It is so hard to believe that we are only 13 days into our trip. Our days are so filled and sometimes we look at each other and say “What is today?” or “Wait…did we do that yesterday or today?” We last blogged on Sunday, which was our Anniversary and it was wonderful! Thanks for your well wishes! Unfortunately, internet is surprisingly pretty scarce in this part of the world and when you do find it, it can be quite pricey but we are trying to blog as often as we can.
We left off with our arrival in Fiesole, a small hill town outside of Florence. We were so excited when we arrived, not only because the sunset overlooking Florence was breathtaking but because we were itching to break out the scooter. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about riding the scooter, especially after seeing how the Parisians drove. Since we had so much “action” that day with the RV, we decided that we wait until the next day to take the scooter down to the “centro” of Florence (only after a few laps in the scooter around the campground.) The restaurant, Ristaurante da Alida al Valo d’Icaro, located at the top of Fiesole in our campground had the best view of Florence and we enjoyed a great meal here. That first night, we met a British cyclist, Stuart, who was cycling around France and Italy for 100 days. Interestingly, we found out we basically had the same itinerary as he did.
The next day, we hopped on our scooter, ecstatic about the unusually cool weather. As we rode down the mountain, the rolling Tuscan countryside was stunning. As we started into Florence, we realized that we had no idea where we were going but we were having a great time figuring it out. We really enjoyed getting lost in the city and somehow found a parking spot in Piazza del San Marco which was within walking distance from Museo del Accademia and The Duomo. We walked to The Duomo and visited inside. We are always in awe of these beautiful Catholic Churches, each with frescoes, mosaics, huge stained glass windows, and ornate pulpits and altars. This particular church is known for having the first Renaissance Dome and is the model for all others in Europe.
Next, we visited Museo Nazionale or Bargello Museum which housed works such as Donatello’s version of David, sculptures by Michelango and Medici Family treasures. The Medici Family practically raised Michelango and he learned a great deal about art from them. The Museum had a special exhibit on display when we visited. Sculptures by Bernini were so amazingly detailed and we enjoyed studying them. Bert really enjoyed one of his particular works, Sculpture of a Gentleman.
After grabbing our daily gelato treat, we headed back to camp to enjoy our great view at sunset. We got back in time for a quick dip in the pool and made reservations for dinner at the restaurant. After enjoying a great meal, we invited Stuart over for some drinks and conversation. It is always nice to interact with folks of other cultures but much easier with those who share the same language as we do. Bert and Stuart had a great time getting to know each other over iced Limoncello and Cuban cigars, long after I had retreated to bed. We are looking forward to following him on his blog as cycles through Europe.
The next morning, we head back into Florence and after getting lost again, we make it for our 12:30 appointment at Museo del Accademia which houses the famous David by Michelango. The day before we were questioning why this David is so special and we came to the conclusion that it must be better. When we actually saw the statue, all 17 feet of it, we looked at each other and laughed at how we could even question why this one is so special. Pictures could not ever do it justice but of course we sneaked some illegal shots. I encouraged the first one and gave Bert dirty looks on the next 5 that he took. Each time, he figured out better ways to sneak the shots. At one point, Bert was just standing there, camera around his neck, pressing the button. All I could do at that point was laugh but we did not dare want to be reprimanded from one of the museum attendants. They thoroughly enjoyed making a spectacle out of you in front of 600 people.
On the way to the Uffizi Gallery, we window shopped and enjoyed the sunny weather as we strolled the cobblestone streets. The Uffizi Gallery houses the greatest collection of Italian painting anywhere (according to the Florentines.) With paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Michelango, it is hard to doubt them. This gallery is organized in a linear fashion, time-wise to allow you to see the development of modern art techniques such as realism, humanism, and 3-D effects. We both felt as though we had good backgrounds in Art History, but learning about all of these artists and their development and history is quite amazing and make us feel as you though we know so little. We have learned so much by visiting these museums.
On our last night in Florence, we spent a lot of time reflecting on our trip, the miles we have traveled and what we have seen and learned. At the start of this trip, we were positive that there would be points where we could be homesick or perhaps even tired of each other – ready for a break. Surprisingly, it has been just the opposite. We are closer than ever and still can’t get enough of each other. I know that we will be able to say this as we approach our 30th or 40th anniversary. God has blessed us tremendously and we are so thankful not only for each other but for allowing us to experience this wonderful trip together.
More to come…Siena and Tuscany are absolutely beautiful! We are camped outside of Lago de Bolsena for the night – headed to Roma in the AM.
Love to you all!
