I had managed to book in on a cycling tour today (there was no self guided tour left in me), and with the size of the city, I think it will basically cover everything I want. At this point of the trip, I have no real interest in/energy for museums and such, and these style of tours usually give you a great bearing and perspective of the city as well as a great history lesson (without lingering for too long on any component). So I just had the morning to fill in - time to go and see David (the one museum exception of course).
Perhaps luckily for me - the museum he was in was very small and had very little else in it. But wow, he really does live up to his name. Always so hard to imagine what could be so amazing about these famous art pieces, but in the case of David, its definitely the size and precision. An absolute feat! And 500 years old! Woah. I like very much :)
Found one of the most difficult toilets in the world to use... I'm short and my knees didn't really fit... No idea how others coped... (Just a few inches between seat and wall...)
After David, I walked around a bit, saw the cathedral, checked out the local markets of which the produce section was amazing - especially the meats on offer.... And had lunch on a secret rooftop cafe...
Met for the tour at 3pm... Was a really hot and humid day, so cycling was going to be interesting. The tour was as expected and seeing as I knew absolutely nothing about Florence, was good to get a nice bit of the history (basically families constantly competing in having the best of everything, and not sharing any of it.... Can't say I really connected with any of the history here), but other than that there really want much to see. Definitely fitted it all in the tour, and that itself was quite short. Really thankful I changed my plans for an extra day in the mountains before here - not that I wouldn't find enjoyable stuff to do, like a day trip out of the city into the villages and countryside - but alps will win over humid busy city anyday!
On top of the old bridge we saw yesterday
A drink with 2 American girls from the tour (debating health care systems as you do) then strolling off to some quieter places... Happy to leave the city centre behind. It packs quite a busy punch for such a small centre....
Stumbled quite fortunately on old this guard tower on the outskirts. It's the o ly left remaining at full height (was where the city wardens would hold up and protect the city from outside the walls). This and the little region around it is all names after saint Nicolas (aka Santa Claus) who was a local dude who used to gift gifts to people.... Unfortunately I've forgotten any more detail to the story..... But it was great and so are the views! Lucky me to get there at sunset! Last tower tour for the day :)
Here's a splattering of photos to add up for the severe lack of sunset shots o this journey.... Georgia!
Florence is completely Surrounded by hills and nature!
Bellissimo!!
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