Arrived in Florence in good time on the fast train and then made our way down the cobbled streets to Ponte Vecchìo. Found the accommodation quite easily because it was just around the corner from the bridge! Whilst waiting for the owner to arrive my sister and b-i-l turned up – so good to see them.
Our apartment is on the second floor and is spacious and well laid out. We were a bit concerned about the triple locks on the front door though! Luckily a supermarket is directly across the street so supplies were soon stashed away!
After a cuppa we decided to have a wander. The views from the bridge as the daylight was disappearing were rather special but as the night drew in the bridge was bought alive with different lights /scenes playing on it.
Next day, after a late breakfast, we went in search of ‘David’ and a favourite leather shop. I had forgotten how large the Duomo is and there were long queues of people trying to get in! Found where ‘David’ was and the queues were long there as well. Found the leather shop and unfortunately there was a jacket with my name on!! We did get some good advice from the shop owner – go to the museums at 3pm because that is when the Italians go for lunch! With this in mind we headed for lunch. Amazingly at around 3 we walked straight into see ‘David’ – no queue or wait at all!
We were not sure that his hands and feet were in proportion to the rest of him but what would we know. He’s still impressive even though I’ve seen him a couple of times!
Sunday dawned and as it was the first Sunday of the month all museums were free. As we were very close to the Uffizi gallery we got tickets and as the wait time was about 1.5 hours we nipped home for breakfast.
We spent a good 2 hours there and as well as aching feet we just could not face one more religious picture! Luckily at 2pm, outside our apartment we were able to watch the Epiphany parade. It was really spectacular. A late lunch followed and then back to the apartment to get our shoes off!
Monday dawned just as cold and beautiful as other days but no museums were opened so we wandered into unknown places 1. To increase our steps and 2. To se other parts of Florence. We pushed the boat out and had our first gelato which was delicious! The temperature during the day is down to low units 0C one morning and the paths were rather frosty!
Tuesday – Today was the day we said goodbye to my sis and b-i-l. Sad to see them go but will catch up in about 5 months. Valda and I headed to Rimini, on the east coast, and are now ensconced in a pleasant hotel.
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