Santa Maria Novella

Today was a light day for things to see but a lot of walking. I'm pretty sure we average about three miles a day for just the sight seeing with the group. I wouldn't be surprised if I walk at least 5 miles or more a day.

So Santa Maria Novella is similar to Santa Croce in size and beauty. Lets be honest, this whole city is just unbelievably beautiful, but there is something more with the churches that just leave you in awe. We walked all over that church and I took a lot of pictures. I was making a lot of noise while in there due to my lovely cough..... *click* *cough hack cough* *click* *click* *cough cough cough*. I hate when I get like this, but being in a church where it echoes, so not fun.

I can't even describe the feelings I had looking at the beautiful artwork. I read somewhere about the

'Florence affect' where people just become so overwhelmed with the beauty of the art (and so much at once) that they pass out, or get real dizzy, I now understand that. I didn't pass out or get dizzy.... but I wouldn't have been surprised if I did. Some of the items I saw I was able to reach out and touch, run my hands over the ornately carved wood..... then I would see the sign that said not to. Oops! I think I God will forgive me. I am still very impressed with the size of the paintings, the very ornate frames, the height of the ceilings, the carvings.... these churches didn't just pop up in a few months or even years. Bob said that this church took a good two hundred to be considered complete (feel free to fact check that, I may have heard wrong).

After all the various sights in the church we headed over to the ever so modern train station. Not for sight seeing purposes really, but to just get a look at it and for those to buy their tickets who are going to Venice this weekend (just for a day). I am not going, one city at a time please. I did not like being there, too much like DC I guess, and was happy when we left. Needless to say I did not take any pictures there.

We then headed to the old perfumery. I would skip going to this place if you are sensitive to scents or if you don't want to spend 80 euros for a small bottle of what I call fru-fru water. I'll stick to my $12 bottle of Vanilla Lace.... I like smelling like a cookie. Have to admit, this place was beautiful, and I did take pictures there, but I was not impressed.

A few days ago we were told about a very good gelato place a few bridges over from our street, Bob decided that JMU would treat those of us left in the group to some, by this hour only four of us were left. I had dark chocolate and a regular chocolate (are you surprised?!) in a waffle cone. It was heavenly!!! I took a picture of it, this was my lunch (since we didn't really stop for lunch and dinner tonight isn't until after 7). What do you think?



On the way back to the hotel, Francesca and I separated from the rest to look at some shoes. Didn't find any that would fit, budget wise they would have, but our feet are just too big for the ones in this particular shop. On the way back from that we found a cute shop that had some great things in it, but way too big to fit in our luggage (which helps me to not buy everything I see that I want). I grabbed a card for each of us, but the owner took them back so he could spray some scent on it, smells like grape bubble gum now. We went into some little souvenir shops to see if I could find christmas ornaments for my family, I did, and got a few other items. I found a magnet that was of a certain part of the David, they milk that sight for all it's worth, and quickly took a picture to send to my sister-in-law. She laughed and then told me to get one for her.... I might, just to see the reaction of those that see her opening it up.

Tonight was the ADP's night to be treated to dinner and a concert. I decided that I would wear my new leather jacket (since I didn't wear it last night). It fit so well and kept me nice and warm. Tonight Bob took us to Quelo where we had drinks and a buffet of specialties to chose from. It was a small buffet, this place was like a very small tavern, but very family friendly. Due to my pickiness with some foods, I didn't have a lot, but I was still "full" from my late lunch of chocolate gelato. After, Bob took us to a library that was still open (by now it was 9pm) and showed me a spectacular view of the Duomo. Unfortunately I didn't bring my good camera, but I did get some photos with my phone. At 9:30 we were treated to a gospel choir from Chicago. If you have never seen a gospel choir in action.... you are in for a treat. The first three songs gave me goosebumps, you could feel their energy and couldn't help but clap and sing along (if you knew the words, which I didn't). Bob had never experienced a gospel choir before and he was really getting into it. They were phenomenal! My hands are a bit tingly from all the clapping. At the end some of the choir members were out in the lobby thanking us and offering their cd. We told them that our group came all the way from Virginia just to hear them, they laughed but loved the fact that someone from 'home' was there to support them. I am really glad that Francesca mention the gospel choir and that Bob made the offer for us to go.

You know what time it is.... beauty overload!

Look what I found! A collection of Nativities!

This altar was massive! The detail alone is enough to leave you speechless.

The two partial frescos were undergoing restoration.

This building WAS the home of the photography museum that I wanted to go to, it was closed!!! And I took the paper airplane picture because I had just done a paper airplane photo project.

The perfume place.... very strong scents for those with sensitivities.

The view from the library