Day 27: Florence- the Duomo, the David, and da Vinci

It was a really rainy day, so after breakfast I just hung out for awhile- reading guidebooks on Florence and waiting for the weather to pass. It didn't let up- it just kept pouring rain. I figured this might be a really good opportunity to go to the museums, because tourists usually don't want to wait in line during downpours. Florence's museums are notorious for long lines, so I wanted to take advantage of the weather if I could. I borrowed an umbrella from the front desk and set out in the pouring rain. And it really was pouring, to the point that it was kind of funny. But with an umbrella and flip flops, it was actually kind of enjoyable. The streets were pretty dead, and sure enough, there was ZERO line at the Accademia, which is pretty much unheard of. In fact, the people who had made advance reservations (and paid extra to do so) had a longer wait than I did! It was glorious. Look! No line!


I couldn't take any photos inside, but the David really was amazing. I was so impressed at the muscular detail of the hands and arms. Other than that though, I'm not really into statues... So it didn't take me long to get through the rest of the museum. For lunch, I hit up a family gelato place that my guidebook recommended. I was still pretty hungry afterwards, but I figured more gelato could probably cure that later ;)





Next I went to the Duomo and Baptistery. From what I'd heard, these places are more beautiful on the outside than in, so I didn't spend any time in the crazy long line to go inside. I really did admire the exteriors, though!





I walked toward the Uffizi Gallery, the other must-see museum in Florence. There's a replica of the David here, and you can take as many photos as you want. Yay!


I did have to wait in line for the Uffizi, but only about 20 minutes, which is still way shorter than a typical day. I gotta say, though, I was kind of disappointed. Lots more statues, lots of biblical art... Just not what I'm into, I guess. I did love Botticelli's Birth of Venus painting, though, and a couple of da Vinci paintings. And I really liked the museum's terrace, where I sat awhile and enjoyed a diet coke!


After the Uffizi, I walked to the river. Really beautiful views, and I loved the way the sky and buildings reflected off the water. I also took lots of photos of the Ponte Vecchio, the main bridge in the city that is lined with small shops.





Before I crossed the bridge I decided to go for round 2 of gelato for the day. I had bacio (chocolate with nuts) and coconut. It was really really good... Probably a close second to the limoncello gelato in Venice :)





Near the bridge, I started noticing lots of padlocks with couples' initials written on them. They're love locks, and you see them all over Europe, but I still think it's so cute!








There are also some really intimidating graffiti warning signs... Surrounded by graffiti. Ha.








I hung out on the bridge happily snapping photos until some creeper asked of he could take photos of me because I am "like America fashion model." Uh huh, I bet. So I sorta went to the other side of the bridge, but of course he 'coincidentally' ended up there too... So I left after a little while.


I walked through the little streets, popping into shops here and there. My favorites were the ones selling hand painted ceramics, which I really can't afford. But, as they tell you when you enter, "to look is for free, Bella!"


I had addresses for a couple of restaurants I wanted to try, but they were both closed. Bummer. So I settled for some really cheap but really tasty Chinese food. Less than €6?!? Fantastic.


I was still a little full on gelato, so I wrapped up my leftovers and took them back to the hostel for the next day. One thing is for sure: being in Europe on a budget has trained me to never throw food away... I wonder how much money I'd save if I kept that up once I get home? I went back to the hostel and hung out for the rest of the night with one of the employees and a few travelers from South America. We talked a lot about Jersey Shore, and they were really dumbfounded as to why Americans like it so much. Pretty funny conversation when there are three different languages all trying to communicate. I had a little wine, then went to bed for the night cuz I had a big day trip to Lucca planned for the next day!

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