Florence Cathedral

After we arrived yesterday, Phil and I went to the grocery store at the worst possible time! The stores in the city are small and crowded, but I was able to find provisions and prepare a decent supper of pasta with pesto and lemon chicken breast.

Today, we went first to a print shop to print out tickets for the Galleria della' Academia. I had purchased a timed entry to see the Michelangelo statue of David. The place was mobbed, and people who did not have a timed entry were waiting outside for there to be room inside. It was a really cool art museum. There were paintings from the 13th century as well as sculptures from the Renaissance.

We used the free bathrooms before we left and then walked all around Florence. We went to one of the big markets at San Lorenzo. There were leather vendors outside and inside all kinds of food stalls. As a child, I have a memory of my father and I following a man with a cow's head on his shoulder into the market. I recall all manner of animals and fowl hanging up for sale. This market had lots of stuff, but was more touristy. The top floor was places to eat. Tomorrow, we'll visit another market that our host says is more authentic.

We walked until about 1 pm and then came back for lunch and a rest. Our hostess came by with some new silverware. In the later afternoon, Phil and I went on a treasure hunt of sorts. Our tiny fold up backpack finally gave out after 8 years. We sourced a replacement. We also found Phil a new plastic cup to replace the one that was crushed when we flew over. We also found my instant coffee con leche packets for when we start walking our pilgrimage in 2 days.

Now we're back at the apartment. Tomorrow we take the train to Lucca.

There are so many tourists here, and it is only February! Lots of American University students in every store!Read more