Firenze
We travelled from Bologna to Florence via fast train, they cut a bunch of tunnels through the mountains so the journey is now about 35 minutes instead of 90.
We arrived and humped our bags past the US Consulate, who needs to change their unserviceable American flag, to our hotel. The elevator was tiny but working and they got us in our room early, convenient for us, as we had just a few things and a couple short days to see them. We made it to Palazzo Vecchio and checked out the museum with the stated objective of visiting the Medici Map Room. The ~500 year old paintings were really cool, demonstrating the creative and mathematical interpretation of 50+ areas around the world, from Italy to California.
As we've been to Florence a couple times our main objectives were the Medici Map room, the Ufizzi
Gallery (I don't think I appreciated it enough as a young man) and to eat Bistecca all Florentina. We breezed by the duomo after visiting the gallery. If you've never been to the Ufizzi it is awesome, however the new Michangelo and DaVinci works really increased the crowds far beyond my comfort. The mix of visiting cultures in a city like Florence really eliminates normal personal space, simple courtesy, I'm just not a fan. I mean getting knocked into and then have people step right in front of you while viewing a painting tests my restraint. But the art, oh the art. Here's a few of the peieces we saw, kinda overwhelming:
An unfinished DaVinci
Botticelli
Michangelo
Disturbing painting of infanticide
Kathie, me and Socrates
Really liked this one of the Medici woman warrior
But the steak dinner was the highlight. We walked to Cambi on recommendation of our hotel, the only good thing we'll remember from the hotel and it was a grand slam. From the pork hanging from the ceiling (and cut on a wood block in the center of the ristorante), our tremendous waitress suggestions as well as table side preparation, to the absolute wonderful steak, wine, and fresh cherries for desert it was so good.
Finally found a respectably sized bottle of wine.
We arrived and humped our bags past the US Consulate, who needs to change their unserviceable American flag, to our hotel. The elevator was tiny but working and they got us in our room early, convenient for us, as we had just a few things and a couple short days to see them. We made it to Palazzo Vecchio and checked out the museum with the stated objective of visiting the Medici Map Room. The ~500 year old paintings were really cool, demonstrating the creative and mathematical interpretation of 50+ areas around the world, from Italy to California.
I climbed the Tower of Palazzo Vecchio, the views of Florence were tremendous.
Mandatory selfie
As we've been to Florence a couple times our main objectives were the Medici Map room, the Ufizzi
Gallery (I don't think I appreciated it enough as a young man) and to eat Bistecca all Florentina. We breezed by the duomo after visiting the gallery. If you've never been to the Ufizzi it is awesome, however the new Michangelo and DaVinci works really increased the crowds far beyond my comfort. The mix of visiting cultures in a city like Florence really eliminates normal personal space, simple courtesy, I'm just not a fan. I mean getting knocked into and then have people step right in front of you while viewing a painting tests my restraint. But the art, oh the art. Here's a few of the peieces we saw, kinda overwhelming:
An unfinished DaVinci
Botticelli
Michangelo
Disturbing painting of infanticide
Kathie, me and Socrates
Really liked this one of the Medici woman warrior
But the steak dinner was the highlight. We walked to Cambi on recommendation of our hotel, the only good thing we'll remember from the hotel and it was a grand slam. From the pork hanging from the ceiling (and cut on a wood block in the center of the ristorante), our tremendous waitress suggestions as well as table side preparation, to the absolute wonderful steak, wine, and fresh cherries for desert it was so good.
Our 1.3kg steak (nearly 3 pounds), we missed the pic of the raw steak. They let you choose, then grill and cut for you, didn't even ask what temperature. We enjoyed with the traditional beans and some potatoes for my Irish girl. It was fabulous, I can't say that enough.
Florence is a must if you've never been, there are just too many people for us so I doubt we'll return.
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