After an excellent sleep and a great breakfast we bought bus tickets at the hotel reception and caught a bus from right outside the hotel going into town. Alighting at the train station our first stop was the Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella with a stunning two-tone marble facade.
With the help of a local street vendor we went in search of the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Officina Profumo-farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella opened in 1221 by the monks of the associated monastery. Eventually confiscated from the church by the government it became a SOE in 1866 and soon after was handed back to the nephew of the last monastic director. The family continue to run it to this day.
Through the back streets we visited the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Fiori, another stunning building. The doors on the baptistery are particularly famous. Next stop the Accademia to see the original ‘David’. Defeated by the huge queues we made for the Chiesa di Santa Croce, burial place of Galileo, Michelangelo and Dante, only to discover even longer queues. A similar story later at the Uffizi. We had baulked at pre-booking tickets on line to avoid queuing, as a cost of €9.50 (only I had to pay as Mum is over 65 and Caitlin under 18, both with E.U. passports) ballooned to about €40 for each site with booking fees etc included.
With energy levels flagging, and Caitlin beside herself, a street vendor’s determination to show us his wares nearly finished us. Almost in tears Caitlin leaned in against me and again the vendor appeared, this time realising her condition. He pressed a woven thread bracelet on her saying “No money, no money”. Such a kind gesture! Suddenly Caitlin spotted the best sight we had seen all day – the number 22 bus. We ran as best we could and leapt on board – only to have to wait 10 minutes for the driver to have a smoke! Thirty minutes later we were back at the hotel stripping off 37°C sweat-soaked clothing. A long rest later we settled for a return to the doner kebab shop for dinner where we were warmly greeted – then back to the hotel for blessed sleep.
Through the back streets we visited the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Fiori, another stunning building. The doors on the baptistery are particularly famous. Next stop the Accademia to see the original ‘David’. Defeated by the huge queues we made for the Chiesa di Santa Croce, burial place of Galileo, Michelangelo and Dante, only to discover even longer queues. A similar story later at the Uffizi. We had baulked at pre-booking tickets on line to avoid queuing, as a cost of €9.50 (only I had to pay as Mum is over 65 and Caitlin under 18, both with E.U. passports) ballooned to about €40 for each site with booking fees etc included.
We crossed the Arno river at the Ponte alle Grazie with a great view of the famous Ponte Vecchio further up river, then returned over the Ponte Vecchio – home of Florentine goldsmiths since the 1500s.
As a visit to the Uffizi was right out we made the most of the outdoor exhibitions and entertainments; street artists and entertainers abound around the Uffizi. Took mum’s photo with a living statue then took refuge from the sun in the Loggia at the Piazza della Signoria, protected by the Roman statues of six ancient heroines. A replica David stands in the Piazza along with other amazing works in marble. It is impossible to express the grandeur of the place.
A shopping urge dragged us to the Mercato del Porcellino – the market of the little pig, presided over by a bronze, drooling boar. Rumour has it that rubbing his nose guarantees your return to this extraordinarily artistic city. Of course I rubbed - my beautiful new Florentine leather handbag may need a mate at some point.
With energy levels flagging, and Caitlin beside herself, a street vendor’s determination to show us his wares nearly finished us. Almost in tears Caitlin leaned in against me and again the vendor appeared, this time realising her condition. He pressed a woven thread bracelet on her saying “No money, no money”. Such a kind gesture! Suddenly Caitlin spotted the best sight we had seen all day – the number 22 bus. We ran as best we could and leapt on board – only to have to wait 10 minutes for the driver to have a smoke! Thirty minutes later we were back at the hotel stripping off 37°C sweat-soaked clothing. A long rest later we settled for a return to the doner kebab shop for dinner where we were warmly greeted – then back to the hotel for blessed sleep.
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