The Historic Center

Today, now that I look back on it, was pretty light as in what we we saw. As to what we did, or at least two of us did, it seems like we went overboard.

Anyways, today started out with a light breakfast that I purchased at the grocery store. I didn't want to
pay 10-15 euros for every breakfast, and I wasn't too huge of a fan of warm milk on my cereal. So I opted for an Italian version of bagels and cream cheese followed by an apple and some orange juice. Breakfast of champs I would say, gave me the energy I needed.

We decided to go to the church that is right next to us to see a very famous painting (which I cannot remember the name of it). It was beautiful! We kind of got yelled at the first time we came (Saturday) when we took pictures, so I had to sneak in one with my phone. Came out pretty good! We weren't there long before we headed to The Duomo area. There was a particular (and VERY small) museum that Bob wanted us to see. It was Orfantorofio del Bigallo, this was a place that helped the orphans and needy. Now it is a two room museum that had some incredible frescos and paintings in it.

Next came my favorite part of the day, the famous Baptistry!!! The outside is all covered due to restoration. Bob said that we could come back next year and it could still be covered. As long as I could see the Gates of Paradise (by Ghiberti) and go inside, I could deal with not seeing the real outside. We looked at the doors first before we bought the tickets to go inside (don't ask how much because JMU paid, so I don't know). The doors were amazing. Yes, I know they are not the original/real doors (those are in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo), but they were still awe inspiring. Once we got our tickets we were able to go inside. Now, this is a place where pretty much the only words out of your mouth are "wow!" There are no other words fitting enough for me to use. So I'll just let the pictures do the 'talking'.

After this, the group was to go see the Duomo itself, since Francesca and I saw it yesterday we opted to go up the Bell tower right next to it. She said she wore her sneakers today because she knew I

would convince her to go up. I'm glad I had a climbing buddy because that was BRUTAL! I kid you not when I say that after about 50 steps we had concerns of our sanity. It was a narrow passage, no rail to hold onto, spots where the steps were circular and very difficult to go up, and you had to be very careful when passing one coming down. But we kept going. with each level I would stop to take pictures and we would catch our breath. We thought we got up to the final level when we saw that the ceiling above was wood, as in the bells were right above us. NOPE! There were more stairs! We came that far, might as well finish. That last (what seemed like) 100 steps were just plain painful, but we made it, out of breath and sweaty. Took lots of pictures of the view from up there, took in our accomplishment, then started the hard trip back down. You would think going down would be easy, not with jello legs and a strong fear of falling down those narrow steps. As soon as we got to the very end (in the gift shop) I spotted a small statue of Nike, the goddess of victory..... I grabbed it and made that purchase. I thought it fitting after what I did. I also got a small sculpture of cupid and psyche.

We met up with the group outside the Duomo and told them of our battle. Each and every person was happy they decided to not even attempt. After this we went on to lunch, a little place frequented by JMU study abroad students. I thought this place was fantastic! We all just raved over our food. I will have to tell my cousin about it, he'll be here in a few weeks for his own school trip with the JMU marching band.

With lunch over we did more walking and exploring. Not so much sight-seeing in specific places, but just checking the area out. We came to a holiday farmers-market like area and browsed a bit. Here we had to be careful of the people trying to sell us stuff but then hand it to us for free when we said no.... I was the only one who was able to get away without having to hand anything back. They were persistent little boogers. After a few more wanderings most of the group went back to the hotel. Francesca, Pam (the director of my AD program), and I decided to try and see if the specific leather shop was open that we were told to go to. We found it, Sam was there, and he said something very very wrong to us....

"Everything in the store is half off". WHAT?!?!?! If he didn't say that I could have walked out of that store with no problems. With that bit of knowledge I was second guessing my abilities. Turns out his family owns another store with more options, so he closed up the store we were in and took us to his family's store. He gave us a quick tour and then spent the next half hour or so helping us try on lots of different jackets, telling us how we looked (and he was honest), and then telling me the price. I said 'sold' before I thought better of it. Pam and I both felt a little guilty for spending that kind of money, but the jackets were beautiful, well made, and fit like a glove. We got over it soon enough.

A few more stops, which included some gellato, and then back to the hotel.

We got in early enough, that even with the blog posting, I should still get in bed before midnight. And now, for more pictures.

The people love this ugly thing, Porcellino

I find this gross....

The Orfanotrofio del Bigallo

These are the Gates of Paradise. There are ten panels, I got a shot of each one. But for space sake, only two up close ones. Each panel depicts a story from the old testament, Bob asked if we knew which ones. I easily figured out Moses getting the ten commandments and the mass exodus... the rest were harder to figure out.

This and the two above and three below are the inside
of the Baptistry. Pictures really don't do this place justice!

Now it's time for the Bell tower climb! This is from the first arrow slot we came to

after this climb.... the one next door didn't look so appealing
(or safe enough for me)

Look, I can see my house from here... if you know where to look.
That is the Pitti Palace in the distance. Our hotel is next door.

Brunelleschi - the man who designed the Duomo.
Supposedly, due to location, he is admiring his work.

Anyone know what kind of flowers these are? They were just beautiful.

 Lunch was a pasta with ricotta and spinach, chicken and potatoes with cheese

 My group of traveling buddies (minus two that decided to break off before lunch). And, the map of where this place is located.... so my cousin will know how to get there.

Just cause I was surprised to see this, and I am part of that family.