly by like you might imagine. A smooth quiet ride. The rail curves are even banked to minimize any feeling you are going at great speed around a curve.
We then check into Hotel Rivoli that Carol & I stayed at 2 years ago. No reason to search for another place since all the prior location were great. Hotel staff gave some recommendations for lunch. We meander along the various shops with leather goods that Florence is noted for.
http://www.hotelrivoli.it/en/
http://www.trattorialostracotto.it/
After tasty lunch, head to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower), also known as “The Duomo,” The Dome. The name comes from the dome shape on the building. After this type construction was found to allow large cup shaped ceiling, many other Italian churches that were built later and also have the name – duomo. The actual church names are different, depending on the naming request by wealthy donors.
http://www.visitflorence.com/florence-churches/duomo.html
My Observations
Just think of the top artists, writers, and politicians who were largely responsible for the Florence we see and enjoy today. They all came from Florence.
Rather than me focus on who and what. You can find a “few” of the most famous here.
http://www.aboutflorence.com/florentine-famous-people.html
Photo 1 - See. The weather from Florence and back home aren’t much different. Temps have been and continue to be around 100. Whew – too hot.
Photo 2 - Do. We spent several minutes watching the pasta chef making pasta in the various stage of before cutting. Things looked so good ate there the next day.
Photo 3 - Eat. When it’s so hot – gelato is the treat for the day (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
