There and Back Again: A "Few" Words

Today was our first official day to tour the city, and tour it we did. The group went around together for a couple of hours (we needed a late start due to severe jet lag for most of us); we saw a massive farmers market area, JMU's home for any regular study abroad students, a small art gallery for the up and coming artists, and a few churches. I will admit (and the Lord may or may not decide to punish me for this) that in one of the churches, photos of ANY kind were forbidden. I considered that a great crime against the arts.... this stuff needed to be seen by all of you. See, I was thinking of you while I was breaking the rules. We had to be very sneaky because a few priests were walking around.

Anyways, by a certain point my walking buddy Francesca and I decided to break off from the group. Our fearless leader, Bob, was going to head in a direction that she and I had already seen the night before. What we saw by ourselves was amazing! We went into many stores, but didn't buy anything, and we went into the Duomo (that's on the agenda for tomorrow). On our way to try and find a place for lunch (1:30 or so by now) we came across a sign that got my attention. Because of my hesitation we looked up what the particular place was.... the Galleria dell'Accademia, the home of David (my least favorite version). It was going to cost us 8 euros to go in, so we made sure that this wasn't a stop we were going to go in as a group. It wasn't on the list so we decided to go and take a chance that the line wouldn't be forever long. It wasn't!!! If there was any doubt as to Florence's love of all things religious, go here, I have never seen so many paintings of Christ on the cross. Oh, and the sculptures! I could do my portfolio project just off the photos from the room that held most of the pieces.

really good! and so was the pizza

By the time we finished there (including buying some things at the gift shop) we were both getting really hungry. We decided to walk back to the sandwich place Bob showed us the night before. Only problem is they only take cash, I only have a card that won't allow me to take cash out at an ATM. So dear Francesca said she would cover my meal and I would pay her back by buying some groceries. Lunch was amazingly good (and at 4pm, this info is important, I promise), and not too filling. After lunch we hit up the grocery store so we could have some breakfast and lunch items in our room. My peanut butter cost me 4 euros!!! most expensive peanut butter I have ever bought!

I don't remember what it's called
but I like the hotel's version better

Back in the room, I wrote in the journal of the day so far, was a dork and taped my receipts in my journal, and just rested a bit. My roomie, Trina, told me that we were going to meet as a group for dinner and then head over to the church for the performance of The Messiah. As a group we decided to head to the sandwich shop that Francesca and I were just at! Not even three hours later!! I wasn't very hungry but was told to eat anyways since the concert wasn't going to let out until after 10. Francesca paid for me again, she is a saint.

Off to the concert at Chiesa di Santa Trinita, a short walk from where we ate. There was already a line to get in, and we thought we were early. So, the seats hurt our butts and backs, but the pain was worth it to me to hear the whole Messiah performed. I have always just heard what everyone has heard, the Hallelujah chorus. There are 53 arias and choruses, needless to say it was a long concert. By the end (after a lot of clapping and a second singing of just the more famous chorus) we were ready for our beds.... and bathrooms.

So after a long day.... I give you the photographic proof of my day.