Florence to Rome

Feb 23 and 24 Stepping Back to Roman TIme

Yesterday we toured Florence (Firenze) in more detail. We took a morning bus and walking combination tour and learned a little (because there is soo much to learn) more about the architecture, influential families and art of Florence.  Unlike our country, where wealth is demonstrated by homes and expensive cars, here it is about how tall your tower was.   

We also visited the Santa Maria de Fiore, a famous large domed cathedral, and Michelangilo drive. Later we visited the Accademie Gallery and spent time viewing the original David and learning about the artists from Renaissance and Medievil periods.  Amazing to see art so old and with so much history behind it.
   
We have concluded that the longer we tour Florence, the longer we would like to stay.  There is so much to discover from museums, beautiful  architecture, food, markets and quaint shops.  Oh and did I mention the wine?  I think our entire time in Florence has been spent in a sort of Chiati coma. But, when in Rome!  Oh, wait, that's the next trek.
 
A lttle more about Florence.  We were told that the city population was in the neighbourhood of 400,000 and change.  On any given day, there are 70,000 to 120,000 scooters and mopeds on the streets.  They are everywhere and they ride in any conditions including rain, sleet, snow and cobblestone pavement.  I feel a bit wimpish as a motorcycle rider and I think upon my return to Windsor, I will feel the need to fire up my Vespa and leave the more powerful gas guzzler Honda shadow behind ;  ). I have such a craving to ride it, but how will I do this now that I must have my daily dose of red wine??

Today, we spent our remaining half day accomplishing quite a bit. After breakfast we headed for the famous Uffizi museum and viewed paintings, sketches and sculptures.  Then we found a deligtful hat shop where, after much contemplation, Jan purchased an adorable winter hat (which would have been much more useful in Paris than it will be here). A quick lunch of wine and paninnis and then it was off to the train station for Rome. As we head south and the weather promises to be in the 60s (farenheit), we enjoy the scenery outside the train windows.  We look forward to meeting up with our friends Bruce and Nancy as we tour the sites of Rome. 

Thank goodness (or should I say God-we are heading for the Vatican afterall) for walking 5 to 7 kms each day or all the bread, cheese, gelato and pasta would surely catch up with us.  

Ciao

So, here we are in Rome.  We arrived at Nancy and Bruce's flat after getting Jan and Bil settled into their B & B and dropping off their luggage. Since they didn't answer their buzzer right away, the four of us decided to wait at the bar/coffee shop down the road. After a drink, an espresso, and a shot of grappa we were soon chatting it up with the locals. Before the hour was up, we had met Paul from Baltimore who has been working at the local University here in Rome for 10 years, and Vincent Drago, native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and recently publicized author of the book The Sights of Rome.  Vincent is a bachelor and is retired and living here teaching Latin to high school students.  After we were introduced to him by the owner of the coffee shop Marco, we all began chatting and taking photos.  Vincent agreed to go across the street to his home to get one of his books.  We thought that purchasing a signed copy would be the perfect gift for our hosts Nancy and Bruce.  

After saying our goodbyes, we headed back to Nancy and Bruce's flat where we were greeted with wine and bread and great conversation.  Then it was off to the local restaurant for more authentic Italian cuisine and an after dinner drink of traditional lemoncilla.  While there we ran into yet more gentlemen from the university of Rome one from recruitment and one who actually works in Student Service like me.   Small world.
 
What a great evening!
Tomorrow we head off to the Vatican.
 
I could definitely get used to this life!