Italy 2014 Day Three

13 hours. We slept thirteen hours.

 

The last time I traveled to Europe was 23 years ago.

My age has doubled in that time.

I knew I would need at least 24 hours of transition but it turns out I need far more.

 

Disappointment. We missed breakfast.

We only had time to shower, pack and check out.

We had to travel to our destination of Orvieto that day so we had only the briefest time for a bite and a walk to the flea market.

Quickly bought three things.

 

Disappointment. Wanted more time...

 

The next 7 hours was difficult. We missed a train.

The train station was overwhelming and not helpful.

 Our bags were far too large and heavy for train travel.

 

We arrived at our destination frustrated, tired, hungry and in the dark,

but then...

 

this....

 

Italy 2014 Day Two

We arrive in Florence without having slept, drop our bags at the Hotel Helvetia-Bristol,

stumble out into the Italian world...

finding sunshine in the Piazza Della Repubblica.

 

Also cappuccinos there.

They are better in an outdoor café in Italy.

No, really.

In a daze at the Duomo.

Someone bought art supplies in a real Italian art store. Just ask her...

Lunch at the Piazza Della Signoria.  

Neptune and his fountain celebrate Italy's naval power.

 

He stands at the Palazzo Vecchio, built in the 1300s.

It was remodeled in 1540 as a palace for the Medici family patriarch Duke Cosimo I.

Courtyard of Palazzo Vecchio.

Next door is the Loggia della Signoria, built in 1382, full of sculptures in the open air.

The expressive Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna,

carved from a single block of marble in 1583.

And David.

This copy stands before Palazzo Vecchio,

the was original moved from here in 1873 to the Accedemia Gallery nearby.

 

 Florence loves their David.

As do we all, si?

 

to be continued...

Italy 2014 Day One

 

First, sign up for a class with Pam Garrison and Amy Hanna in April 2013.

 

Next wait 18 months.

 

Then fly to Italy with Alisa Noble.

Wait...buy macaroons in Paris.

Land in Florence 24 hours later.

 

to be continued...