Bert and Jennifer
We left off with our arrival in Fiesole, a small hill town outside of Florence. We were so excited when we arrived, not only because the sunset overlooking Florence was breathtaking but because we were itching to break out the scooter. I have to admit that I was a little nervous about riding the scooter, especially after seeing how the Parisians drove. Since we had so much “action” that day with the RV, we decided that we wait until the next day to take the scooter down to the “centro” of Florence (only after a few laps in the scooter around the campground.) The restaurant, Ristaurante da Alida al Valo d’Icaro, located at the top of Fiesole in our campground had the best view of Florence and we enjoyed a great meal here. That first night, we met a British cyclist, Stuart, who was cycling around France and Italy for 100 days. Interestingly, we found out we basically had the same itinerary as he did.
The next day, we hopped on our scooter, ecstatic about the unusually cool weather. As we rode down the mountain, the rolling Tuscan countryside was stunning. As we started into Florence, we realized that we had no idea where we were going but we were having a great time figuring it out. We really enjoyed getting lost in the city and somehow found a parking spot in Piazza del San Marco which was within walking distance from Museo del Accademia and The Duomo. We walked to The Duomo and visited inside. We are always in awe of these beautiful Catholic Churches, each with frescoes, mosaics, huge stained glass windows, and ornate pulpits and altars. This particular church is known for having the first Renaissance Dome and is the model for all others in Europe.
Next, we visited Museo Nazionale or Bargello Museum which housed works such as Donatello’s version of David, sculptures by Michelango and Medici Family treasures. The Medici Family practically raised Michelango and he learned a great deal about art from them. The Museum had a special exhibit on display when we visited. Sculptures by Bernini were so amazingly detailed and we enjoyed studying them. Bert really enjoyed one of his particular works, Sculpture of a Gentleman.
After grabbing our daily gelato treat, we headed back to camp to enjoy our great view at sunset. We got back in time for a quick dip in the pool and made reservations for dinner at the restaurant. After enjoying a great meal, we invited Stuart over for some drinks and conversation. It is always nice to interact with folks of other cultures but much easier with those who share the same language as we do. Bert and Stuart had a great time getting to know each other over iced Limoncello and Cuban cigars, long after I had retreated to bed. We are looking forward to following him on his blog as cycles through Europe.
The next morning, we head back into Florence and after getting lost again, we make it for our 12:30 appointment at Museo del Accademia which houses the famous David by Michelango. The day before we were questioning why this David is so special and we came to the conclusion that it must be better. When we actually saw the statue, all 17 feet of it, we looked at each other and laughed at how we could even question why this one is so special. Pictures could not ever do it justice but of course we sneaked some illegal shots. I encouraged the first one and gave Bert dirty looks on the next 5 that he took. Each time, he figured out better ways to sneak the shots. At one point, Bert was just standing there, camera around his neck, pressing the button. All I could do at that point was laugh but we did not dare want to be reprimanded from one of the museum attendants. They thoroughly enjoyed making a spectacle out of you in front of 600 people.
On the way to the Uffizi Gallery, we window shopped and enjoyed the sunny weather as we strolled the cobblestone streets. The Uffizi Gallery houses the greatest collection of Italian painting anywhere (according to the Florentines.) With paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Michelango, it is hard to doubt them. This gallery is organized in a linear fashion, time-wise to allow you to see the development of modern art techniques such as realism, humanism, and 3-D effects. We both felt as though we had good backgrounds in Art History, but learning about all of these artists and their development and history is quite amazing and make us feel as you though we know so little. We have learned so much by visiting these museums.
On our last night in Florence, we spent a lot of time reflecting on our trip, the miles we have traveled and what we have seen and learned. At the start of this trip, we were positive that there would be points where we could be homesick or perhaps even tired of each other – ready for a break. Surprisingly, it has been just the opposite. We are closer than ever and still can’t get enough of each other. I know that we will be able to say this as we approach our 30th or 40th anniversary. God has blessed us tremendously and we are so thankful not only for each other but for allowing us to experience this wonderful trip together.
More to come…Siena and Tuscany are absolutely beautiful! We are camped outside of Lago de Bolsena for the night – headed to Roma in the AM.
Love to you all!
Bert and Jennifer
great story on Florence. cool place. Og snapping pics of David is funny I can see him doing that. The folks at the museum try in vain to stop. y'all have fun. i want some gelato.
ReplyDeletelove the pic with the gelato cones.
ReplyDeleteWarm smiles around the Payne household as we read your adventures. Please continue to have a safe and relaxing time.
ReplyDeleteIn reference to the pic at the top of the page . . . Bravo Johnny . . . . BRAVO !!!!!!